Derek Barbosa, born in New Jersey to a Puerto Rican father and a Black mother, was discovered and signed by music impresario Rick Rubin at the age of 16. Under the stage name "Chino XL", he was often referred to as "the Lyrical Messiah" due to a song from his 2006 album "Poison Pen".
After releasing his debut album "Here To Save You All" in 1996, which featured chart-topping singles and top-rated videos on MTV, Barbosa decided to take a different approach with his follow-up album. He parted ways with Rubin's American Recordings label and signed with Warner Bros. Records.
However, due to Prince's public legal battle and departure from WB, the Black Music department was folded, and Barbosa found himself in need of a new home for his music. His long-awaited follow-up album "I Told You So", produced while at Warner, was released independently in 2001 and became an instant classic, despite its release date of September 11, 2001.
Barbosa took a hiatus from music and turned his attention to acting. Over the next four years, he appeared in various film roles, including low-budget indie films, comedic and dramatic guest appearances on network television, and co-starring opposite Kate Hudson and Luke Wilson in director Rob Reiner's "Alex & Emma".
His manager, Stacey Castro, encouraged Barbosa to return to making music, and the duo worked for two years to create his third album "Poison Pen", which received critical acclaim and achieved cult status. Copies of his debut album "Here To Save You All" continue to sell to this day.
Barbosa has toured with a range of artists, including Alanis Morissette, Pitbull, Faith Hill, and Snoop Dogg. He signed with Universal Music from 2007 to 2009.
In addition to his music career, Barbosa is a member of MENSA and has a notable uncle, funk maestro Bernie Worrell.
