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What Is Chino XL Net Worth
Chino XL, born Derek Keith Barbosa on April 8, 1974, in The Bronx, New York, was an accomplished American rapper and actor. News outlets confirmed his death on July 28, 2024, at the age of 50. During his career, Chino XL accumulated wealth through his music, acting, and collaborations. Estimates of Chino XL’s net worth vary, with some sources reporting $500,000 while others claim $4 million. Given available information, it is most accurate to state that Chino XL had a net worth of approximately $500,000 at the time of his death.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Derek Keith Barbosa was born in The Bronx, New York, and spent his formative years in East Orange, New Jersey. Raised by a single mother, his father was of Puerto Rican descent, and his mother was African American. Chino XL’s journey into music began in the late 1980s. At age 16, he co-founded the duo Art of Origin with Kerri Chandler. This early venture caught the attention of music impresario Rick Rubin, who signed Chino XL to his American Recordings label, then part of the Warner Bros. Records family. This marked a significant milestone, setting the stage for his career.
Music Career and Album Sales
Chino XL released his debut album, “Here to Save You All,” on April 9, 1996. The album, produced by B-Wiz, Bird, DJ Homicide, Eric Romero, KutMasta Kurt, and Dan Charnas, featured guest appearances from Kool Keith and Ras Kass. “Here to Save You All” peaked at No. 56 on the Top R&B Albums chart and No. 39 on the Heatseekers Albums chart in the United States. The album spawned several singles, including “Kreep,” which gained substantial airplay on radio and MTV. “Kreep” charted on the Billboard Bubbling Under R&B Chart for 23 weeks, from July 1996 to January 1997.
After leaving American Recordings, Chino XL signed with Warner Bros. Records in the fall of 1997. However, he was dropped before his second album could be released due to the folding of their Black music department. His second album, “I Told You So,” was eventually released independently on September 11, 2001. Despite the challenging release date, the album has become a classic. Discogs data shows that “I Told You So” CD albums have sold for between $4.99 and $24.99. He later released “Poison Pen” in 2006 and “Ricanstruction: The Black Rosary” in 2012, the latter winning the 2012 HHUG Album of the Year Award.
In 2023, Chino XL collaborated with Stu Bangaz on “God’s Carpenter,” a 12-song album. Shortly before his death in July 2024, he was featured on Rakim’s album “G.O.D.’S Network (Reb7rth),” contributing to the track “Pendulum Swing.” Following his death, a posthumous album titled “Darkness & Other Colors” was released on October 24, 2024, limited to 1,000 copies worldwide and selling for $44.99 AUD. These musical endeavors contributed to Chino XL’s income through album sales, streaming royalties, collaborations, and live performances, although specific figures are not publicly available.
Acting Career
Chino XL transitioned into acting in the early 2000s, securing roles in both film and television. In 2003, he appeared in “Alex & Emma,” co-starring Kate Hudson and Luke Wilson. He also took part in indie films such as “The Beat,” which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. His television credits include guest appearances on popular shows like “Reno 911!” and “CSI: Miami”. He also starred as Syndicator in the television series “Zane’s Sex Chronicles” in 2010.
Chino XL’s filmography includes roles in “Barrio Wars” (2002), “Vatos” (2002), “Crime Partners” (2003), “Playas Ball” (2003), and “Gang Warz” (2004). His television appearances also feature episodes of “The Young and the Restless” and “El Show”. These acting roles provided additional income, supplementing his earnings from music.
Other Ventures and Accomplishments
Beyond music and acting, Chino XL engaged in various other ventures. He signed with Universal Music from 2007 to 2009. He was also a member of Mensa International, reflecting his intellectual capabilities. Additionally, Chino XL volunteered at a youth architecture program for disadvantaged kids, showcasing his commitment to community service.
Financial Challenges and Resilience
Chino XL faced several financial challenges throughout his career, including label changes and industry shifts. He signed with Rick Rubin’s American Recordings at 16 but left when the label changed distributors. He then signed with Warner Bros. Records, but was dropped before releasing his second album. Despite these obstacles, his resilience and continued artistic output allowed him to maintain a steady income through music releases, acting roles, and entrepreneurial ventures.
Chino XL Net Worth: Summary
While estimates vary, Chino XL’s net worth was approximately $500,000 at the time of his death. This wealth was generated through his career as a rapper and actor. His journey began in the late 1980s, leading to a record deal at age 16 and the release of his debut album in 1996. Despite industry challenges, he maintained a dedicated fanbase and continued to release music and act in various projects. Chino XL’s career demonstrates a blend of talent, perseverance, and versatility, leaving a lasting impact on hip-hop culture and entertainment.
