Chino XL. He’s a 6’2”, 230lb lyrical beast, and one of the most widely recognized names in the rap game. His nickname; “The Puerto Rican Superhero.” But the road to recognition was not easy; it was a struggle from birth. Chino’s father left before he was born, leaving his mother to raise her only child. Living in the projects, Chino had to hustle to survive. His only escape was music. As a youth, he traveled alongside some of Hip Hop’s most celebrated artists, including Afrika Bambaataa and Ice-T.
At 12, Chino began performing at local talent shows in New Jersey and quickly emerged as one of the best lyricists in his neighborhood. His demos eventually caught the ear of Def Jam founder Rick Rubin, who immediately signed Chino to Def American Records.
His first album on Def American, “Here To Save You All” had an instant impact on the Hip Hop charts. Chino had found his audience. His premiere single, “Kreep” peaked at the ..2 slot on MTV. Tracks from the album regularly featured on the internationally syndicated Wake Up Show, and his lyrics were placed in the “Source Quotables.”
"…with equal amounts of style and substance, Chino incorporates elements of both coasts' sounds...." The Source
"…Chino is riveting precisely because he doesn't pull punches…." NME Magazine
It wasn't long before Chino was recognized and beckoned into the studio by some of the most respected artists in the Hip Hop community. From Paul Wall to Ras Kass, from Bun B to Common, from Canibus to the RZA, Chino XL has collaborated with some of the greatest names in the game.
After this transforming experience, Chino withdrew from the rap game. Chino explained, “I just felt that it was time to move on…I wanted to expand my skills, just get out and do something new.” Chino began acting. His natural talent for acting quickly put him on the map. He starred in films alongside Kate Hudson, Luke Wilson, and Rob Reiner. In addition to this, he had a recent solo project debut at Robert Redford’s Sundance Film Festival. Nevertheless, even with a successful acting career, Chino never lost his love for music.
He began writing new lyrics, with a renewed sense of passion and inspiration. Chino described why he came back: “I wanted to add something new to music. It felt as if the same ideas and topics were being used over and over. So I got to work.” He added, “It seems like the stars lined up for me because, I’ve gotten better, Latin’s are getting more love in Hip Hop, and the music game needs a new voice with a different flavor.”
Sway from MTV discusses Chino’s new music: "Chino turned hardship and tragedy into triumph, and expresses it with his new music. It immediately connected with me in a major way. He's a seasoned artist now, and one of the best lyricists of all time, period. It's unbelievable how the man keeps getting better and better..."
Chino XL is currently working on a new project, MACHETE/UNIVERSAL.
damn man, the 90 bars r fucking brilliant, i even can't choose a best punchline, if you asked me to point out the 30 best punchlines in hip-hop i'd probably quote 28 of yours man...
OKAY, ON A BRIGHTER NOTE... DAMN NIGGA! I JUST HEARD THAT "MURDER" TRACK WITH U, SEAN PRICE, AND KILLAH PRIEST?!! THAT SHIT IS BANANAS, KID!! THAT SHIT IS "OFF THE MEAT RACK ROCKY BALBOA TRAINED ON"... NIGGA U IS A FUCKING MONSTER!! THEY NEED TO PUT A PICTURE OF YOU ON THAT ENERGY DRINK CAN!!
what's up. thanks for you REAL fucking hip hop. you and a few others like crooked I and still doin it from the heart and that shit's inspiration holmes. You put shit down. one day i hope we can record something. stay killin off these teeny bopper rap cats. piece.
Even though it's from your last solo album, I see very little reason why "Wordsmith" doesn't have the most plays. (Besides the ones I mention) I guess it may be too esoteric for the normal Hip-Hop fan. That HAS to be it.
Not to take anything away from your newest work, that is. 90 Bars, I'm Comin, Cross Your Heart, and Sickology are ALL raw.
I think "The RICANstruction" needs an FDA warning attached. "Contains raw materials that's off the meatrack." Just waiting on a release date.
Ok, now it sounds like I'm just jocking you, over-hyping you, and being retarded. Regardless, you're one of the hardest artists. Well regarded in the streets like landmarks is, but still on some smart shit. Don't get me started.
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