Chino XL, Rapper Known for Potent Lyricism, Dead at 50

The rap veteran had just joined Rakim on “Pendulum Swing” last week

Chino XL, the rapper whose bold lyricism and relentless fearlessness garnered both respect and controversy throughout his career, has died at the age of 50.

In a joint statement released on Tuesday, the family of the New York rapper, born Derek Emmanuel Barbosa, confirmed that he had died at his home on Sunday morning. “Our father had many titles — King of Punchlines, Puerto Rican Superhero — but the most important one was Girl Dad,” his daughters wrote. “And what he gave us most in that role was his strength, straightforwardness, and ability to be super realistic. The main thing we are feeling now is that our Dad is at peace, and so we are at peace.” A cause of death was not immediately available.

The rapper of Puerto Rican descent was born in the Bronx, New York, and released four studio albums throughout his career, including Ricanstruction: The Black Rosary. Among his biggest hits were “No Complex,” “Sickology 101” with Tech N9ne, and “The Anthem” with Sway and King Tech.

Barbosa began his career in the music industry as a teenager and formed the rap duo Art of Origin with producer Kaoz. He was later signed to Rick Rubin’s American Recordings label at 16, and Barbosa’s debut album, Here to Save You All, released in April 1996, receiving widespread praise.

The LP included the track “Riiiot!” that name-dropped a slew of celebrities including OJ Simpson, John Belushi, and Magic Johnson, and it also featured the notorious line “I’m trying not to get fucked like Tupac in jail” within the first verse. The song is said to have sparked a feud with Tupac Shakur, and the following June, the All Eyez on Me rapper dropped diss track “Hit ‘Em Up,” which took aim at former friend Notorious B.I.G. and the Bad Boy crew, Sean “Diddy” Combs, Mobb Deep, and Barbosa.

After he was released from his contract with American Recordings, Barbosa signed with Warner Bros. Records in 1997, but his sophomore album faced several delays. He was later dropped by the label after their Black music department shuttered. Although I Told You So eventually released, it wouldn’t be until 2001 via Metro Records.

His third album, Poison Pen, dropped in 2006, and was followed by his fourth and final LP, Ricanstruction: The Black Rosary, in 2012. The double disc released with Immortal Technique’s Viper Records and was hailed as his best work to date.

When speaking to HipHopDX about the record, a deeply personal and vulnerable body of work, Barbosa discussed how “a lot of the internal issues and a lot of the things in my past affect my present.” He added, “I just kind of felt like the pen was just kind of like going in its own direction, and it was just kind of what I wanted to get out of my system like for good.”

Barbosa, who frequently spoke of the craftsmanship and art behind songwriting, participated in Mike Ford’s Hip-Hop Architecture Camp in 2008 to help diversify the field of architecture by having students assemble Lego models based on rap lyrics. “I have been on this planet for several decades, and I have moved in some pretty radical circles, but personally, I cannot recall meeting a melanated architect in my whole life,” Barbosa told Rolling Stone at the time. “Just for these children to know it’s a thing, that’s important.”

Following news of his death, numerous artists shared tributes on social media and reflected on Barbosa’s legacy. “Damn… RIP to the legend Chino XL,” wrote Joe Budden on X. “Hurts to write, RIP Chino XL,” posted Evidence.

“We spoke on the phone the other day and laughed. Our careers have been tied together since the Wake Up Show freestyles decades ago,” wrote KXNG Crooked on X. “I’m fucked up. Rest in Peace my brother Chino XL.” Crooked and Barbosa had just joined Rakim on “Pendulum Swing,” which dropped last week.

Barbosa had shared his excitement for joining Rakim on the track in an Instagram post. “Blessed to be a part of this @thegodrakim project!! It’s an honor of high merit!!” wrote the rapper on Instagram in June. “My dude and Curator of this entire project [A&R M80] made this complete bucket list, childhood dream possible, sincere gratitude.”

While Barbosa was often recognized for his music, he also featured in television roles such as Reno 911! and CSI: Miami, and in films including Brandon Sonnier’s The Beat and 2003’s Alex & Emma alongside Kate Hudson and Luke Wilson.

When speaking to Truth505 in 2011 before the release of his final album, Barbosa acknowledged that while people need to make a living, his focus has always been on the lyrics. “I never got into this music to get rich. When I first started, the music that I was influenced by, the people were not rich,” he said. “I kind of enjoy being an artist that, you’re not my fan or my supporter by accident. You can’t find my records in half of the places.

“Luckily, I’m in a position in my life where I don’t have to do too many things that I don’t want to do financially,” he added. “So, I’m kinda happy to be able to say what I want and do what I want. It feels good.”