RAPPER Chino XL has died suddenly at the age of 50, his family has confirmed.
The Bronx musician, whose real name was Derek Emmanuel Barbosa, rose to fame in the 1990s with his debut album Here to Save You All.
A joint statement from his family was released on the rapper’s Instagram page on Tuesday morning.
“Our father had many titles – King of Jokes, Puerto Rican superhero – but the most important was Girl Dad,” his four daughters Chynna, Bella, Lyric and Kiyana he said.
“And what he gave us most in this role was his strength, directness and ability to be super realistic.
“The main thing we feel now is that our father is at peace and therefore we are at peace.”
In addition to his daughters, Barbosa is survived by his stepson Shawn, his five grandchildren, his mother and his former long-term partner Stephanie.
The rapper died on Sunday morning at his home, leaving his family “devastated,” the statement added.
More details about a memorial will be released at a later date.
Meanwhile, his family asked for privacy as they cried.
Other musicians and fans took to social media to pay tribute to Barbosa.
Rap booklets paid tribute to the artist on Instagram, sharing an image of his debut album cover while “sending their deepest condolences to ChinoXL’s family and friends.”
“Damn… I really can’t believe I’m saying this… #RestInBeats for my brother @chinoxl at only 50,” wrote producer Andrew Laidlaw, who worked with Barbosa for decades on a publish.
“I know him, worked with him and built with him for the last 20 years (and have been a fan for 30 years).
“I’m so happy we’ve collaborated on some AMAZING songs – the last time was just 3 years ago… One of the BEST to ever hit a mic (and I’ve told him that in person many times too)
“This one HURTS.”
Meanwhile, fans called him “one of the greatest of all time” and a “top tier” artist as they mourned his loss just days after he was featured on hip-hop legend Rakims’ new album, GOD’S NETWORK ( REB7RTH).
“First he drops the verse of the century and then he drops the mic permanently…, RIP #Legend,” one fan wrote.
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