Chino XL — born Derek Barbosa — died on July 28 at the age of 50, but no cause of death was given at the time. His family confirmed to People on Monday (Sept. 30) that the rapper-actor died by suicide.
“It’s been the most painful and personal experience of our lives, but in honor of Suicide Awareness Month, we decided to share this truth,” Chino’s children relayed in a statement, which also noted that the Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office had listed his cause of death as asphyxia due to ligature hanging.
“Our father was our rock and our best friend. Papa Bear loved us and taught us so much. Hundreds of emails, texts, chats and beautiful posts and comments on social media, have shown us that Dad was a fountain of strength to so many,” his children continued. “He encouraged and comforted pretty much everyone in his path and left this dimension with an untouchable creative legacy. We are grateful beyond words for our time with Dad and are overwhelmed by the immeasurable global outpouring of love from around the world.”
The statement also noted that the rapper was diagnosed with congenital heart failure in 2020 along with stage 4 prostate cancer earlier in 2024. He also struggled with bouts of depression throughout his life.
Chino XL is survived by his five kids, five grandchildren, his mother Carole and former longtime partner Stephanie. His niece Lady London was among those in the hip-hop community to pay tribute to the New Jersey-bred star.
Over the weekend, the late rapper-actor’s estate cleared up that there is no October release date for Chino XL’s upcoming posthumous album that’s in the works.
“It is with frustration, anger and pain that we renounce the ‘October release’ date for Chino XL’s posthumous album,” they wrote to Instagram. “The family and estate of Derek Barbosa own all rights, copyright and trademarks of the Chino XL name; his voice and likeness.”
Chino XL was born in the Bronx and raised in East Orange, N.J. He formed the Art of Origin duo with Kerri Chandler, and they signed to Def Jam Recordings via Warner in 1991.
His Here to Save You All debut album arrived in 1996 and reached No. 56 on the Top R&B Albums chart. Chino XL also notched collaborations over the years with the likes of Kool G Rap, Proof, J. Dilla and B-Real. He even headed to give Hollywood a try as an actor where he starred in movies such as Alex & Emma, while appearing in television shows such as CSI: Miami, The Young and the Restless and Reno 911!
If you or anyone you know is experiencing suicidal ideation, reach out to the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling 988 or visiting the website for free, confidential support that is available 24/7, 365 days a year.
