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Legendary Rapper Chino XL Passes Away at 50

Renowned emcee Chino XL, whose real name was Derek Emmanuel Barbosa, has sadly passed away at the age of 50. The news was reported by AllHipHop on Monday (July 29) through an inside source close to the rapper’s inner circle. The cause of death has not been revealed.

As tributes poured in from around the Hip-Hop world, friends and fellow artists took to social media to pay their respects. Alchemist, A-F-R-O, R.A. the Rugged Man, Stu Bangas, Skyzoo, and ScHoolboyQ were among those who shared their condolences, with Alchemist typing, “CHINO XL. That was my man. Smh. RIP.”

KXNG Crooked, who famously freestyled with Chino on the Wake Up Show, posted two tributes to his longtime friend, saying, “We spoke on the phone the other day and laughed. 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.”

Chino XL gained recognition and acclaim upon releasing his 1996 debut album, “Here to Save You All.” The album became synonymous for its song, “Riiiot!,” which included a lyric seemingly aimed at 2Pac. Pac would respond in the infamous diss track, “Hit ‘Em Up.” According to XL, the two men would patch things up before Pac’s untimely demise in 1996.

Throughout his rap career, Barbosa released a slew of LPs, including 2001’s “I Told You So” and 2006’s “Poison Pen.” The emcee most recently was featured on Rakim’s “G.O.D.’s Network: REB7RTH” LP, spitting a verse on “Pendulum Swing.”

Chino XL also built up an acting career, appearing in shows like “Reno 911!” and “CSI: Miami.”

Producer Domingo paid tribute to his friend and collaborator, saying, “Chino XL was one of the best lyricists in the game. Extremely talented since the day we met in the early 90’s. Legendary artist and friend.”

VIBE sends our deepest condolences to Chino XL’s family and all those impacted by this loss.