Rapper-Actor Chino XL Dies at 50
variety.comJem Aswad Executive Editor, Music Rapper-actor Chino XL died Sunday at his home, according to a statement from his family. No cause of death had been announced at the time of this article’s publication; he was 50.
The Bronx-born rapper, whose real name was Derek Keith Barbosa, is survived by his children, Chynna, Bella, Lyric and Kiyana; stepson Shawn; five grandchildren; his mother and his longtime partner Stephanie.
In a joint statement, his daughters wrote: “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 1974, Barbosa grew up in East Orange, New Jersey, where he became a rapper in school and took on “Chino” based on his childhood nickname.
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