Rapper Chino XL died at the age of 50, dozens of hip-hop stars pay tribute

Rapper Chino-XL‘s friends and family sadly announced on Monday that the veteran MC died on Sunday…devastating several generations of the hip-hop community.

According to his family, Chino died at his home, leaving behind his mother, four children, a stepson, four grandchildren and his longtime partner. Stephanie.

His daughters released a group statement saying… “Our father had many titles – King of Punchlines, Puerto Rican Superhero – but the most important was Girl Dad. And what he gave us most in that role was his strength, straightforwardness and the ability to be super realistic. The most important thing we feel now is that our father is at peace, and we are at peace too.

An outpouring of condolences from rappers, producers and media personalities also filled social media… Chuck D, Joe Budden, KXNG crooked, Student Q alongside battle rap and underground representatives, they all paid respect and shared memories of Chino.

Bronx-born Chino got his start Rik Rubin‘s American Recordings and released his debut album on the label in 1996… captivating audiences on both the East and West Coasts with his multi-syllabic wordplay.

California is where Chino would stake his rap legacy… of which he famously co-starred Eminem, RZAAnd KRS-A on Sway & King Tech’s ’99 single “The Anthem” and engaged in a lyrical feud with Tupac Shakur before his death.

He was also a featured guest on Rakim‘s new album “GODs Network – Reb7rth”, which was released last weekend via the song “Pendulum Swing” featuring Crooked, Canibus And La the Darkman.

The family has not yet released the cause of death, but says plans for a memorial service will be announced soon. Chino turned 50.