Hip hop artist Chino XL died suddenly at the age of 50, according to his family.
The singer from The Bronx, whose real name is Derek Emmanuel Barbosa, became famous with his first album, Here to Save You All, in the 1990s.
The rapper’s family put out a statement together on his Instagram page on Tuesday morning.
“The most important thing about our dad was being a Girl Dad,” his four daughters Chynna, Bella, Lyric, and Kiyana said. “He was the King of Punchlines and the Puerto Rican Superhero.”
“But the things that made him great in that role were his strength, honesty, and ability to be very real.”
“The main thing we are feeling now is that our Dad is at peace, and so we are at peace.”
He also leaves behind his stepson Shawn, his five grandchildren, his mother, and Stephanie, the woman he used to be in a relationship with.
It was said that the rapper died at home on Sunday morning, leaving his family “devastated.” No cause of death was given.
More information about a memorial will be made public at a later date.
His family has asked for privacy while they grieve.
Folks who know Barbosa and fans have paid tribute to him on social media.
The artist was remembered by Rap Booklets on Instagram, who posted a picture of the cover of his first album and said they were “sending their heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of ChinoXL.”
“Damn…”A producer who worked with Barbosa for many years wrote in a post, “I truly can’t believe I’m saying this…#RestInBeats to my brother @chinoxl at only 50 years young.”
“I’ve known him for 30 years and worked with him and built with him for 20 years.”
“I’m just glad we got to work together on some GREAT music—the last time was only three years ago…”One of the BEST people who has ever touched a mic (I told him this many times).
“This one HURTS.”
“Farewell, CHINO XL… “Big bro, I’m gonna miss you,” A-F-R-O wrote on X as a friend and fellow rapper.
“LIFE’S WORK”
Fans mourned his death and called him “one of the greatest ever” and a “top tier” artist. He died just days after appearing on the new album by hip-hop legend Rakims.
“First he drops the verse of the century then drops the mic permanently.., R.I.P #Legend,” a fan wrote.
Fans said Barbosa’s verse on the album’s song Pendulum Swing with Chino XL and La the Darkman was one of his best as soon as it came out.
“This is EASILY one of the top five @chinoxl verses of all time…sheeeesssh,” one fan wrote with fire emojis.
“Yeah, you definitely left Earth when you recorded that verse,” said a creepy post on Saturday.
Others were excited about the rapper’s future after they worked together.
“Just why this year is so exciting for hip-hop. ChinoXL does it again. He always hits it. “Right on,” wrote one fan.
Barbosa wrote on Instagram that he was “blessed to be a part of this project” and that Rakim’s new album was the sum of his “life’s work” and a “childhood dream come true.”
He said, “It’s an honor of high merit,” then went on to talk about how well his fellow musicians thought the verse was written.
“Heard from @official_kurupt; top 7 Mc for me without a doubt!! who is on the first single? About my verse, he said that the first two bars were enough to make him go crazy and get stuck!!
“That made all the work I’ve done in my life worth it.”
“My friend and the curator of this whole project, @almightym80, made this whole bucket list and childhood dream come true. Sincere thanks!” Someone, I already chose where I want the plaque to go on my wall!!! You did it!
“Can’t wait for the world to hear the work!”
