Legendary Rapper Chino XL Dies at 50: 'One of the Greatest to Ever Touch a Mic'

The family of the late rapper confirmed that he died in his home on Sunday, July 28

<p>Mark Sullivan/WireImage</p> Chino XL at MTV Video Music Awards Celebrity Retreat at Staples Center in Los Angeles in September 2012

Mark Sullivan/WireImage

Chino XL at MTV Video Music Awards Celebrity Retreat at Staples Center in Los Angeles in September 2012

Chino XL, the legendary New York rapper known for his bold lyrics, has died. He was 50 years old.

On Tuesday, the family of the late rapper (whose real name was Derek Keith Barbosa) confirmed his death on social media, stating that they were “devastated to relay the news." According to them, Chino died in his home on the morning of Sunday, July 28. A cause of death was not revealed.

In a joint statement, Chino’s daughters paid tribute to him, saying, “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.”

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Chino is survived by his children: Chynna, Bella, Lyric and Kiyana; his stepson Shawn; grandchildren Emmy, Emery, Chris, Luis and Dyani; his mother, Carole; and his former longtime partner Stephanie. His family asked for privacy at this time as details of a memorial are still to come.

<p>Barry King/WireImage</p> Chino XL at the Congo Room for 'Open Your Eyes' Magazine for their Spicy Swimsuit Issue Party

Barry King/WireImage

Chino XL at the Congo Room for 'Open Your Eyes' Magazine for their Spicy Swimsuit Issue Party

Born in the Bronx in 1974, Chino was best known for being a well-respected emcee with fearless, witty bars and over-the-top punchlines. He was also the nephew of Parliament-Funkadelic keyboardist Bernie Worrell, whom he said influenced his early interest in hip-hop.

Raised in East Orange, New Jersey, the late lyricist began rhyming at age 9, according to Beat Magazine, and went on to sign with Rick Rubin’s American Recordings record label at 16 years old. Around the same time, in 1991, he formed the rap duo Art of Origin with producer Kaoz (real name Kerri Chandler), which only released two singles before splitting up.

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According to his website, Chino then embarked on a solo career, releasing his debut album, Here To Save You All, in 1996 to critical acclaim. Over the next 20 years, he released several more albums, including 2001’s I Told You So, 2005’s Poison Pen and 2012’s Ricanstruction: The Black Rosary. Some of his biggest hits were "No Complex," "Sickology 101" featuring Tech N9ne, and "The Anthem" with Sway and King Tech.

Chino last dropped a collaborative project with producer Stu Bangas in 2023 called God's Carpenter, as well as a track called "Pendulum Swing" with fellow hip-hop legend Rakim on July 25. A final Chino EP titled My Pen Will Always Be Around was released the same day news of his death broke.

In addition to a prolific rap career, Chino also forayed into acting in the early 2000s, appearing in the 2003 rom-com Alex & Emma, The Young and the Restless, Reno 911! and CSI: Miami. He also authored graphic novels like Black Mass, Lucy and Skin and Bones: The Descent of the Holy.

<p>John E. Davidson/WireImage</p> Chino XL performs at the A3C Hip Hop Festival at The Masquerade in October 2012 in Atlanta

John E. Davidson/WireImage

Chino XL performs at the A3C Hip Hop Festival at The Masquerade in October 2012 in Atlanta

Tributes to Chino poured in from the hip-hop world following news of his death, with rappers like Joe Budden writing on X (formerly Twitter), "Damn… RIP to the legend Chino XL 🙏🏾."

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Public Enemy's Chuck D posted an illustration of Chino on X, as well, calling him "my brother in rhyme & Art." "He encouraged my graphics forward," the rap icon added. "We exchanged art books. He looked out to protect my lyric books better. He supported my events. We supported his music & 🙏🏿rt."

Andrew Laidlaw, a hip-hop producer who worked with Chino XL for 20 years also paid tribute to the late rapper in an Instagram post.

"Damn…I truly can’t believe I’m saying this….#RestInBeats to my brother @chinoxl at only 50 years young 😞," he wrote in a caption. "I have known him, worked with him and built with him over the last 20 years (and have been a fan for the last 30 years). I’m just glad that we got to collaborate on some AMAZING music - the last time being only 3 years ago…One of the GREATEST to ever touch a mic (and I told him this personally many times too) 👑🎤💐🙏🕊."

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