Fun
Frisky
Nostalgic
Intense
Adventurous
Choked Up
Curious
Romantic
Weird
Chino XL, a multi hyphenate known for his work in rap music and acting, died Sunday morning (July 28), Variety reports. He was 50.
Per a press release, the Ventura County Medical Examiner’s office determined his official cause of death as asphyxia as a result of ligature hanging.
“With the most profound sadness imaginable, we share the news that our beloved father decided to take his own life,” his family wrote in a statement. “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. Dad would hope that this news may help someone else stay alive.”
The release noted that the late rapper and actor, born Derek Keith Barbosa, was diagnosed with congenital heart failure 2020 and stage 4 prostate cancer earlier this year, in addition to struggling with life-long depression.
His family also issued a statement on his Instagram page on July 30, in which they shared that he passed away at home.
His former longtime manager Stacey Castro issued the following statement to DECIDER:
“Derek is a g.o.a.t. on all the levels in life and art, that matter. A dedicated father and man of substance and conviction, he will remain incomparable. The space he forged in music and in people’s hearts, will never be filled. Derek was only ever in competition with himself, and he always won. He will live on in the hearts and minds of those he called ‘his people.'” Every single one of his verses was a mic drop. They were all gems, D.”
Born in The Bronx in 1974, the late artist was raised in East Orange, New Jersey, and took on the name “Chino” from his nickname growing up, per Variety. As noted by People, he was just 16 years old when he signed with Rick Rubin’s Def American Recordings via Warner Bros in 1991. Prior to his solo work, he partnered with Kerri Chandler to create Art of Origin.
Per his website (via People), Here To Save You All marked his debut solo album in 1996, comprised of both “conventional rap tracks” and “autobiographical tracks.” Albums that followed included I Told You So (2001), Poison Pen (2006), Something Sacred (2008), Ricanstruction: The Black Rosary (2012), and God’s Carpenter (2023).
Outside of music, Chino also found work as an actor. Per IMDb, Chino’s first film credit was earned in Barrio Wars (2002). He went on to take part in The Beat (2003), Crime Partners (2003), Alex & Emma (2003), The Young and the Restless (2004), Reno 911! (2004), Gang Warz (2004), CSI: Miami (2006) Playas Ball (2007), Young Cesar (2007), El Show (2008), Zane’s Sex Chronicles (2010), and Hollywont (2013).
His daughters penned a statement, in which they shared that their “father had many titles — King of Punchlines, Puerto Rican Superhero — but the most important one was Girl Dad.”
“And what he gave us most in that role was his strength, straightforwardness, and ability to be super realistic,” they continued. “The main thing we are feeling now is that our Dad is at peace, and so we are at peace.”
Chino’s family also requested privacy, noting that “details of a memorial will be forthcoming.” As highlighted in the Instagram post above announcing his passing, he is survived by his four children, his stepson, his five grandchildren, his mother, and his former partner.
UPDATED 10/2 at 1:48 p.m. ET :This story has been updated to include an official cause of death for Chino XL.
If you or someone you know are experiencing suicidal thoughts, call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 988.
