Rapper Chino XL, whose real name was Derek Emmanuel Barbosa, has died at the age of 50.
Born in the Bronx on April 8, 1974, Chino XL later relocated to New Jersey. He began his music career as a teenager, signing with Rick Rubin’s American Recordings label at 16.
In 1991, he formed the rap duo Art of Origin with producer Kaoz before pursuing a solo career. Chino XL gained fame in the mid-1990s with his debut album, “Here to Save You All,” which included the hit single “Kreep.” He released several more albums, including “I Told You So” in 2001, “Poison Pen” in 2006, and “RICANstruction: The Black Rosary” in 2012.
In a joint statement released on Tuesday, the family of the New York rapper confirmed that he had died at his home on Sunday morning. The cause of death has not been announced. Chino XL was known for hits like “No Complex,” “Sickology 101” with Tech N9ne, and “The Anthem” with Sway and King Tech.
