Popular Rapper Dies At 50

Rapper Chino XL has died at the age of 50.

The East Coast-based musical artist, whose real name was Derek Emmanuel Barbosa, was born in the Bronx on April 8, 1974, and subsequently relocated to New Jersey, according to AllHipHop.

Chino XL had been active in music from his teens, signing with the American Recordings label from producer Rick Rubin when he was 16, according to a bio from iHeart.

In 1991, he and producer Kaoz composed a rap tandem called Art of Origin, after which he pursued a solo career, according to the outlet.

Rapper Chino XL has died at the age of 50, AllHipHop reported Monday, citing an inside source.

Popular Rapper Dies At 50

Chino XL rose to fame in the mid-1990s with his first album, 1996’s Here to Save You All, which included the single Kreep. He followed up with albums such as 2001’s I Told You So, 2006’s Poison Pen, and 2012’s RICANstruction: The Black Rosary.

Chino XL’s cause of death was not announced as of Monday evening.

Other musical collaborations Chino XL was active in include 2008’s Something Sacred with Playalitical; and 2023’s God’s Carpenter with Stu Bangas, according to iHeart.

Chino XL had been professionally busy as of late, as he collaborated with Rakim on the track Pendulum Swing for the album G.O.D.’s Network: REB7RTH.

He said in response to a tweet last month from fellow artist Configa, ‘I’m also proudly on the new @OfficialRakim project as well!!’

He also was active as an actor, having appeared on TV shows such as Reno 911!, CSI: Miami, and The Young and the Restless, according to IMDb.

He had also appeared in motion pictures including Alex & Emma, The Beat, Crime Partners, Playas Ball, and Young Cesar.

Chino XL was remembered by many colleagues and fans as news of his passing circulated on Monday evening.

Producer Domingo told AllHipHop, ‘Chino XL was one of the best lyricists in the game’ and a ‘legendary artist and friend.’

Chino XL was ‘extremely talented since the day we met in the early 90’s,’ Domingo said.