The cause of Chino XL’s death has been revealed by his family, two months after the shock of the rapper who died on July 28 at the age of 50.
His loved ones revealed that the musical artist committed suicide in a statement on Friday, according to TMZand also expressed their hopes for raising greater awareness about mental health.
‘With the deepest sadness imaginable, we share the news that our dear father decided to end his own Life,’ they shared.
“It has 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 hopes this news can help someone else stay alive.”
The Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office listed Chino XL’s cause of death as asphyxiation due to ligature by hanging.
The cause of Chino XL’s death has been revealed by his family, two months after the shock of the rapper who died on July 28 at the age of 50; seen in 2004 in Los Angeles
According to TMZ, he battled depression throughout his life and four years earlier, in 2020, he was also diagnosed with congenital heart failure.
A congenital heart condition “can change the way blood flows through the heart,” according to Mayo Clinicand “is one or more problems with the structure of the heart that are present at birth.”
The death of the creator of No Complex 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 the star’s passing.
Loved ones also shared a message from the star, whose real name was Derek Emmanuel Barbosa, on his main Instagram page, along with a black and white photo of the rapper on July 29.
‘The family of Derek Keith Barbosa, known professionally as Chino XL, is devastated to hear the news of his passing. Derek transitioned on the morning of Sunday, July 28, 2024. He was 50 years old.
They added: “He is survived by his 5 children, 5 grandchildren, his mother and his former long-term partner.”
His daughters also issued a joint statement in the post as they reflected on their late father’s life.
‘Our father filled our lives with lessons and a lot of love. “We are incredibly proud of who he was, of all he accomplished, of his huge heart, and of all he shared with the world.”
His loved ones revealed that the musical artist died by suicide in a statement on Friday, according to TMZ, and also expressed their hopes for raising more awareness about mental health.
The Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office listed Chino XL’s cause of death as asphyxiation due to ligature hanging; seen in 2012 in Atlanta
His children continued: “The indelible mark he left on hip hop and the love and support he exchanged with countless friends and fans are what we hope will be the cornerstone of his legacy.”
‘While this loss is unimaginable for us, we also understand that our dad will be missed by many others. Hug everyone you love, as often as you can.’
The East Coast-based music artist was born in the Bronx on April 8, 1974, and subsequently moved to New Jersey, according to AllHipHop.
Chino XL had been active in music since his teens, signing to producer Rick Rubin’s American Recordings label when he was 16, according to a biography by 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 their first album, 1996’s Here to Save You All, which included the single Kreep. He followed up with albums like 2001’s I Told You So, 2006’s Poison Pen and 2012’s RICANstruction: The Black Rosary.
Other musical collaborations in which Chino XL was actively involved include 2008’s Something Sacred with Playalitical; and 2023’s God’s Carpenter with Stu Bangas, according to iHeart.
Chino XL had been busy professionally lately, as he collaborated with Rakim on the song Pendulum Swing for GOD’s Network: REB7RTH album.
Loved ones also shared a message from the star – whose real name was Derek Emmanuel Barbosa – on his main Instagram page, along with 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 proud of the new project @OfficialRakim!!”
He was also active as an actor, having appeared on television shows such as Reno 911!, CSI: Miami and The Young and the Restless, according to IMDB.
He appeared in films such as Alex & Emma, The Beat, Crime Partners, Playas Ball and Young Cesar.
Chino XL was remembered by several 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 from the day we met in the early ’90s.”
Public Enemy’s Chuck D said in a post on X/Twitter: “This is a tough one.” I admired Dj Polo as a partner of @hiphopgods.’
‘@CHINOXL was my brother in rhyme and art. It encouraged my charts to move forward. We exchange art books. He went out of his way to better protect my letter books.
Chuck D added that Chino XL supported their events and he supported their music.
Chino XL rose to fame in the mid-1990s with their first album, 1996’s Here to Save You All, which included the single Kreep. He followed up with albums like 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 is a tough one.” I admired Dj Polo as @hiphopgods PEer’
Rap artist Emilio Rojas called the late musical artist “such a talented MC and a great person”
Rapper AFRO said: ‘RIP to CHINO XL… I’m going to miss you, big brother; while Joe Budden said: ‘Damn… RIP to the legend Chino XL.’
Musician Crook said: “We spoke on the phone the other day and had a laugh.” Our careers have been linked since the Wake Up Show freestyles decades ago. I’m screwed. Rest in peace my brother Chino XL.’
Rap artist Emilio Rojas called the late musical artist “such a talented MC and a great person.”
And he added: ‘Chino XL. Man… here to save them, they all stayed in rotation for me. Wow. Rest in peace king. Thanks for the music. Thank you for always being kind and humble to me and everyone you met. Wow.’