Stars pay tribute to beloved rapper dead at 50

Rap legends including Ice-T, Chuck D and Joe Budden are paying tribute to a fellow hip-hop great, dead at 50 years old.

Chino XL has died at the age of 50.

The rapper and actor, born Derek Keith Barbosa, who made a mark with over three decades of work, passed away at his home on Sunday, July 28, according to a statement released by his family.

A cause of death has not been revealed.

He is survived by his mother, Carole; his longtime partner, Stephanie; his four children, Chyna, Bella, Lyric and Kiyana; his stepson, Shawn; and his five grandchildren, Emmy, Emery, Chris, Luis and Dyani. “The family of Derek Keith Barbosa, professionally known as Chino XL, is devastated to relay the news of his passing. Chino died on the morning of Sunday, July 28, 2024 at home,” the statement posted to Instagram began.

Rapper Chino XL has died at the age of 50.

“Our father had many titles,” the family added. “King of Punchlines, Puerto Rican Superhero — but the most important [title he had] was Girl Dad. And what he gave us most in that role was his strength, straightforwardness, and ability to be super realistic. The main thing we are feeling now is that our Dad is at peace, and so we are at peace.”

Chino’s loved ones also revealed a memorial will be “forthcoming” but asked fans to respect their privacy while they grieve.

News of Chino’s death shook the hip-hop community, with many prominent artists taking to social media to share their reactions.

“This one REALLY hurts,” Ice-T said of Chino XL’s death. Picture: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty

The rap great was also a prolific actor. Picture: Vince Bucci/Getty

“This one REALLY hurts,” Ice-T wrote on Instagram, captioning a black-and-white photo of Chino. “Yesterday morning I got the awful news and did not want to believe it was true. I’ve lost so many homies but THIS one got me Fd up. People know he was an incredible MC. But Chino was a truly GREAT MAN. This is a tragedy. My love and condolences go out to his family. Homie you are loved by so many. Rest in Peace Homie.”

Chuck D shared Ice-T star’s sentiment, posting on X, “This ones a tough one.” Sharing a sketch of him and Chino, he called the rapper his “brother in rhyme and Art.”

“He encouraged my graphics forward. We exchanged art books. He looked out to protect my lyric books better. He supported my events,” Chuck wrote, adding that he, in turn, supported Chino’s music.

“Damn … RIP to the legend Chino XL,” Joe Budden wrote on X.

“RIP to the legend.” Picture: Amanda Edwards/Getty

“We spoke on the phone the other day and laughed,” rapper KXNG Crooked posted. “Our careers have been tied together since the Wake Up Show freestyles decades ago. I’m f**ked up. Rest in Peace my brother Chino XL.”

A native of East Orange, New Jersey, the rapper adopted his childhood nickname, “Chino,” as part of his stage name. His music career officially got underway in 1991 when he signed with Rick Rubin’s Def American Recordings alongside producer Kerri Chandler as the duo Art of Origin.

Chino really made a splash with his debut album, 1996’s acclaimed Here to Save You All. He went on to release three other albums: I Told You So (2001), Poison Pen (2006) and Ricanstruction: The Black Rosary (2012).

Aside from being an accomplished musical artist, Chino boasted an impressive filmography as an actor, working on a broad range of projects. His credits include The Young and the Restless, Reno 911!, CSI: Miami, the Kate Hudson and Luke Wilson romantic comedy Alex & Emma and many indie films such as The Beat, in which he performed alongside Coolio and Brian McKnight.

He also wrote a handful of graphic novels, including Black Mass, Lucy and Skin and Bones: The Descent of Holy.

This story originally appeared on Page Six and is republished here with permission.

Originally published as Stars pay tribute to beloved rapper dead at 50