Family members of influential Latino hip-hop artist Chino XL announced his death at age 50 on social media Tuesday.
“The family of Derek Keith Barbosa, professionally known as Chino XL, is devastated to relay the news of his passing,” they wrote. “Chino died on the morning of Sunday, July 28, 2024 at home. He was 50.”
No cause of death was given.
Born in the Bronx and raised in East Orange, New Jersey, the artist is survived by his daughters Chynna, Bella, Lyric and Kiyana; stepson Shawn; five grandchildren; his mother and his former longtime partner Stephanie.
“Our father had many titles — King of Punchlines, Puerto Rican Superhero — but the most important one was Girl Dad,” his daughters wrote in a joint statement on Instagram. “What he gave us most in that role was his strength, straightforwardness, and ability to be super realistic. The main thing we are feeling now is that our Dad is at peace, and so we are at peace.”
Chino XL broke through the hip-hop world in the mid-1990s after leaving the Art of Origin duo, which he co-founded with DJ and record producer Kerri Chandler.
In 1996, he garnered critical acclaim for his debut album, “Here to Save You All,” and earned notoriety for trading lyrical barbs with Tupac on the diss track “Riiiot!” before the rapper’s murder later that year.
Chino XL went on to collaborate with the likes of B-Real, Kool G Rap, Killah Priest and J Dilla.
His most recent lyrical appearance was featured on Rakim’s latest opus, “G.O.D.’s Network (Reb7rth),” released on July 26.
The rapper also worked as an actor, counting credits in the films “Alex & Emma,” “The Beat,” and TV shows “Reno 911!” “CSI: Miami” and “The Young and the Restless.”
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