Rapper Chino XL’s Cause of Death Confirmed by Family

the family of rapper Chino XL has confirmed that the legendary artist, born Derek Keith Barbosa, died by suicide in July 2024 at the age of 50. The official cause of death, listed as “asphyxia as a result of ligature hanging,” was shared by his family in a statement obtained by USA Today. While the news has brought immense grief to fans worldwide, his family hopes that sharing this difficult truth during Suicide Awareness Month can help others who may be struggling.

Chino XL’s family shared that the rapper’s death was the culmination of ongoing struggles with both his mental and physical health. Diagnosed with congenital heart failure in 2020, and later stage 4 prostate cancer earlier this year, Chino XL faced an overwhelming burden. Adding to these physical ailments, his family noted that he had long struggled with depression, a battle that ultimately contributed to his tragic passing.

“With the most profound sadness imaginable, we share the news that our beloved father decided to end his own life,” his family said in their statement. “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.”

Chino XL was known not just for his lyrical prowess but also for his profound influence on the rap scene. He was a rapper whose verses were packed with clever wordplay, complex metaphors, and unflinching honesty. Starting his career as half of the duo Art of Origin, he later became a solo artist with his critically acclaimed 1996 debut album Here to Save You All. Over the years, he released four studio albums and earned respect in the industry with hits like “No Complex,” “Sickology 101,” and “The Anthem.”

Beyond his music, however, Chino XL was a father to four daughters—Chynna, Bella, Lyric, and Kiyana—who remembered him as a source of peace and strength. In a heartfelt post on Instagram, they wrote, “The main thing we are feeling now is that our dad is at peace, and so we are at peace.”

His family’s statement also emphasized how the rapper inspired countless others. “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,” the family said. “He encouraged and comforted pretty much everyone in his path and left this dimension with an untouchable creative legacy.”

As the world continues to mourn, Chino XL’s family is also addressing an unfortunate controversy surrounding the unauthorized release of his posthumous album, Darkness & Other Colors. Originally slated for a December release, where a portion of the proceeds was intended for charitable causes, the album was leaked online by what the family calls an “unscrupulous individual.”

In response, the family has sought legal representation to pursue litigation against the alleged leaker. “To add to this excruciating time, this man’s contemptuous actions have hurt what was originally dad’s intended December album release,” the family added. A new release date for Darkness & Other Colors has not yet been announced.

While Chino XL’s passing is a devastating loss, his impact on hip-hop culture and his legacy as a father, artist, and mentor will live on. The outpouring of love from fans around the world is a testament to his enduring influence. The tragedy of his death underscores the importance of mental health conversations, especially within the often-unforgiving music industry.