Chino XL, real name Derek Emmanuel Barbosa, has reportedly passed away at age 50. No official cause of death has yet been shared.
Several figures across the Rap community have begun to pen tributes to the late emcee, including Joe Budden and Chuck D.
Damn… RIP to the legend Chino XL 🙏🏾
— Joe Budden (@JoeBudden) July 29, 2024
“Damn… RIP to the legend Chino XL 🙏🏾,” Joe Budden tweeted on Monday evening.
Chuck D posted a tribute to his “brother in rhyme & art,” also referencing the passing of DJ Polo, which was reported over the weekend.
“This ones a tough one,” the Public Enemy member wrote. “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. He supported my events. We supported his music & 🙏🏿rt.”
This ones 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. He supported my events. We supported his music & 🙏🏿rt pic.twitter.com/UlCaIx70ke
— Chuck D (@MrChuckD) July 30, 2024
The news cuts even deeper as Chino XL was actively working on new projects.
The Hip-Hop veteran was born in the Bronx and grew up in East Orange, New Jersey. He gained recognition in the 1990s with his debut album, “Here To Save You All,” released in 1996, which showcased his lyrical prowess and storytelling ability
Just last Friday, he contributed to Rakim’s first album in 15 years entitled “G.O.D’s Network (REB7RTH),” an appearance Chino showed a lot of pride about, calling it a “childhood dream.” The record features a number of late emcees, namely Nipsey Hussle, Fred the Godson, DMX, and Prodigy.
