close
close
hsuses

Ice-T, Joe Budden More Remember the rapper-actor

Theo

Paul Mounce/Corbis via Getty Images

Rapper Chino XL has died at the age of 50, his family said in a statement on his Instagram account on Tuesday (July 30). Chino XL, born Derek Keith Barbosa, died peacefully at his home on Sunday (July 28); the cause of death was not disclosed.

“Chino leaves behind his children Chynna, Bella, Lyric and Kiyana, his stepson Shawn, his grandchildren Emmy, Emery, Chris, Luis and Dyani, his mother Carole and his former long-time partner Stephanie,” the statement said.

“Our dad had many titles – King of Punchlines, Puerto Rican Superhero – but the most important was Girl Dad. And what he gave us most in that role was his strength, straightforwardness and his ability to be super realistic,” Chino XL’s daughters added in a joint message. “The most important thing we feel now is that our dad is at peace, and with that, we are at peace too.”

Chino was born in the Bronx and grew up in East Orange, New Jersey. He formed the duo “Art of Origin” with Kerri Chandler, with whom he signed a contract with Def Jam Recordings through Warner in 1991. Chino XL achieved great success in his solo career.

Be Here to save you all Debut – with collaborations with Kool Keith and Ras Kass – was released in 1996 and reached number 56 on the Top R&B Album charts. Chino followed with I told you in 2001 and Poison pen in 2006 and in 2012 Ricanstruction: The Black Rosary.

Chino XL has worked with Kool G Rap, Proof, J. Dilla and B-Real, among others, over the years. He has also made a name for himself in Hollywood as an actor in films such as Alex and Emma, while appearing in television shows such as CSI: Miami, Shadow of Passion And Reno emergency call!

Recently, Chino has been collaborating musically with Stu Bangaz. God’s Carpenter joint project in 2023. He also appeared on “Pedulum Swing,” which landed on Rakim’s GOD’s Network – Reb7rth Album last Friday (July 26th).

Since the news of his death, there has been an outpouring of support in the hip-hop community.

“My uncle knew I hate giving the internet even a fraction of my pain if it’s not on vinyl. No tears that could ever bring me peace. No words that could ever give me comfort,” his niece Lady London wrote in a lengthy Instagram tribute. “Uncle, thank you for messing around with me. For giving me the gift of a love of words and knowledge. Literature and rhythmic composition. For your heart… which is bigger than your body (quite literally). Your legacy lives on, forever. I promise I’ll carry it there.”

Ice-T also remembered his friend on social media. “This REALLY hurts… Yesterday morning I got the horrible news and didn’t want to believe it was true,” said the musician and Law & Order: Special Unit for Victims The star wrote on Instagram alongside a black and white photo of the late artist. “I’ve lost so many homies but THIS one got me down. People know he was an incredible MC. But Chino was truly a GREAT MAN. This is a tragedy. My love and condolences go out to his family. Homie you are loved by so many. Rest in peace homie.”

See more reactions to the news of Chino XL’s death below.

Related Posts