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Chino XL

Chino XL (born Derek Keith Barbosa, April 8, 1974, in East Orange, New Jersey) is a New Jersey rapper a nephew of Bernie Worrell of Parliament/Funkadelic. He is known for his technically accomplished style and battling abilities. His style incorporates self-consciously over-the-top punchlines (which usually take the form of puns or similes) and exaggerated egotism. He is also known for his brief feud with Tupac Shakur. He cites his biggest influence as LL Cool J. He is a member of the intellectual collective Mensa.^[1]

Career

After co-founding the duo Art of Origin, the half-African American, half-Puerto Rican emcee was signed at age 16 by music impresario Rick Rubin to Rubin's American Records imprint, which was once part of the Warner Bros. Records family. He released his debut album Here to Save You All in 1996. The debut was released to critical acclaim and major airplay by radio and MTV.

Following Prince's departure from Warner, Chino was released by the label as well, and he released his sophomore album I Told You So in 2001. In 2002 he signed with manager Stacey Castro and began appearing in films and television. In 2006 he independently released his long-awaited album Poison Pen (co-executive produced by Castro).

Collaborations

Chino has worked with artists such as LSP, Akwid,Eminem, Ras Kass, Kool G Rap, Royce Da 5'9, Canibus, Playalitical, Proof, Beatnuts, Killah Priest, Common, B-Real of Cypress Hill, Crooked I, Slept On Fam, Snoop Dogg, KRS-One, Tech N9ne, Duce Stabs, WC, Saafir, Nas, Organized Konfusion, Lauryn Hill, Shyheim, Xzibit, Jayo Felony, Tha Mexakinz, Roc C, Corean Hip-Hop Duo Jinusean, and Kool Keith.

Discography

Albums

References

External links

• Official Chino XL Website
• Chino XL at the Internet Movie Database