Chino XL dead at 50: Rapper remembered by peers including Chuck D, A-F-R-O and Joe Budden
Rapper Chino XL has died at the age of 50, AllHipHop they reported on Monday, citing a source within the organization.
Chino XL was born on April 8, 1974, in the Bronx and then moved to New Jersey, according to AllHipHop.
He rose to fame in the mid-1990s with his first album, 1996’s Here to Save You All, followed by 2001’s I Told You So and 2006’s Poison Pen.
He was also active as an actor, appearing in television shows such as Reno 911!, CSI: Miami and The Young and the Restless, according to iMDb.
The East Coast musician, whose real name was Derek Emmanuel Barbosa, was remembered by a number of colleagues and fans after news of his death broke on Monday evening.
Rapper Chino XL has died at the age of 50, AllHipHop reported Monday, citing an insider source. Pictured in an April Instagram post
The musician was photographed in Atlanta, Georgia in October 2012
Producer Domingo told AllHipHop, “Chino XL was one of the best lyricists in the industry” and a “legendary artist and friend.”
“Chino XL has been incredibly talented from the moment we met in the early 90s,” Domingo said.
Chuck D of Public Enemy said in a post on X/Twitter: ‘This is a tough one. I admired Dj Polo as @hiphopgods PEer. @CHINOXL was my brother in rhyme and art.
“He encouraged my graphics. We exchanged art books. He made sure my lyric books were better protected.”
Chuck D added that Chino XL supported his events and supported his music.
Rapper AFRO said: ‘RIP CHINO XL.. I’m gonna miss you big bro.’
Public Enemy’s Chuck D called the late musician his ‘brother in rhyme and art’
Joe Budden said: ‘Damn… RIP to the legend Chino XL.’
Musician Crook said: ‘We spoke on the phone the other day and had a laugh.
“Our careers have been intertwined since the Wake Up Show freestyles decades ago. I’m totally screwed. Rest in peace, my brother Chino XL.”
Rapper Emilio Rojas called the late musician “such a talented MC and amazing person.”
He added: ‘Chino XL. Man… here to save y’all, stayed in rotation for me. Wow. Rest in peace king. Thank you for the music. Thank you for always being kind and humble to me and everyone you’ve ever met. Wow.’