Today, July 28, 2025, marks one year since the passing of legendary lyricist Chino XL, born Derek Keith Barbosa. Known for his unparalleled wordplay and fearless lyrical content, Chino XL left behind a legacy that continues to inspire. Among his many impactful works, one that resonates deeply today is “Ascending to Mytikas,” a powerful collaboration with producer and artist Fuzzy Ed. The song was recorded before 2022 and appears on Fuzzy Ed’s album Mythology. It stands as a testament to Chino XL’s poetic mastery and spiritual depth.
“Ascending to Mytikas” carries more than just a title; it’s a symbolic journey. Mytikas, the highest peak on Mount Olympus in Greece, represents the realm of the gods in Greek mythology. Through this track, Chino XL’s voice ascends alongside the theme, elevating not just his bars but the entire narrative of legacy, mythology, and lyrical excellence. Fuzzy Ed’s production lays the foundation for a monumental track that now serves as a fitting tribute to Chino XL’s greatness.
Chino XL was born on April 8, 1974, in The Bronx, New York, and raised in East Orange, New Jersey. He was signed at the young age of 16 to Rick Rubin’s American Recordings, having first made waves as part of the duo Art of Origin. He quickly earned a reputation as one of Hip-Hop’s most cerebral and technically skilled MCs. His 1996 debut Here to Save You All featured the standout single “Kreep,” which spent a record-breaking 23 weeks on Billboard’s Bubbling Under R&B chart. He would go on to release I Told You So in 2001, Poison Pen in 2006, and Ricanstruction: The Black Rosary in 2012, the latter of which won Album of the Year from HHUG.
Outside of music, Chino XL made his mark in acting, appearing in shows like Reno 911!, CSI: Miami, The Young and the Restless, and the film Alex & Emma alongside Kate Hudson and Luke Wilson. He was also a member of Mensa International and the nephew of Parliament–Funkadelic legend Bernie Worrell, underscoring both his intellectual and musical pedigree.
Sadly, Chino XL died by suicide on July 28, 2024, at the age of 50. The Ventura County Medical Examiner confirmed the cause of death as asphyxia by ligature hanging. He had been privately battling congenital heart failure, stage-4 prostate cancer, and lifelong depression. His passing shook the Hip-Hop community to its core, prompting tributes from peers like Chuck D, Joe Budden, Evidence, KXNG Crooked, Ice-T, and countless others. His family, his daughters Chynna, Bella, Lyric, and Kiyana, along with his stepson, grandchildren, mother, and former partner, shared their heartbreak publicly, describing him as their rock and best friend.
“Ascending to Mytikas” now stands not only as a track from the Mythology album, but as a spiritual send-off, a reminder of the heights Chino XL reached in life, and the eternal space he occupies in Hip-Hop’s pantheon. As we remember him today, his words continue to echo like ancient myth: sharp, immortal, and transformative.
