Chino XL "Here To Save You All" (30th Anniversary)

New Jersey rapper Chino XL has had an underground following for years but now he's threatening to break through big time. Earlier this year, there was his "Kreep," an ingenious and haunting hip-hop groove based on "Creep" from English alt-rock band Radiohead. With his debut album for Rick Rubin's American label, Chino has delivered a knockout, a hurricane of ribald, rowdy rhymes and pummeling yet jazzy grooves. Chino XL is a throwback to an earlier generation of rappers who combined braggadocio with brains; their rhymes weren't just littered with profanities but often were genuinely clever. Some of Chino's lines should cause bursts of laughter among the pop-culture literate. In "Partner to Swing," he raps, "I catch more heat than a Hasidic Jew/ You catch two thumbs down like a Matty Rich movie review/ Your individuality's missing like Adam Walsh/ Your image is faker than the hair on Diana Ross." But Chino better watch his back; some of those he tackles aren't likely to be amused. Quincy Jones was so irked by Chino that he refused to allow any of his music to be sampled. Chino takes on everyone and everything: Naomi Campbell, D'Angelo, O.J. Simpson, teen pregnancy, Earth Day and even his own record label. Be warned: Some of the language and imagery are raw. The only question is what Chino XL can possibly do for an encore. As Chino says, he's so def, he needs closed captions. - Knight Rider News / Southern Illinoisan (Nov. 14, 1996). 

Rest In Peace, Chino XL.

Chino XL "Darkness and Other Colors" (Album Stream)

Chino XL, the legendary lyricist and actor, has unveiled his long-awaited magnum opus, Darkness & Other Colors, a brilliantly produced masterpiece by the exceptional BodyBagBen. This marks Chino’s sixth full-length studio LP, albeit his posthumous debut, showcasing the unparalleled talent of the East Orange, New Jersey emcee. The release of Darkness & Other Colors was not without controversy. There was some drama between Chino’s estate and Holy Toledo Productions founder and A&R extraordinaire M80. However, anyone who admires Chino’s artistry can understand why M80 was determined to bring this album to light. It offers a vivid explanation of Chino’s dedication to perfection, which he worked tirelessly to achieve back in 2020 during the COVID lockdowns when he was still with us. This one is tough to hear, especially the opening track. May Chino rest in peace.

Rest In Peace, Chino XL!

Chino XL, the rapper whose bold lyricism and relentless fearlessness garnered both respect and controversy throughout his career, has died at the age of 50. In a joint statement released on Tuesday, the family of the New York rapper, born Derek Emmanuel Barbosa, confirmed that he had died at his home on Sunday morning. “Our father had many titles — King of Punchlines, Puerto Rican Superhero — but the most important one was Girl Dad,” his daughters 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.” - Rolling Stone. Chino was a great dude and a wizard with words. I feel honored to have met and communicated with him over the years. I'm saddened that some of our brief conversations were left with things unsaid, but I do believe I gave him his flowers and felt encouraged by his willingness to stay in contact + build with my artists. There was a mutual respect that was always felt and appreciated. "Father's Day" is one of the greatest, most vulnerable records ever created; it'll be even more painful to listen to it now. My deepest condolences to all his friends and family. Rest In Peace, Chino XL. I know his legacy will live on through his music and family. More info will be passed on as it's available. Below are just a few of the countless messages of love/respect from his peers. 

Chino XL & Stu Bangas "God's Carpenter" (Album Stream)

After co-founding the duo Art of Origin, Chino XL was signed at age 16 by Rick Rubin's American Recordings label. In 2014 he formed a hip hop supergroup along with rappers Vakill, Copywrite, Tame One and producer Stu Bangas called Verse 48. Chino XL now reunites with producer Stu Bangas on this new project, God's Carpenter. It features guest appearances from Mystic, Dj Romes, Violet Revenge and Vinne Paz. I've had the pleasure of connecting with Chino XL numerous times over the years and he's always remained a humble giant. His razor sharp lyricism is an excellent home for Stu Bangas' hard, driving beats. More than anything, it's a gift to continue to see the release of music from Chino XL, who spent the bulk of his career without many physical releases, but maintaining the underground respect for the legend that he is. Stream Chino & Stu's God's Carpenter below...

Chino XL "Built To Last" (Mix)

France's Built to Last radio continues its movement of paying tribute to some of the best producers, MCs and record labels of all-time. For their latest offering, they pay homage to one of the illest pens and lyricists in the entire game, Chino XL. Hailing from East Orange, NJ, Chino released his debut album, Here to Save You All, in 1996 and has since had plenty of now famous appearances on DJ Sway and Tech's morning radio show called "The Wakeup Show," as well as the fire 2LP Ricanstruction and 2020's Chino vs Balt. His bio shares, "He's been called the king of metaphors and for good reason, everyone that likes their rhymes laden with punch lines should definitely check him out." I can also say --on a personal note-- I consider him one of the few stand-up guys in this industry. It's always pleasure connecting with him at shows and online... I highly recommend tapping in with his social media and staying connected. As always, dig into the archives for more from Chino XL and a ton of earlier tribute mixes from Corrado and the crew over at Built to Last in France...

Chino XL & Balthazar Getty "Chino vs. Balt" (EP Stream)

Los Angeles born-and-raised multi-talent Balthazar Getty has teamed up with one of the culture's most potent lyricists, Chino XL, for a collaborative EP entitled Chino vs. Balt. According to Hype Magazine, "freeform creativity and lots of late-night phone calls led to CHINO vs. BALT, the definitive collaboration between Balthazar Getty and Chino XL. With critical acclaim and cultural respect, Chino XL is known for his impressive penmanship and thought-provoking lyrics... The duo believes that making music both simple yet compelling is a true sign of mastery. The two veterans create a vibe that harkens to the golden age of lyricism and 90s hip hop roots, all while representing the present day sound." - The Hype Magazine. Listen to their collaborative EP below...

Chino XL "Here To Save You All" (The Source + '96 Sampler)

"Public Enemy first posed the question: "Why are you so hostile?" The answer gave voice to arguably the foremost emotion underscoring hip-hop, the confrontational. Since then, nearly every MC to have picked up a mic has employed infinite rhyme and reason in trying to build on that sentiment. Unfortunately, the expression has, for the most part, been diluted. Simply put, too much of hip-hop's rage has grown tired and impotent. These days it is the rare artist that infuses new energy into hip-hop's most tried and true well-spring. Chino XL is such an artist. Get ready to throw down props for his debut, Here To Save You All. First and foremost, Chino can rhyme. Last year, two of his unreleased songs - "No Complex" and a collaboration with Ras Kass called "Riiott!" - circulated throughout the underground, popping up on The Source's "Fat Tape" and on hip-hop radio across the country. The full album proves neither joint was a fluke. The 16 tracks on Here To Save You All are a densely-packed, tightly-wound, searing, non-stop verbal assault on everyone and everything." Check out Chino XL's album sampler mix to "Here To Save You All," continued below...

"Chino takes the venerable practice of reworking pop culture and current event references into hip-hop contexts to a new level: O.J., Eazy E, the U.S. Invasion of Haiti, Woody Harrelson, teen pregnancy, Heidi Fleiss, Darryl Strawberry, welfare reform, even his own label - "My company (Rick Rubin's American Recordings) is fuckin' me like Arsenio does Eddie Murphy." You name it, they all get done. Still, what is perhaps most impressive about Here To Save You All is the fact that it's a record with equal amounts style and substance. Listen closely and you'll pick up more than laugh-out-loud jokes and disses. "No Complex" takes on the insipid materialism of much of today's hip-hop: "What I Am?" deals with growing up as a child of mixed ethnicity; and "Ghetto Vampire" and "Rise" delve into complex political and spiritual territory. The beats don't miss either. The album's production is laced with an intricate, Wu Tang-like flava. Although Chino is an East Orange, NJ native, a good portion of Here To Save You All was recorded in LA and the record successfully incorporates elements of both coasts' sounds. Here To Save You All is solid, dynamic and refreshing. It's both good and good fo ya." - The Source, May, 1996. The album was released on this day in 1996. Much respect to Chino XL!

Chino XL "Here To Save You All" (1996)

Chino XL's classic debut, 'Here To Save You All' was released on this day in 1996 by American Recordings. The Mensa rapper has always been a master of flow and diction, dissecting syllables 'til the canvas bleeds.' The album features Ras Kass, Kool Keith, and production predominantly handled by B Wiz. A gem of an album in its own right, the controversy only added to its legend when 2Pac mentioned Chino XL on the infamous 'Hit Em Up' diss after taking issue with Chino's line on 'Riiiot.' Fortunately, before 2Pac's passing, they were able to talk and squash any 'beef' between them, but back in '96, it had all the buzz! With regards to the Vibe Magazine article above, it details the hidden skit at the end of the album about OJ, which you can listen to HERE. It was not the only reference to OJ on the album, lol. All fun facts aside, if you like depth in lyrics, witty wordplay, and incomparable flow, this album is STILL for you. Be sure to check out his new track, 'Under The Bridge,' his previous album 'RICANstruction,' and wish him a Happy belated Birthday (April 8th). Lastly, peep the Kutmasta Kurt video remix to "Kreep." I'm a big fan of Chino, hit the tags for more...

Chino XL "Father's Day" (Prod. by Apollo Brown)

Chino XL is a friend of the site; a great dude and world-class lyricist. Releasing a project about every 5 years, he's remained consistent even in those long gaps. Like many artists of his caliber, I charge that to being meticulous when writing and recording. I consider his debut album, 'Here To Save You All,' a real gem in '96 on American Recordings, but I'm gonna fast-forward to 2012 to his double-disc release, 'Ricanstruction,' on Viper Records. As soon as the drums came in on 'Father's Day,' I knew it was Apollo Brown on production. Chino shows his range both lyrically, conceptually and vocally on this introspective and heart-felt record about his daughter. I imagine he performs this at shows and its life changing for the audience. 'This isn't happenin' to you, I'm like Superman / And I could protect you from anything, I was really scared...' Our vulnerabilities make us human and he captured that beautifully making him an incredible artist... and father. Salute, Chino XL! Dig in...