Tributes paid to Chino XL, dead aged 50

Chino XL, New York rapper and Tupac Shakur’s rival best known for his track 'Beastin' and debut album Here to Save You All in the 1990s, has died aged 50.

A statement shared by his family on his Instagram page confirmed that the artist died at home on Sunday.

“The family of Derek Keith Barbosa, professionally known as Chino XL, is devastated to relay the news of his passing,” the statement reads.

“Chino is survived by his children, Chynna, Bella, Lyric, Kiyana; his stepson Shawn; grandchildren Emmy, Emery, Chris, Luis, and Dyani; his mother, Carole; and his former longtime partner Stephanie.”

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A post shared by Chino XL (@chinoxl)

His daughters also commented: “Our 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.

“The main thing we are feeling now is that our Dad is at peace, and so we are at peace.”

Born in the Bronx, New York, to an African-American mother and Puerto Rican father, Chino started his music career as a teenager after forming the rap duo Art of Origin with producer Kaoz.

His debut album, Here to Save You All, dropped in April 1996, with the track ‘Riiiot!’ sparking a feud with Tupac thanks to the first-verse line: “I’m trying not to get fucked like Tupac in jail.”

Public Enemy’s Chuck D lead the tributes to the late-rapper by posting a statement on X:

“This ones a tough one. I admired Dj Polo as a @hiphopgods [peer]. Chino XL was my brother in rhyme and art.

“He encouraged my graphics forward. We exchanged art books. He looked out to protect my lyric books better.”

American broadcaster Joe Budden also took to social media to write: “Damn... RIP to the legend Chino XL.”