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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.
PRIMO in the studio
Bench pressing 405 pounds
