The hip-hop world was shocked to hear the news that rapper Chino XL has reportedly passed away at the age of 50. This article explores who Chino XL was, his musical career, and the impact he made on the industry as friends and fans pay tribute to him.
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Who was Chino XL?
Chino XL, whose real name is Derek Emmanuel Barbosa and who was born on April 8, 1974, was an American rapper, and at times an actor. Having four successful studio albums in his lifetime, he influenced the hip-hop genre throughout his career. His first album titled Here To Save You All came out in 1996 and the album was highly appreciated. He followed it with I Told You So in 2001, Poison Pen in 2006, and Ricanstruction: Mainly the Black Rosary released in the year 2012 and which got the HHUG Album of the Year Award.
Aside from the music, Chino XL was active in other projects as an actor, within films and television. He guest-starred on Comedy Central’s Reno 911 and CBS’s CSI: Miami social capital. Some of filmography works include Alex & Emma, The Beat and many others.
Early Career and Achievements
Chino XL started his music journey at a young age, at the age of sixteen he made a record deal with Rubin, as a member of a rap duo Art of Origin. Kreep, his first single, quickly went to MTV and remained in Billboard’s Bubbling Under R&B Chart for 23 weeks proving that he could be a potential hit for the record label.
Chino XL was also a member of the hip hop supergroup Verse 48 also consisting of Vakill, Copyright, Tame One and Stu Bangas. He issued his last project, a twelve-song set with Stu Bangas, in 2023; he was accompanied by guest vocalist Vinnie Paz on the track Murder Rhyme Kill.
Chino XL’s Passing
According to his Wikipedia page, Chino XL reportedly passed away on July 29, 2024. The cause of his death has not been revealed yet. His friends and fellow artists have been sharing their tributes on social media, expressing their sorrow and honoring his legacy.
Chuck D, a fellow artist, shared on X (formerly Twitter) about Chino XL’s impact: “He was my brother in rhyme & Art. He encouraged my graphics forward. We exchanged art books. He looked out to protect my lyric books better. He supported my events. We supported his music.”
