Chino XL’s cause of death has been revealed by his family – two months after the rapper’s shock passing on July 28 at the age of 50.
His loved ones revealed that the music artist died by suicide in a statement on Friday, per TMZ, and also expressed their hopes to bring further awareness to mental health.
‘With the most profound sadness imaginable, we share the news that our beloved father decided to end his own Life,’ they shared.
‘It’s been the most painful and personal experience of our lives but in honor of Suicide Awareness Month, we decided to share this truth.’
In conclusion, his family added, ‘Dad would hope that this news may help someone else stay alive.’
The Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office listed Chino XL’s cause of death as asphyxia due to ligature hanging.
Chino XL’s cause of death has been revealed by his family – two months after the rapper’s shock passing on July 28 at the age of 50; seen in 2004 in L.A.
According to TMZ, he battled depression throughout his life and four years earlier in 2020, was also diagnosed with congenital heart failure.
A congenital heart condition ‘can change the way blood flows through the heart,’ per Mayo Clinic, and ‘is one or more problems with the heart’s structure that are present at birth.’
The No Complex hitmaker’s death was announced by an inside source to AllHipHop at the time of his death in late July, prompting his peers to take to social media to mourn over the star’s passing.
His loved ones also shared a message of the star – whose real name was Derek Emmanuel Barbosa – to his main Instagram page, alongside a black and white photo of the rapper on July 29.
‘The family of Derek Keith Barbosa, professionally known as Chino XL, is devastated to relay the news of his passing. Derek transitioned on the morning of Sunday, July 28, 2024. He was 50.’
They added, ‘He is survived by his 5 children, 5 grandchildren, his mother and his former longtime partner.’
His daughters also released a joint statement in the post as they reflected on their late father’s life.
‘Our father filled our lives with lessons and so much love. We are incredibly proud of who he was, of all that he achieved, of his huge heart and of all he shared with the world.’
His loved ones revealed that the music artist died by suicide in a statement on Friday, per TMZ, and also expressed their hopes to bring further awareness to mental health
The Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office listed Chino XL’s cause of death as asphyxia due to ligature hanging; seen in 2012 in Atlanta
His children continued, ‘The indelible mark he leaves on hip hop and the love and support he exchanged with countless friends and fans are what we hope to be the cornerstone of his legacy.’
‘While this loss is unimaginable for us, we also understand that so many others will miss our Dad. Hug everyone you love, as often as you can.’
The East Coast-based musical artist was born in the Bronx April 8, 1974 and subsequently relocated to New Jersey, according to AllHipHop.
Chino XL had been active in music from his teens, signing with the American Recordings label from producer Rick Rubin when he was 16, according to a bio from iHeart.
In 1991, he and producer Kaoz composed a rap tandem called Art of Origin, after which he pursued a solo career, according to the outlet.
Chino XL rose to fame in the mid-1990s with his first album, 1996’s Here to Save You All, which included the single Kreep. He followed up with albums such as 2001’s I Told You So, 2006’s Poison Pen and 2012’s RICANstruction: The Black Rosary.
Other musical collaborations Chino XL was active in include 2008’s Something Sacred with Playalitical; and 2023’s God’s Carpenter with Stu Bangas, according to iHeart.
Chino XL had been professionally busy as of late, as he collaborated with Rakim on the track Pendulum Swing for the album G.O.D.’s Network: REB7RTH.
His loved ones also shared a message of the star – whose real name was Derek Emmanuel Barbosa – to his main Instagram page, alongside a black and white photo of the rapper on July 29
He said in response to a tweet last month from fellow artist Configa, ‘I’m also proudly on the new @OfficialRakim project as well!!’
He also was active as an actor, having appeared on TV shows such as Reno 911!, CSI: Miami and The Young and the Restless, according to IMDB.
He appeared in motion pictures including Alex & Emma, The Beat, Crime Partners, Playas Ball and Young Cesar.
Chino XL was remembered by a number of colleagues and fans as news of his passing circulated.
Producer Domingo told AllHipHop, ‘Chino XL was one of the best lyricists in the game’ and a ‘legendary artist and friend.’ He added that Chino XL was ‘extremely talented since the day we met in the early 90’s.’
Public Enemy’s Chuck D said in a post on X/Twitter, ‘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.’
Chuck D added that Chino XL supported his events, and he supported his music.
Chino XL rose to fame in the mid-1990s with his first album, 1996’s Here to Save You All, which included the single Kreep. He followed up with albums such as 2001’s I Told You So, 2006’s Poison Pen and 2012’s RICANstruction: The Black Rosary
Public Enemy’s Chuck D said in a post on X/Twitter, ‘This ones a tough one. I admired Dj Polo as a @hiphopgods PEer’
Rap artist Emilio Rojas called the late musical artist ‘such a talented MC and great person’
Rapper A-F-R-O said: ‘RIP to CHINO XL .. I’m gonna miss you, big bro; while Joe Budden said, ‘D**n… RIP to the legend Chino XL.’
Musician Crook said, ‘We spoke on the phone the other day and laughed. Our careers have been tied together since the Wake Up Show freestyles decades ago. I’m f***ed up. Rest in Peace my brother Chino XL.’
Rap artist Emilio Rojas called the late musical artist ‘such 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.’