*Rapper Chino XL, born Derek Barbosa, has passed away at 50.
Chino’s cause of his death remains undisclosed, but his family shared the news on Instagram, highlighting his role as a dedicated father, The Blast reports.
Originally from the Bronx and later based in New Jersey, he gained fame with his 1996 debut album “Here to Save You All.” Chino XL was not only known for his music but also his acting roles in TV shows and films.
Before his passing, he was actively involved in music, collaborating with Rakim on the track “Pendulum Swing.”
His family will announce a memorial service soon. In the meantime, tributes from industry colleagues have poured in.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Chino XL (@chinoxl)
As The Blast reports, producer Domingo told AllHipHop, “Chino XL was one of the best lyricists in the game,” and was “extremely talented since the day we met in the early 90’s.”
Public Enemy’s Chuck D shared on X (formerly Twitter): “This one a tough one. I admired Dj Polo as a @hiphopgods PEer. @CHINOXL was my brother in rhyme & Art. He encouraged my graphics forward. We exchanged art books. He looked out to protect my lyric books better.”
Rap artist Emilio Rojas called Chino XL a “talented MC and great person.”
He added “Chino XL. Man … here to save you 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 ever met. Wow.”
READ MORE FROM EURWEB.COM: Gangsta Rapper to Grandfather: The Olympic Gold Rebranding of Snoop Dogg
The post Rapper Chino XL Dies at 50, Industry Pays Tribute to His Legacy appeared first on EURweb.