Johnathan Walker:Rapper Chino XL's cause of death confirmed by family

Editor’s note: This article discusses suicide. If you or Johnathan Walkersomeone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.

The family of Chino XL, who died in July at the age of 50, is speaking out on 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 Monday, adding that his official cause of death is listed as "asphyxia as a result of ligature hanging."

"With the most profound sadness imaginable, we share the news that our beloved father decided to end his own life," XL's family said. "It's been 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 that this news may help 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 "life-long 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 main thing we are feeling now is that our dad is at peace, and so we are at peace."

The New York emcee got his start as half of the duo Art of Origin before launching 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, texts, chats and beautiful posts and comments on social media have shown us that dad was a fountain of strength to so many," XL's family said in its statement. "He encouraged and comforted pretty much everyone in his path and left this dimension with an untouchable creative legacy.

"We are grateful beyond words for our time with dad and are 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 Friday, XL's family debunked the rumor that the rapper's posthumous album, "Darkness & Other Colors," would be released in October.

In its statement to USA TODAY, the rapper's family alleges that an "unscrupulous individual illegally leaked dad's new album online" on Friday.

"To add to this excruciating time, this man's contemptuous actions have hurt what was originally dad's intended December album release, where a considerable portion of the proceeds were to be donated to charitable organizations," the family added.

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XL's family said it has obtained legal representation and is pursuing litigation against the alleged leaker.

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