Please note: This article addresses the topic of suicide. If you or someone you know is in crisis, help is accessible. Reach out by calling or texting 988, or visit 988lifeline.org for support.

Chino XL’s family has made a statement regarding the reason behind the rapper’s death, who tragically died in July at the age of 50.

Born Derek Keith Barbosa, it was revealed by the family that XL died by suicide, identifying his official cause of death as “asphyxia due to ligature hanging,” according to a statement they provided to YSL News on Monday.

“With immense sorrow, we announce that our beloved father chose to end his life,” said the family. “This has been an incredibly painful and intimate experience for us, but as it is Suicide Awareness Month, we felt compelled to share this truth. We hope that by doing this, it may inspire someone else to seek help and stay alive.”

The family also disclosed that XL was diagnosed with congenital heart failure in 2020 and later stage 4 prostate cancer earlier this year. Additionally, they mentioned that XL faced “lifelong battles with depression.”

In a heartfelt Instagram message on July 30 announcing XL’s passing, his daughters — Chynna, Bella, Lyric, and Kiyana — shared, “What we feel most right now is that our dad has found peace, and therefore, we too are at peace.”

The rap artist began his career as part of the duo Art of Origin before establishing himself as a solo artist with his debut album “Here to Save You All” in 1996. Over his career, XL released four studio albums and is recognized for tracks such as “No Complex,” “Sickology 101,” and “The Anthem.”

“We’ve received a tremendous outpouring of love through hundreds of emails, messages, chats, and wonderful posts on social media, showing us that our dad was a source of strength for many,” the family stated. “He provided encouragement and comfort to essentially everyone he met and leaves behind an extraordinary creative legacy.

“We are profoundly grateful for the time we shared with our dad and are deeply touched by the overwhelming global response of love from people everywhere.”

Family of Chino XL Critiques Alleged Leak of Posthumous Album

In a recent Instagram update, XL’s family addressed the rumor regarding the posthumous album “Darkness & Other Colors,” which was supposedly scheduled for release in October.

According to their statement to YSL News, the family claimed that an “unscrupulous person illegally released dad’s new album online” on Friday.

“To add to our distress during this difficult time, this appalling act has interfered with what was supposed to be dad’s intended album release in December, where a significant portion of the proceeds was meant to benefit charitable causes,” they explained.

The family has sought legal representation and is pursuing action against the individual accused of the leak.

A new launch date for “Darkness & Other Colors” has yet to be disclosed.