R.I.P. Chino XL: Rapper And ‘Alex & Emma’ Actor Dead At 50

Chino XL, a multi hyphenate known for his work in rap music and acting, died Sunday morning (July 28), Variety reports. He was 50.

While his cause of death has yet to be disclosed, his family issued a statement on his Instagram page, in which they shared that he passed away at home.

His former longtime manager issued the following statement to DECIDER:

“Rarely do we meet someone as full of light, and with as big a heart as Derek Barbosa. He was a genuinely good human being; adored his daughters and grandkids, was a ride or die friend and would help a stranger without hesitation. His extraordinary skills as a writer; his brilliant wordplay, unique style as an emcee and mastery of the English language are unimpeachable and he will continue to be studied and analyzed for years to come.”

She continued, “This was a man with a great sense of humor, a smile that could melt any heart and his facial expressions were bar none.  The profoundly deep personal and professional bond we cultivated, has always been – and will always be – treasured. Executive producing Poison Pen with him, has been one of the highlights of my professional life. Derek was more than a client, he is family…and to say his physical presence in this world will be terribly missed, is a wild understatement. A true light has gone out.”

Born Derek Keith Barbosa 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).

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A post shared by Chino XL (@chinoxl)

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.