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The rapper's family says his cause of death was suicide

Editor's Note: This article is about suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call 988, text or chat at 988lifeline.org.

The family of Chino XL, who died in July at the age of 50, is speaking out about the late rapper's cause of death.

XL, born Derek Keith Barbosa, died by suicide, the rapper's family said in a statement obtained by USA TODAY on Monday, adding that his official cause of death was “asphyxia due to ligature suspension.”

“It is with the deepest sadness imaginable that we share the news that our beloved father has decided to end his life,” XL’s family said. “It was the most painful and personal experience of our lives, but in honor of Suicide Awareness Month, we decided to share this truth. Dad would hope this message helps someone else stay alive.”

The XL Clan also shared that the rapper was diagnosed with congenital heart failure in 2020, followed by stage 4 prostate cancer earlier this year. XL also struggled with “lifelong depression,” the family added.

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In a July 30 Instagram post announcing XL's death, the rapper's daughters — Chynna, Bella, Lyric and Kiyana — wrote, “The most important thing we feel right now is that our father is at peace , and we are at peace.”

The New York emcee started out as part of the duo Art of Origin before embarking on a solo career with his 1996 debut album, Here to Save You All. XL released four studio albums and is known for hits such as “No Complex,” “Sickology 101,” and “The Anthem.”

“Hundreds of emails, text messages, chats and beautiful social media posts and comments have shown us that Dad was a source of strength to so many,” XL’s family said in their statement. “He encouraged and comforted just about everyone along the way and left an untouchable creative legacy to this dimension.”

“We are grateful beyond words for our time with Dad and overwhelmed by the immeasurable global outpouring of love from around the world.”

Chino XL's family criticizes alleged leak of rapper's posthumous album

In an Instagram post on Friday, XL's family refuted the rumor that the rapper's posthumous album, “Darkness & Other Colors,” would be released in October.

In their statement to USA TODAY, the rapper's family claims that an “unscrupulous individual illegally posted their father's new album online on Friday.”

“To compound this torturous time, this man's contemptuous actions have marred Dad's original planned album release in December, where a significant portion of the proceeds were to be donated to charities,” the family added.

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XL's family said they have received legal representation and are pursuing a legal battle against the alleged leaker.

A new release date for Darkness & Other Colors has not been announced.

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