Chino XL at the 2004 Los Angeles Film Festival Centerpiece Premiere of ‘Before Sunset.’ Paul Mounce/Corbis via Getty Images
The hip-hop community is mourning the loss of Chino XL, a revered rapper whose impactful career was marked by bold lyricism and a profound connection with fans. His family has recently confirmed that he tragically died by suicide in July 2024, a revelation they chose to share during Suicide Awareness Month. This announcement comes as a way to shed light on mental health struggles and inspire those who may be facing similar challenges to seek help.
In a heartfelt statement, Chino XL’s family expressed their deep sorrow: “With the most profound sadness imaginable, we share the news that our beloved father decided to end his own life. It’s been the most painful and personal experience of our lives, but in honor of Suicide Awareness Month, we decided to share this truth. Dad would hope that this news may help someone else stay alive.” This message reflects not only their grief but also their desire to raise awareness about mental health issues.
Chino XL, born Derek Emmanuel Barbosa, had been dealing with serious health issues for several years. In 2020, he was diagnosed with congenital heart failure, which significantly impacted his quality of life. Earlier this year, he faced a daunting battle with stage 4 prostate cancer, a diagnosis that weighed heavily on him and his family. They shared that he had long struggled with depression, a battle that he fought privately while continuing to create music that resonated with many.
The Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed that the official cause of death was asphyxia due to ligature hanging. This heartbreaking detail underscores the severity of his mental health struggles, and his family hopes that by sharing this information, they can help reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness and encourage others to speak out.
In their statement, Chino XL’s daughters described their father as their “rock” and “best friend.” They shared how he instilled strength, love, and realism in their lives, noting, “Hundreds of emails, texts, chats, and beautiful posts and comments on social media have shown us that Dad was a fountain of strength to so many. He encouraged and comforted pretty much everyone in his path and left this dimension with an untouchable creative legacy.” Their words reflect the deep bond they shared with him and the impact he had on countless others.
Earlier in July, the rapper’s family confirmed his passing, celebrating his many titles, such as the “King of Punchlines” and “Puerto Rican Superhero.” However, they emphasized that the title that mattered most to him was being a “Girl Dad,” a role he cherished and embodied with love and care. His daughters expressed solace in the knowledge that their father is now at peace and conveyed their gratitude for the global outpouring of love and support they have received during this difficult time.
Chino XL’s career spanned over two decades, during which he gained both respect and controversy in the music industry for his fearless lyricism and unique style. Born in the Bronx, New York, to Puerto Rican parents, he released four studio albums, including the critically acclaimed *Ricanstruction: The Black Rosary* in 2012. His most notable tracks include “No Complex,” “Sickology 101” featuring Tech N9ne, and “The Anthem” with Sway and King Tech. His bold approach to storytelling and intricate wordplay set him apart in the hip-hop landscape, earning him a dedicated fanbase.
Beyond his music career, Chino XL was passionate about community engagement and education. In 2008, he participated in Mike Ford’s Hip-Hop Architecture Camp, an initiative designed to inspire young people of color to explore careers in architecture and design. He emphasized the importance of representation, stating, “I have been on this planet for several decades, and I have moved in some pretty radical circles, but personally, I cannot recall meeting a melanated architect in my whole life. Just for these children to know it’s a thing, that’s important.” This initiative showcased his commitment to empowering the next generation and diversifying fields that often lack representation.
As the music industry grapples with the loss of a significant talent, Chino XL’s family aims to share his story to raise awareness about mental health and the importance of seeking help. They hope that his legacy will serve as a reminder that struggles with mental health are real and affect many people, regardless of their success or public persona.
For those in the U.S. who may be struggling with suicidal thoughts or mental health challenges, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available at 988, offering support and resources for individuals in crisis. Internationally, resources such as Befrienders Worldwide are also available to provide assistance.
Chino XL’s legacy will undoubtedly continue to resonate through his music and the lives he touched. His family is determined to honor his memory by sharing his story and advocating for mental health awareness, ensuring that his impact will not be forgotten.
