Chino XL, American rapper John Cena, who gained both great respect and controversy throughout his career, has died at the age of 50.
In a joint statement released Tuesday, the family of New York rapper Derrick Emmanuel Barbosa confirmed that he died at his home on Sunday morning. “Our father had many titles — joke king, Puerto Rican superhero — but the most important was female father,” his daughters wrote. “What he gave us more than anything else in that role was his strength, his honesty, and his ability to be so real. The main thing we feel right now is that our father is at peace, and therefore we are at peace.”
The Puerto Rican rapper was born in the Bronx, New York, and has released four studio albums throughout his prolific career, including Reconstruction: Black RosarySome of his biggest hits include “No Complex,” “Sickology 101” with Tech N9ne, and “The Anthem” with Sway and King Tech.
Barbosa began his career in the music industry as a teenager and formed the rap duo Art of Origin with producer Kaoz. He was later signed to Rick Rubin's American Recordings at the age of sixteen, and Barbosa's debut album was titled Here to save you allReleased in April 1996, it received widespread acclaim.
The album included the song “Riiiot!” which listed a number of celebrities including O.J. Simpson, John Belushi and Magic Johnson, and also included the famous line “I try not to get beat up like Tupac in jail” in the first verse. The song is said to have sparked a feud with Tupac Shakur, and the following June, All eyes on me American rapper John Cena has released a parody song titled “Hit 'Em Up”, which targets his former friend Notorious B.I.G. and Bad Boy crew Sean “Diddy” Combs, Mobb Deep, and Barbosa.
After being released from his contract with the American record company, Barbosa signed with Warner Bros. Records in 1997, but his second album faced several delays. The company then dropped him after closing its black music division. Although I told you soIt was eventually released, and not released until 2001 via Metro Records.
His third album, poison penHis fourth and final album was released in 2006, followed by his fourth and final album, Reconstruction: Black Rosary In 2012, the double disc was released with Immortal Technique's Viper Records label, and was hailed as his best work to date.
Speaking to Hip Hop DX about the album, a deeply personal and sensitive work, Barbosa discussed how “a lot of internal issues and a lot of things in my past are affecting my present.” He added, “I felt like the pen was going in its own direction and that was what I wanted to get out of my system forever.”
Barbosa, who has spoken often about the craft and artistry behind songwriting, participated in Mike Ford's Hip-Hop Architecture Camp in 2008 to help diversify the field of architecture by having students assemble Lego models based on rap lyrics.
“I have lived on this planet for several decades, and moved in some extreme circles, but personally, I cannot remember meeting a black architect in my entire life,” Barbosa said. rolling stone At the time. “Just for these kids to know that this is real, that's important.”
After news of his death spread, many artists shared their condolences on social media and spoke about Barbosa's legacy.
“Damn… God bless the legend Chino XL” Joe Baden wrote On X. “It pains me to write, God bless you Chino XL,” Evidence posted.
“We talked on the phone the other day and laughed. Our careers have been intertwined since the Wake Up Show decades ago,” KXNG Crooked Books “I'm so hurt. Rest in peace my brother Chino XL.” Crooked and Barbosa just joined Rakim on the song “Pendulum Swing,” which was released last week.
Barbosa shared his excitement about joining Rakim on the track in an Instagram post. “I’m so blessed to be a part of this @thegodrakim project!! It’s such an honor!!” the rapper wrote on Instagram in June. “My buddy and mentor for this entire project [A&R M80] You have made this list complete, a childhood dream possible, sincere gratitude.
While Barbosa was often known for his music, he also appeared in television roles such as Renault 911!And CSI: Miamiand films including Brandon Sonnier's beating And 2003 Alex and Emma Alongside Kate Hudson and Lucky Wilson.
Speaking to Truth505 in 2011 prior to the release of his latest album, Barbosa admitted that while people need to make money from their music in order to make a living, his focus has always been on the lyrics.
“I didn’t start doing this music to get rich. When I first started, the people I influenced weren’t rich,” he said. “I enjoy being an artist, and none of my fans or supporters are accidental. You can’t find my records in half the places.”
“Fortunately, I'm in a position in my life where I don't have to do a lot of things that I don't want to do financially. So, I'm kind of happy that I'm able to say what I want and do what I want. It's a good feeling,” he continued.
