Hip-hop artist Chino XL reportedly dies at age 50

Chino XL, a well-known playwright, actor, and lyricist, reportedly died at the age of 50.

After the news came on Monday night, July 29, many artists and fans flocked to social media to express their grief for the New York City-born MC. A-F-R-O, Kxng Crooked, Joe Budden, Skyzoo, and other artists honored the veteran rapper. There are currently little known specifics surrounding his demise, and the cause of death is unknown.

“Oh my god… Chino XL was a legend. RIP, Budden posted on X.

“Chico XL, rest in peace. Big brother, I’m going to miss you 😊️.” Along with multiple pictures of them together, A-F-R-O wrote.

Born Derek Emmanuel Barbosa, Chino XL began his career in the music business when he was a teenager. Chino signed with Rick Rubin’s American Recordings label when he was sixteen years old. He and producer Kaoz established the rap duo Art of Origin by 1991. Following the breakup of the partnership, Chino XL put out his first solo album, Here to Save You All, which had collaborations with Ras Kass, Kool Keith, and other artists in addition to the lead track “Kreep”.

After then, the rapper from Puerto Rico put out three additional solo albums: RICANstruction: The Black Rosary (2012), Poison Pen (2006), and I Told You So (2001). In 2008, he also released Something Sacred, a joint album with Playalitical. The previous year, he collaborated with Stu Bangas on a joint album titled God’s Carpenter. Additionally, he recently made an appearance on Rakim’s latest album G.O.Ds NETWORK – REB7RTH’s song “Pendulum Swing”.

Chino XL pursued a career in acting in addition to music. He was cast in movies such as Alex & Emma (2003) starring Kate Hudson and Luke Wilson, and he made multiple cameos on television series such as “Reno 911” and “The Young & The Restless.” Chino wrote books as well. His brand-new graphic novel series of the same name was just published in three versions.