Rapper Chino XLbest known for hits such as Wordsmith and No Complexhas died aged 50.
The family confirmed the sad news on Tuesday night via social mediasharing that he died at home on Sunday, July 28.
Included in the post was a joint statement from his daughters, paying tribute to their late dad.
READ MORE: Comedian and actress Erica Ash dies aged 46
”Our father had many titles — King of Punchlines, Puerto Rican Superhero — but the most important one was Girl Dad,” they wrote.
“And what he gave us most in that role was his strength, straightforwardness, and ability to be super realistic.
“The main thing we are feeling now is that our Dad is at peace, and so we are at peace.”
His family asked for privacy at this time, sharing that more details on a memorial service would be coming soon.
For a daily dose of 9honey, subscribe to our newsletter here,
Chino was born in the Bronx, New York. He once said in an interview that his uncle, Parliament-Funkadelic keyboardist, Bernie Worrell, was a huge influence on his early interest in hip-hop music.
He started out his career around 16-years-old as part of the rap duo Art of Origin alongsidesie producer Kaoz. However, the duo only released two singles before splitting up.
He then embarked on a successful solo career, with his debut album Here To Save You All, released to critical acclaim in 1996.
His final EP, My Pen Will Always Be Around, was released the same day his family announced his passing.
Music producer Andrew Laidlaw, who worked with Chino for 20 years, took to Instagram to share his own tribute.
READ MORE: A-lister suffers brutal injury while commenting Paris 2024
“Damn…I truly can’t believe I’m saying this….#RestInBeats to my brother @chinoxl at only 50 years young,” he wrote. “I have known him, worked with him and built with him over the last 20 years (and have been a fan for the last 30 years).
“I’m just glad that we got to collaborate on some AMAZING music – the last time being only 3 years ago…One of the GREATEST to ever touch a mic (and I told him this personally many times too) 👑🎤💐🙏🕊 This one HURTS 💔”
Chino is survived by his longtime partner Stephanie, his children, Chynna, Bella, Lyric, Kiyana, his stepson Shawn, and his five grandchildren.
FOLLOW US ON WHATSAPP HERE: Stay across all the latest in celebrity, lifestyle and opinion via our WhatsApp channel. No comments, no algorithm and nobody can see your private details.