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Chino XL's family has revealed the veteran Bronx-bred rapper died of suicide. As they explained in a statement, "With the most profound sadness imaginable, we share the news that our beloved father decided to end his own Life. 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 Ventura County Medical Examiner’s office lists his official cause of death as asphyxia as a result of ligature hanging. Chino XL died on July 28 at the age of 50. According to several close friends and family, Chino XL battled depression throughout his life. In 2020, he was diagnosed with congenital heart failure.

Chino XL is survived by fi

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony takes place at Cleveland's Rocket Mortgage Field House on October 19. On Wednesday (September 25), the Rock Hall rolled out its first batch of performers and presenters, which includes actress Julia Roberts, Dr. Dre, Jelly Roll, James Taylor and Dua Lipa.

They also confirmed Busta Rhymes, Chuck D, Demi Lovato, Ella Mai, Keith Urban, Kenny Chesney, Lucky Daye, Mac McAnally, Method Man, Roger Daltrey, Sammy Hagar, Slash and The Roots.

Par for the course, this year's class boasts a wide variety of artists: Peter Frampton, Mary J. Blige, Cher, the Dave Matthews Band, Foreigner, Kool & the Gang, Ozzy Osbourne and A Tribe Called Quest in the performers category, along with Alexis Korner, John Mayall and Big Mama Thornton f

Three Living Legends recently descended upon Denver, Colorado for Rooster ArtFest 2024. On Sunday (September 22), Murs, Eligh and Scarub reunited for a special 3 Melancholy Gypsys set and performed their first new single in four years, "Laserbeam." 

Murs, who hasn't performed with Living Legends in years and has essentially retired, frequents the Denver area as part of his Groundwaves program. Launched a few years ago at The Music District in Fort Collins, Groundwaves finds Murs taking on a mentor role, schooling the next generation on the art of MCing and more. The program has since expanded into other states, including Oklahoma and Arkansas. 

Several of Murs' protégés performed during the festival and brought a

The Fearless 4 reunited for a show at the Blue Gallery in New York City on Friday (September 13). It marked the pioneering Hip-Hop group's first performance together in more than a decade. They sailed through live renditions of "F-4000," Problems Of The World," "Creepin' Up On Ya" and their most recognized hit, 1982's "Rockin' It," stirring up nostalgia. 

The Fearless 4, comprised of OC, Krazy Eddie, Microphone Wizard DLB, The Great Peso, The Devastating Tito and The Mighty Mike C, was the first rap group to land a record deal with a major label (Elektra Asylum Records). 

Check back with RAPstation for an interview with Mike C later this week. 

Lil Troy, most famous for his 1998 hit "Wanna Be A Baller," is back home after a near-death experience. Earlier this week, the Houston native suffered a serious heart attack that landed him in the hospital. Willie D of the Geto Boys suggested he was "fighting for his life." But in a text conversation with RAPstation, Lil Troy confirmed he was doing "a lot better" and walked away from the experience with a fresh perspective. 

"I'm going to start speaking about taking our meds, going to the doctor and heart attacks," he said. "I'm good now. Feeling blessed." 

Lil Troy and Van Silk spoke to RAPstation in December 2021 after Troy survived a fiery explosion on Interstate 10 near Houston involving his own 18-wheeler. Troy, owner of Birklett Trucking Company, was returning fr

Public Enemy, De La Soul, Cypress Hill, Too Short, Eric B & Rakim, Dilated Peoples and Mistah F.A.B. will perform as part of the "Hip-Hop 101: New York to The Bay" concert on November 9 in at the Oakland Arena in Oakland, California. The show, sponsored by Live Nation, reunites Chuck D and Flavor Flav as well as Eric B. and Rakim. 

Oakland Hip Hop has played a pivotal role in shaping the genre's evolution, contributing a distinctive sound and cultural vibe to the broader landscape. Emerging from the rich musical and social fabric of Oakland, this scene is known for its gritty realism, innovative beats and a deep connection to the community's struggles and triumphs. Artists like Too Short, E-40 and Mac Dre have been instrumental in defining the Bay Area's unique style. Their