History of Chino XL in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 30, 2024

"Chino XL, born Derek Keith Barbosa, was an American rapper and actor known for his complex rhyme schemes and sharp lyrics. Active in the music industry from 1992 until his passing in 2024, he released four studio albums. His 2012 album, 'Ricanstruction: The Black Rosary,' earned critical acclaim, winning the HHUG Album of the Year Award."

April 8, 1974: Birth of Derek Keith Barbosa

Derek Keith Barbosa, who would become known as Chino XL, was born on April 8, 1974.

July 1996: "Kreep" Charts on Billboard

In July 1996, Chino XL's single "Kreep", interpolating Radiohead's "Creep", debuted on the Billboard Bubbling Under R&B Chart.

1996: Chino XL Begins Name-Dropping in Lyrics

Chino XL began incorporating name-dropping, such as references to OJ Simpson, into his lyrics as early as 1996.

January 1997: "Kreep" Concludes Record Chart Run

After a record-breaking 23 weeks, Chino XL's "Kreep" finished its run on the Billboard Bubbling Under R&B Chart in January 1997.

1997: Chino XL Signs with Warner Bros. Records

Following the label's change in distributors, Chino XL was signed by Warner Bros. Records in the fall of 1997.

April 1999: Second Album Release Delayed

Chino XL's second album, initially slated for an April 1999 release, faced multiple setbacks that postponed its debut.

2001: Release of "I Told You So"

After being dropped by Warner and experiencing delays, Chino XL's second album, "I Told You So," was released by Metro Records in 2001.

2006: Release of "Poison Pen"

Chino XL released his third album, "Poison Pen," in 2006, featuring collaborations with Proof, Killah Priest, and The Beatnuts.

2007: Chino XL Partners with Machete Music

Chino XL signed a contract with Universal Latino label Machete Music in 2007.

2009: Release of "The RICANstruction"

Chino XL's fourth album, "The RICANstruction," was launched in 2009 through his CPR/Universal joint venture, featuring artists like Immortal Technique, Tech N9ne, and Bun B.

September 25, 2012: Release of "Ricanstruction: The Black Rosary"

Chino XL released the double disc album "Ricanstruction: The Black Rosary" on September 25, 2012, through Viper Records, owned by Immortal Technique.

2012: Ricanstruction: The Black Rosary Wins Album of the Year

Chino XL's album "Ricanstruction: The Black Rosary" received the HHUG Album of the Year Award in 2012.

2012: Chino XL Continues Name-Dropping in Lyrics

Chino XL's tendency to include notable names in his lyrics continued into 2012, with a reference to Muhammed Ali.

June 15, 2013: Chino XL Performs in Shanghai

Chino XL performed alongside emerging local hip hop artists in Shanghai on June 15, 2013, in a show arranged by Shanghai :30 Entertainment.

2014: Formation of Verse 48

Chino XL teamed up with Vakill, Copywrite, Tame One, and Stu Bangas in 2014 to establish the hip hop supergroup Verse 48, commencing work on an EP.

2015: Collaboration on "They Don't Know Nothing"

Chino XL was featured on UK artist RKZ's single "They Don't Know Nothing" in 2015.

2019: Chino XL Labeled "The greatest name-checker in rap history"

In late 2019, Freemusicempire bestowed upon Chino XL the title of "The greatest name-checker in rap history."

December 2020: Release of "Chino vs. Balt"

Chino XL and Balt Getty released a collaborative EP titled "Chino vs. Balt" in December 2020 under the Purplehaus Records label.

2022: New Album in Progress

Reports in 2022 indicated that Chino XL was working on a new album, which would include a collaboration with R.A. the Rugged Man.

2023: Release of "God’s Carpenter"

In 2023, Chino XL and Stu Bangas reunited to release the 12-track album "God’s Carpenter," featuring Vinnie Paz on the single "Murder Rhyme Kill" and other singles like "AMBImonsterous" and the title track.