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Chino XL, rapper, and actor who inspired some of Tupac Shakur’s songs during their 90s feud is dead. Chino, born Derek Keith Barbosa had an impressive run in the hip-hop sphere along with the likes of Notorious Big, Mob Deep, Sean “Diddy” Combs, the Bad Boy crew, and the legendary Tupac. The rapper, who later delved into acting earned many names from devout fans thanks to his unique rap style wordplay, and scathing punchlines.
His family reflected on this multifaceted personality in touching tribute announcing his death to the world. Chino XL passed away on Sunday, July 28, from undisclosed causes, with his family confirming him dead via social media on Tuesday. In the public announcement, the rapper’s family revealed how devastated they were by the loss, and having to share the tragic news with the world. It read,
“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. He was 50”
The rapper 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, per the statement.
Chino XL’s daughters also shared a joint statement in tribute to him. In the statement, his daughters acknowledged their dad’s impressive music career which earned him revered names, but the most important for them remains his role as their dad. They 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.”
Rap Legends Mourn the Passing of a Rare Gem
Several celebrities and notable rap lords have expressed their grief over Chino’s passing via social media, paying their last respects. In his tribute, rapper and actor Ice-T referred to Chino XL’s untimely death as a tragedy, admitting, “This one got me fd up.” He sang odes to the lost icon, calling him a great man while extending condolences to his family.
Esoteric, his longtime collaborator, also extended heartfelt condolences to Chino XL’s family while mourning his death in a touching tribute. He also praised the rapper’s one-of-a-kind personality, a stark contrast to today’s rappers. He penned,
“Chino XL never mailed it in. Never took a verse off. He was built like He-Man with the brain of Reed Richards. Truly an emcee’s emcee. Someone who kept you hitting the rewind button to catch wind of what he said. The polar opposite of 95% of these jerks being forced down your throat today.”
Public Enemy’s Chuck D also penned a tribute to Chino XL on X, admitting his death was “a tough one,” calling the rap icon his “brother in rhyme and art.” Broadcaster Joe Budden also paid tribute to Chino, calling him a legend.
Chino XL’s Legacy Lives On Through His Art
Before his death, Chino channeled his lyricism into other forms of art, dabbling into acting and writing. He made appearances in some renowned movies and TV shows, including The Young and the Restless, CSI: Miami, and Reno 911 back in the noughties. His latest career venture saw him create graphic novels like Black Mass and Lucy among others. But rap remains the icon’s strongest claim to fame.
The Bronx-born rapper kicked off his career as a teenager, during his school days in East Orange, New Jersey. He embraced his childhood nickname, Chino in his early days as a rapper and formed the rap duo Art of Origin, alongside producer Kerri Chandler. The pair eventually signed with Def American Recordings in the 80s, but their pairing was shortlived.
As a solo artist, Chino XL launched various songs and albums, collaborating with some hip hop big names over the years. Some of his most notable releases include the albums Here to Save You All, I Told You So, and Poison, as well as songs like Riiiot (1996) and Pendulum Swing released in 2023.
Chino XL’s song Riiiot remains one of his most controversial, famously kicking off his feud with the late Tupac Shakur in the 90s. In the lyrics of his infamous track, Chino referenced Tupac’s incarceration, crooning, “I’m trying not to get f**ked like Tupac in jail.” Months later, Tupac responded to the diss track with the song, Hit ‘Em Up, taking a swipe at Chino XL and a few other hip-hop artists in his bad books.
