Chino XL, Rapper and Actor, Dead at 50

Bronx-born rapper Chino XL died on Sunday at his home, according to a statement from his family. He was 50. 

“The family of Derek Keith Barbosa, professionally known as Chino XL, is devastated to relay the news of his passing. Chino died on the morning of Sunday, July 28, 2024 at home,” the statement posted to Instagram reads. 

Chino is survived by his children, Chynna, Bella, Lyric and Kiyana; stepson Shawn; five grandchildren; his mother; and his longtime partner, Stephanie.

In a joint statement, his daughters wrote: “Our father had many titles — King of Punchlines, Puerto Rican Superhero — but the most important one was Girl Dad. And 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.” 

The family did not share a cause of death. The statement asks that fans respect their privacy at this time and notes that “a memorial will be forthcoming.”

Chino grew up in East Orange, New Jersey, where he became a rapper in school under the moniker “Chino” inspired by his childhood nickname. He joined forces with producer Kerri Chandler to form the duo, Art of Origin, and signed with Rick Rubin’s Def American Recordings via Warner Bros. in 1991.

In 1996, Chino released his solo debut album, Here to Save You All, and went on to drop three more studio albums while also pursuing an acting career. 

His filmography includes guest appearances on The Young and the Restless, Reno 911!, and CSI: Miami, a co-starring role opposite Kate Hudson and Luke Wilson in Alex & Emma and roles in several indie films, including Brandon Sonnier’s The Beat, which premiered at Sundance and featured Coolio and Brian McKnight in its cast.

More recently, he authored several graphic novels, including Black Mass, Lucy and Skin and Bones: The Descent of the Holy.

Several artists have shared tributes on social media following the news of his death, and reflected on Chino’s legacy. 

“We spoke on the phone the other day and laughed. Our careers have been tied together since the Wake Up Show freestyles decades ago,” wrote KXNG Crooked on X (formerly Twitter). “I’m f**ked up. Rest in Peace my brother Chino XL.”

Crooked and Chino recently joined Rakim on the single, “Pendulum Swing,” which was released last week.

“Damn… RIP to the legend Chino XL,” Joe Budden also wrote on X.

“Hurts to write, RIP Chino XL,” posted Evidence.

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