Chino XL, the influential New York rapper celebrated for his 1990s hits “No Complex” and “Kreep,” passed away at his residence on Sunday morning, July 28. His family released a heartfelt statement reflecting on his legacy, emphasizing his role as a devoted father. “Our father had many titles — King of Punchlines, Puerto Rican Superhero — but the most significant was Girl Dad,” his daughters stated. They expressed that the primary sentiment they hold now is one of peace, knowing their father has found solace.
Born Derek Emmanuel Barbosa in the Bronx, Chino XL’s passion for hip-hop ignited in his youth, leading him to form his own group, Art of Origin, as a preteen alongside DJ Kerri Chandler. His talent quickly caught the eye of Rick Rubin, resulting in a record deal with American Recordings at just 16 years old. He released his debut album, Here to Save You All, in 1996, featuring guest appearances from notable artists like Kool Keith, Gravitation, and Ras Kass.
The album’s lead singles, “No Complex” and “Kreep,” the latter inspired by Radiohead’s “Creep,” propelled Chino XL into the national spotlight, earning significant airplay on MTV. While the album received critical acclaim, it also stirred controversy with its provocative lyrics and bold commentary on commercial rap. The track “Riiiot” particularly emerged in the spotlight due to a contentious line that hinted at a feud with Tupac Shakur.
In 1997, Chino XL signed with Warner Bros. to produce his sophomore album, but multiple delays ultimately led to his departure from the label as it downsized its Black music division. His anticipated album, I Told You So, was finally released in 2001 through Metro Records. He continued his career with subsequent releases, including 2006’s Poison Pen and 2012’s Ricanstruction: The Black Rosary, which featured collaborations with renowned artists such as Immortal Technique, Tech N9ne, and Bun B.
Chino XL once expressed his motivation as an artist, stating, “I never got into this music to get rich. The music that influenced me was created by those who were not wealthy. I’m grateful to be an artist who has genuine fans and the freedom to express myself authentically.”
