Rapper and actor Chino XL, whose real name was Derek Keith Barbosa, has died at the age of 50, as confirmed by a statement from his family. The Bronx-born artist, known for his impressive career in the music industry, is survived by his children - Chynna, Bella, Lyric, and Kiyana, as well as his stepson Shawn, five grandchildren, his mother, and his longtime partner Stephanie. While the cause of his death has not been disclosed at this time, it is a significant loss for the entertainment community.

Born in 1974, Barbosa's musical journey began in East Orange, New Jersey, where he honed his skills as a rapper during his schooling years. He adopted the name "Chino" from a childhood nickname and co-founded the duo the Art of Origin with producer Kerri Chandler in the late 1980s. Their partnership led them to sign with Rick Rubin's Def American Recordings under Warner Bros. in 1991. After some successful singles released with the duo, Chino XL transitioned into a solo career, making his mark as a prominent figure in the industry.