Chuck D and Joe Budden have paid tribute to late rapper Chino XL.
The hip-hop star, born Derek Emmanuel Barbosa, passed away at his home on Sunday morning at the age of 50.
"Our father had many titles - King of Punchlines, Puerto Rican Superhero - but the most important one was Girl Dad," his daughters wrote in a statement on his Instagram account. "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."
After the news broke, Public Enemy rapper Chuck took to X to pay tribute to his "brother in rhyme & Art".
He continued, "He encouraged my graphics forward. We exchanged art books. He looked out to protect my lyric books better. He supported my events. We supported his music & (art)."
Meanwhile, Joe simply posted, "Damn... RIP to the legend Chino XL," with the praying hands emoji.
After getting his start in the rap duo Art of Origin, Chino kicked off his solo career in the mid-90s with his debut album Here to Save You All in 1996. He followed this up with I Told You So in 2001, Poison Pen in 2006 and Ricanstruction: The Black Rosary in 2012.
He also released two collaborative albums - Something Sacred, a team-up with Playalitical, came out in 2008, and God's Carpenter with Stu Bangas dropped last year.
Earlier this month, Chino celebrated the release of his feature on Pendulum Swing, a track on Rakim's new album The God's Network: Reb7rth. He wrote on Instagram, "Blessed to be a part of this @thegodrakim project!! It's an honor of high merit!!"
Outside of music, Chino appeared in TV shows such as Reno 911! and CSI: Miami, and films including The Beat and Alex & Emma.
Chino is survived by his children, Chynna, Bella, Lyric and Kiyana and his stepson Shawn.
