Legendary music star dead at 50 as tributes paid to 'one of the greatest to ever touch a mic'

ok.co.uk:

The hip-hop world is in mourning following the death of iconic rapper Chino XL, who has died at the age of 50.The artist, born Derek Emmanuel Barbosa, was known for his lyrical prowess and his infamous rivalry with the late Tupac Shakur.

Reports state that he passed away on Monday (29 July), but no details regarding the circumstances or the cause of death have been disclosed as yet.The sad news broke via AllHipHop, sending shockwaves through the music community.

After entering the music scene in his teens, his profile rocketed in the mid-1990s when he released his first album, Here to Save You All, which included the track Kreep.

He also had a successful acting career, appearing in a romcom film with Kate Hudson, and in the likes of CSI: Miami. Fellow artists have been quick to express their sorrow, with rapper A-F-R-O taking to social media to say: "RIP to CHINO XL ..