Legendary rapper, Chino XL, dies aged 50: 'Our dad is at peace'
Rapper Chino XL, best known for hits such as Wordsmith and No Complex, has died aged 50.
The family confirmed the sad news on Tuesday night via social media, sharing that he died at home on Sunday, July 28.
Included in the post was a joint statement from his daughters, paying tribute to their late dad.
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Chino XL has died aged 50. Instagram: Chino XL
"Our father had many titles — King of Punchlines, Puerto Rican Superhero — but the most important one was Girl Dad," they wrote.
"And what he gave us most in that role was his strength, straightforwardness, and ability to be super realistic.
"The main thing we are feeling now is that our Dad is at peace, and so we are at peace."
His family asked for privacy at this time, sharing that more details on a memorial service would be coming soon.
The rapper was born in the Bronx, kicking off his career at just 16-years-old. Instagram: Chino XL
Chino was born in the Bronx, New York. He once said in an interview that his uncle, Parliament-Funkadelic keyboardist, Bernie Worrell, was a huge influence on his early interest in hip-hop music.
He started out his career around 16-years-old as part of the rap duo Art of Origin alongsie producer Kaoz. However, the duo only released two singles before splitting up.
He then embarked on a successful solo career, with his debut album Here To Save You All, released to critical acclaim in 1996.
His final EP, My Pen Will Always Be Around, was released the same day his family announced his passing.
Music producer Andrew Laidlaw, who worked with Chino for 20 years, took to Instagram to share his own tribute.
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He has been remembered by music producer Andrew Laidlaw as "One of the GREATEST to ever touch a mic." Getty
"Damn…I truly can't believe I'm saying this….#RestInBeats to my brother @chinoxl at only 50 years young," he wrote. "I have known him, worked with him and built with him over the last 20 years (and have been a fan for the last 30 years).
"I'm just glad that we got to collaborate on some AMAZING music - the last time being only 3 years ago…One of the GREATEST to ever touch a mic (and I told him this personally many times too) 👑🎤💐🙏🕊This one HURTS 💔"
Chino is survived by his longtime partner Stephanie, his children, Chynna, Bella, Lyric, Kiyana, his stepson Shawn, and his five grandchildren.
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