Chino XL passed away at the age of 50.
Chino XL Death
The New Jersey-born rapper’s family released an official statement via his Instagram account on Tuesday (July 30), confirming Chino’s death.
“The family of Derek Keith Barbosa, known professionally as Chino XL, is devastated to convey the news of his passing. Chino passed away at his home on the morning of Sunday, July 28, 2024. He was 50 years old,ā the statement read. See below and read on. “Chino is survived by his children Chynna, Bella, Lyric, Kiyana; his stepson Shawn; grandchildren Emmy, Emery, Chris, Luis and Dyani; his mother Carole; and his former long-term partner Stephanie.”
He was known as the “King of Punch Lines” and his family wanted him to be remembered as a “girl dad”. “In a joint statement, his daughters reflected: ‘Our dad wore many titles ā King of Punchline, Puerto Rican superhero ā but most of all ‘Girl Dad,'” the statement continued. “In this role, his greatest contribution to us is his strength, directness and surreal ability. The most important thing we feel now is that our father is calm, so we are also calm.” The family at this time Privacy is requested and details about the memorial will be released soon.
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Rapper reacts to Chino XL’s pass
Several artists took to social media to react to the tragic loss.
“Damn…RIP legend Chino XL,” Jersey native Joe Budden wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
“This is hard,” posted Public Enemy’s Chuck D. “As a @hiphopgods PEer, I admire Dj Polo. @CHINOXL is my brother in rhymes and art. He encourages my graphic progress. We exchange art books. He wants to better protect my lyric book. He supports my activities.
“RIP CHino XL,” ScHoolboy Q posted.
Chino XL is a respected lyricist from East Orange, New Jersey who rose to fame in the mid-1990s. In 1996, he released his debut album, Here to Save You All. I Told You So (2001), The Poison Pen (2006) and Ricanstruction: The Black Rosary (2012).
After a hiatus from music tips, he collaborated with Balt Getty on the Chino vs. Balt EP in 2020, and most recently released a joint project with Stu Bangas, God’s Carpenter in 2023.
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Please see the statement below from Chino XL’s family regarding his death.

