Real name: Derek K. Barbosa

Effective period / Period of releases: 1994 - 2024

Chino XL is a US Lyricist of Black/Puerto Rican origin. He was raised in New Jersey (although he was born in the Bronx, NY) and has been rapping since the late 80's. He released his first single with the group Art Of Origin in 1992 and by 1994, had inked a deal with Rick Rubins label Def American to release his debut album in 1996, "Here To Save You All".

After moving to the West Coast, Chino sought out a career in Hollywood. He is considered one of the more respected rapper/actors of his generation and landed a small part in the hit series CSI: Miami. In the rap game, he has worked with many different artists over the years, such as Kool G. Rap, RZA, Sway & Tech, J-Dilla, Ras Kass, Kool Keith, Common, Kutmaster Kurt, Killah Priest, Beatnuts, Royce Da 5'9", Jinusean, Saafir, B-Real and Snoop Dogg, plus many more.

He is the only known rapper that is a member of Mensa.