Derek Emmanuel Barbosa, known by his stage name Chino XL, passed away on July 29, 2024. He was an American rapper and actor with a career spanning four studio albums. His 2012 album, “The Black Rosary,” won the 2012 HHUG Album of the Year Award. The cause of his death is currently unknown.
Career Highlights
After signing with Hollywood talent manager Stacey Castro, Barbosa began his acting career, appearing in various movies and television shows. He made guest appearances on Comedy Central’s “Reno 911!” and CBS’s “CSI: Miami.” His film credits include Brandon Sonnier’s “The Beat,” which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, and Rob Reiner’s “Alex & Emma,” where he co-starred with Kate Hudson and Luke Wilson. Barbosa was also the nephew of Bernie Worrell from the band Parliament/Funkadelic and a member of Mensa.
Early Life
Born in The Bronx, New York, Chino XL was raised in different areas of New Jersey. His father, of Puerto Rican origin, abandoned his African American mother before he was born, and he was raised by his single mother. At the age of sixteen, he co-founded the duo Art of Origin and was signed by music mogul Rick Rubin to the American Recordings label, formerly a division of Warner Bros. Records.
Musical Achievements
In 1996, Chino XL released his debut album, “Here to Save You All,” to critical acclaim. The lead single, “Kreep,” which featured an interpolation of Radiohead’s song “Creep,” received significant airplay on radio and MTV. “Kreep” spent a record 23 weeks on the Billboard Bubbling Under R&B Chart from July 1996 to January 1997.
The obituary and funeral arrangements for Derek Emmanuel Barbosa will be released by his family at a later date.
