Photo: Getty Images
Chino XL's family has announced that the veteran rapper passed away after he decided to end his own life.
According to a report TMZ published on Friday, September 27, the late artist's family revealed he committed suicide in a statement about his cause of death. The Ventura County Medical Examiner’s office in California confirmed Chino XL, born Derek Keith Barbosa, died of asphyxia as a result of ligature hanging. He was 50.
“With the most profound sadness imaginable, we share the news that our beloved father decided to end his own Life," the family's statement began.
"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," they continued. "Dad would hope that this news may help someone else stay alive.”
Chino XL passed away at the end of July. The Hip-Hop community was stunned by his passing. Various artists from Chuck D to Joe Budden took to social media to pay homage to him. Despite his legacy in music and acting, Chino XL reportedly suffered from depression throughout his life. The artist was reportedly diagnosed with congenital heart failure in 2020.
“Our father was our rock and our best friend," his two daughters said in a statement. "Papa Bear loved us and taught us so much. 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. We are grateful beyond words for our time with Dad and are overwhelmed by the immeasurable global outpouring of love from around the world. We will forever navigate this catastrophic loss and ask for continued privacy.”
The estate plans to move forward with the release of his upcoming posthumous album. The follow-up to his 2023 LP God's Carpenter is set to drop in October. Rest in peace, Chino XL.
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