Chino XL Passed Away!

Chino XL was an actor, rapper, writer and motivational speaker.

Born Derek Emmanuel Barbosa, Chino XL is a New York based rapper who got his start in the music industry as a teenager. At age 16, Chino was signed to Rick Rubin's American Recordings label. By 1991, he had formed the rap duo Art of Origin with producer Kaoz. After the duo split, Chino XL released his debut solo album Here to Save You All featuring the lead single "Kreep" and collaborations with Ras Kass, Kool Keith and more.

The Puerto Rican rapper went on to release three more solo albums I Told You So (2001), Poison Pen (2006) and RICANstruction: The Black Rosary (2012). He also dropped a collaborative project with Playalitical called Something Sacred in 2008 and teamed up with Stu Bangas last year with their joint album God's Carpenter. He also just appeared on "Pendulum Swing" from Rakim's new album G.O.Ds NETWORK - REB7RTH.

In addition to his music career, Chino XL was also an actor. He landed roles in films like Kate Hudson and Luke Wilson's 2003 film Alex & Emma, and had several guest appearances on TV shows like "Reno 911" and "The Young & The Restless." Chino was also an author. He recently released three editions of his new, self-titled graphic novel series.

Rest in peace Chino XL. See more tributes to the late rapper below. He was 50 years old.

On Monday night, July 29, numerous artists and fans took to social media to mourn the loss of the New York City-born MC after the news broke. Joe Budden, A-F-R-O, Kxng Crooked, Skyzoo and others paid homage to the seasoned rapper. As of this report, the details behind his death are scarce and no cause of death has been confirmed.

He released his debut album Here to Save You All in 1996, which was released to critical acclaim. The lead single "Kreep" which featured an interpolation of the Radiohead song "Creep" experienced major airplay by radio and MTV. Kreep charted on the Billboard Bubbling Under R&B Chart for a record 23 weeks, from July 1996 to January 1997.

Chino was released from his American Recordings contract when American Recordings switched distributors from Warner to Columbia in 1997. Warner Bros. Records then signed Chino in the fall of 1997. His sophomore album was due to be released during April 1999 but numerous delays prevented the album from being released. Although in early 2001 when the album was about to be released and its lead single "Let 'Em Live" featuring Kool G Rap was nearing early pressing stages Chino was dropped by Warner, as they folded their Black music department, supposedly due to the public legal battle with Prince. The album, titled I Told You So, was eventually released in 2001 by Metro Records.

In 2006, Chino released his long-awaited third album, Poison Pen, featuring appearances by Proof of D-12, Killah Priest and hip hop duo The Beatnuts.

In 2007, Chino signed a contract with the Universal Latino label Machete Music.

In 2009 during a controversial interview with Allhiphop.com writer Han O'Connor, Chino revealed that his fifth studio album The RICANstruction was to be released soon.[needs update] The album was released via his own joint venture CPR/Universal and featured Immortal Technique, Tech N9ne, and Bun B. The RICANstruction also featured a collaboration with Big Pun. The album featured production from DJ Khalil and Focus served as executive producer.

On August 19, a song titled "N.I.C.E." that was produced by Nick Wiz was released.

On September 25, 2012, the album Ricanstruction: The Black Rosary was released as a double disc through Immortal Technique's Viper Records. It won the 2012 HHUG Album of the Year award.