New York City hip-hop legend Chino XL has tragically died suddenly, his family has confirmed.
The rapper from The Bronx, real name Derek Emmanuel Barbosa, dropped dead unexpectedly at his New Jersey home on Sunday.
His sudden death was revealed in a joint statement from his family which was published on the rapper’s Instagram page on Tuesday.
“Our father had many titles — King of Punchlines, Puerto Rican Superhero — but the most important one was Girl Dad,” his four daughters Chynna, Bella, Lyric, and Kiyana said.
“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.”
As well as his daughters, Barbosa leaves behind his stepson Shawn, his five grandchildren, his mother, and his ex-long-term partner Stephanie.
The music star’s sudden death has left his family “devastated,” the statement revealed.
No further details regarding the circumstances of the music artist’s sudden passing were revealed.
No cause of death has been made public.
Further details about a memorial will be released at a later time, the family said.
Meanwhile, his family has asked for privacy as they grieve.
Fellow musicians and fans have taken to social media to pay tribute to Barbosa.
The rap-inspired account Rap Booklets paid tribute to the artist on Instagram by sharing an image of the cover of his debut album “Here to Save You All.”
The caption sent “heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of ChinoXL.”
“Damn…I truly can’t believe I’m saying this….#RestInBeats to my brother @chinoxl at only 50 years young,” producer Andrew Laidlaw who worked with Barbosa for decades wrote in a post.
“I have known him, worked with him, and built with him over the last 20 years (and have been a fan for the last 30 years).
“I’m just glad that we got to collaborate on some AMAZING music – the last time being only 3 years ago…
“One of the GREATEST to ever touch a mic (and I told him this personally many times too)
“This one HURTS.”
“RIP to CHINO XL… I’m gonna miss you, big bro,” friend and fellow rapper A-F-R-O wrote on X.
RIP to CHINO XL .. I’m gonna miss you, big bro 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/TPEtYfziy0
— A-F-R-O (@realfrothizzle) July 29, 2024
Meanwhile, fans called him “one of the greatest ever” and a “top tier” artist as they mourned his loss just days after he featured on hip-hop legend Rakims’ new album “G.O.D.’S NETWORK (REB7RTH).”
“First he drops the verse of the century then drops the mic permanently.., R.I.P #Legend,” one fan wrote.
Immediately after the album’s song “Pendulum Swing” featuring Chino XL and La the Darkman was released, fans praised Barbosa’s verse as one of his best.
“This is EASILY an all time top 5 @chinoxl verse…sheeessshh,” one fan wrote with fire emojis.
“Yea [sic] you definitely left earth when you recorded that verse,” another eerily posted on Saturday.
Others had been excited about the rapper’s future following the collaboration.
“Exactly why this year is an exciting year and hip-hop,” one fan wrote.
“ChinoXL strikes again. The man never misses. On target.”
Speaking about Rakim’s new album on Instagram, Barbosa said he felt “blessed to be a part of this project.”
He said it was a “childhood dream” come true and the culmination of his “life’s work.”
“It’s an honor of high merit,” he said before detailing the high praise fellow musicians gave him about the verse.
“Got a call from @official_kurupt , top 7 Mc for me easily!! who is on the first single.
“Going off about my verse on there, saying the first 2 bars alone had him wilding and stuck when he heard them!!
“That was enough to make my life’s work, worth it.
“My dude and Curator of this entire project @almightym80 made this complete bucket list, childhood dream possible, sincere gratitude Whoadie, the place on my wall for the plaque to go, is already picked out !!! You killed it!
“Can’t wait for the world to hear the work!”
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