50-year-old Chino XL, a rapper from New York, has passed away in his home on the morning of 28 July. The family has declined to provide further details regarding his cause of death. The statement shared by his daughters on social media emphasized how their father, who was known as the “King of Punchlines” and the “Puerto Rican Superhero”, was most importantly a great dad to them. They expressed that they feel at peace because their dad’s at peace.
Chino XL had originally gained fame in the 1990s as a teenager in the rap scene of the Bronx. He went on to release a total of four studio albums, one EP, and two collaborative albums throughout his career. Additionally, he also had roles in films such as Alex & Emma alongside Kate Hudson and Luke Wilson, as well as guest star roles in TV shows including the comedy series Reno 911! and the CBS show CSI: Miami.
Chino XL had originally signed with Rick Rubin’s American Recordings label when he was just 22 years old. His debut album, Here to Save You All, had garnered a lot of attention and praise. He then went on to sign with Warner Bros. Records, but the delay to his second album’s release resulted in Chino XL being dropped by the label after they shut down their Black music department. His final album, Ricanstruction: The Black Rosary, was released in 2012.
The hip-hop community has been sharing their tributes to Chino XL, with Chuck D from Public Enemy calling him his “brother in rhyme and art”. Fans of the rapper are awaiting details regarding memorial services
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