The hip-hop community has lost one of its distinctive voices, as rapper Chino XL, born Derek Keith Barbosa, passed away at 50. Chino XL, who rose to prominence in the 90s for his sharp tongue and lyrical prowess, will be greatly missed.
Table of Contents
Who Was Chino XL?
Derek Keith Barbosa widely recognized by his stage name Chino XL, was an influential American rapper and actor. Rising to fame in the 90s, Chino XL was celebrated for his sharp lyrical abilities and distinctive hip-hop voice.
Early Life of Derek Barbosa
Derek Barbosa, better known as Chino XL, was born in The Bronx, New York, and grew up in East Orange, New Jersey. His father, who was of Puerto Rican descent, left his African American mother while she was pregnant, resulting in Derek being raised by his single mother.
Chino XL Career
Chino XL, born Derek Barbosa, co-founded the duo Art of Origin with Kerri Chandler before being signed by Rick Rubin to American Recordings at age 16. His 1996 debut album “Here to Save You All” received critical acclaim, with the single “Kreep” gaining major airplay. After American Recordings switched distributors in 1997, Chino signed with Warner Bros., but delays led to his second album “I Told You So” being released by Metro Records in 2001.
In 2006, Chino XL released his third album “Poison Pen,” featuring artists like Proof and The Beatnuts. He signed with Machete Music in 2007 and released “The RICANstruction” in 2009, which included collaborations with Immortal Technique and Tech N9ne. The double album “Ricanstruction: The Black Rosary” came out in 2012 and won the HHUG Album of the Year award.
2014 Chino formed the supergroup Verse 48 and released the joint EP “Chino vs. Balt” in 2020. In 2023, he reunited with Stu Bangas to release “God’s Carpenter.” Shortly before his death, he contributed to Rakim’s album “G.O.Ds NETWORK: REB7RTH.”
- RELATED: What Happened To Gary Muehlberger? Living Off the Land’s Legacy
- RELATED: What Happened to Chris Kyle? The American Sniper’s Legacy
- RELATED: What Happened to Keith Robinson?
What happened to Chino?
In a joint statement, Chino XL’s daughters announced that he passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday morning. The cause of death remains undisclosed, but they highlighted that their father, lovingly called the “King of Punchlines” and “Puerto Rican Superhero,” was more than just a rapper to them. “The main thing we are feeling now is that our Dad is at peace, and so we are at peace,” they expressed.
The beefing between Chino and Tupac Shakur
Chino XL famously engaged in a rivalry with Tupac Shakur, which began with a provocative line in Chino XL’s 1996 song “Riiiot!” referencing Tupac’s 1995 prison sentence. In response, Tupac targeted Chino XL in his infamous diss track “Hit ‘Em Up,” where he included the line “Chino XL, fuck you too.” This brought significant attention to the feud and placed Chino XL in the heated East Coast-West Coast rivalry, raising his profile but also making him a target of Tupac’s wrath and his fanbase.
In conclusion
Despite controversies and industry challenges, Chino XL remained a significant figure in hip-hop, revered for his fearless lyricism and impact on the genre. He passed away at the age of 50, leaving a lasting legacy in the music world.
FAQs about Chino XL
- Who was Chino XL? Chino XL, born Derek Keith Barbosa, was an American rapper and actor known for his sharp lyrical skills and distinctive voice in the hip hop community.
- When did Chino XL gain prominence? Chino XL rose to prominence in the 90s, particularly with his 1996 debut album “Here to Save You All,” which received critical acclaim.
- What was Chino XL known for in his music? Chino XL was known for his clever wordplay, intricate rhymes, and fearless lyricism. He often tackled controversial topics and engaged in notable feuds, including one with Tupac Shakur.
- What were some notable albums by Chino XL? Some notable albums by Chino XL include “Here to Save You All” (1996), “I Told You So” (2001), “Poison Pen” (2006), and “The RICANstruction” (2009).
- When did Chino XL pass away? Chino XL passed away on July 28, 2024, at the age of 50, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the hip hop world.
