RAPPER Chino XL has died suddenly at the age of 50, his family has confirmed.
The musician from The Bronx, 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 Punchlines, Puerto Rican Superhero — but the most important one was Girl Dad,” his four daughters Chynna, Bella, Lyric, and Kiyana said.
“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.”
As well as his daughters, Barbosa leaves behind his stepson Shawn, his five grandchildren, his mother, and his ex-long-term partner Stephanie.
The rapper died on Sunday morning at his home leaving his family “devastated” the statement added.
Further details about a memorial will be released at a later time.
Meanwhile, his family has asked for privacy as they grieve.
Fellow musicians and fans have taken to social media to pay tribute to Barbosa.
Rap Booklets paid tribute to the artist on Instagram by sharing an image of the cover of his debut album while “sending their heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of ChinoXL.”
“Damn…I truly can’t believe I’m saying this….#RestInBeats to my brother @chinoxl at only 50 years young,” producer Andrew Laidlaw who worked with Barbosa for decades wrote in a post.
“I have known him, worked with him and built with him over the last 20 years (and have been a fan for the last 30 years).
“I’m just glad that we got to collaborate on some AMAZING music – the last time being only 3 years ago…One of the GREATEST to ever touch a mic (and I told him this personally many times too)
“This one HURTS.”
Meanwhile, fans called him “one of the greatest ever” and a “top tier” artist as they mourned his loss just days after he featured on hip-hop legend Rakims’ new album G.O.D.’S NETWORK (REB7RTH).
“First he drops the verse of the century then drops the mic permanently.., R.I.P #Legend,” one fan wrote.
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