Chino XL’s family confirm cause of death
The late rapper Chino XL’s family has confirmed his cause of death. In a sad statement delivered by his daughter, it was confirmed that the rapper died of suicide.
Chino XL, whose real name was Derek Keith Barbosa, passed away aged 50 in July, 2024. When his sad passing was officially announced, no cause of death was shared, and no further information has been provided since July.
However, now his daughter recently told Rolling Stone her Dad’s cause of death, shedding light on the fact that he died by suicide.
“With the most profound sadness imaginable, we share the news that our beloved father decided to end his own life,” she wrote, “It’s been the most painful and personal experience of our lives, but in honour of Suicide Awareness month, we decided to share this truth. Dad would hope that this news may help someone else stay alive.”
She also confirmed in her statement that according to the Ventura County Medical Examiner’s office, the official cause of death was asphyxia.
There seem to be other contributing factors towards the rapper’s death, as his daughter confirmed he suffered from, “congenital heart failure in 2020 and stage 4 prostate cancer earlier this year,” and he had also “struggled with life-long depression.”
Chino XL leaves behind an excellent artistic legacy. He was born in the Bronx, New York, and managed to secure himself an exciting rap career throughout the 1990s, performing in the borough’s local rap scene and turning heads with his lyricism and flow. He released a total of four studio albums. The rapper also released two collaborations with other artists and put out one EP.
Some of his biggest hits included the likes of ‘No Complex’, ‘Sickology 101’ and ‘The Anthem’. The songs represented his ability to hold his own despite performing with other big names.
Chino XL’s talents weren’t just confined to the studio, either. He also had success as an actor, starring in series such as Reno 911! and CSI: Miami. He also starred in Alex & Emma alongside Luke Wilson and Kate Hudson.
A number of rappers paid tribute to Chino after news of his death was announced earlier in the year. Public Enemy star Chuck D took to social media and wrote, “Chino XL was my brother in rhyme & art. He encouraged my graphics forwards. We exchanged art books. He looked out to protect my lyric books better. He supported my events. We supported his music & art.”