Chino XL. He’s a 6’2”, 240lb lyrical beast, Mensa member & 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 when he was 3, leaving his mother to raise her only child. Living in the hood in New Jersey , 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. his uncle being BERNIE WORRELL , of Parliment Funkadelic Music was in his blood. 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 XL 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.” Making him the first Latin artist to receive the honor "…with equal amounts of style and substance, Chino XL incorporates elements of both coasts' sounds...." -The Source "…Chino XL is riveting precisely because he doesn't pull punches…."- NME Magazine he also received a high rating from ROLLING STONE MAGAZINE , It wasn't long before Chino XL was recognized and beckoned into the studio by some of the most respected artists in the Hip Hop community. From Ras Kass, from Bun B, from TECH9 to Snoop Dog, Chino XL has collaborated with some of the greatest names in the game. After this transforming experience, Chino XL withdrew from the rap game. Chino XL 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 XL 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. Chino XL still continues a career in acting, appearing in several films and making a guest appearance in the Comedy Central’s sitcom Reno 911, CBS sitcom The Young and Restless, CBS CSI: Miami, and most recently as a series regular role on CineMax’s Zane’s Chronicles. In addition to this, he had a project debut at Robert Redford’s Sundance Film Festival. Nevertheless, even with a successful acting career, Chino XL never lost his love for music. He began writing new lyrics, with a renewed sense of passion and inspiration. Chino XL 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 XL’s new music: "Chino XL 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 album, for 2011“RICANstruction". He also continues his socially aware movement alongside his fellow Rebel Armz brother Immortal Technique raising money through benefit shows to aid children worldwide also speaking to at risk youth , Chino XL song “WORDSMITH” considered by many as one of the greatest lyrical pieces of all time has been featured in Ivy League college YALES ANTHOLOGY OF Rap. Chino XL has done over 100 live shows just this past year. 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. Chino still continues a career in acting, appearing in several films and making a guest appearance in the Comedy Central’s sitcom Reno 911, CBS sitcom The Young and Restless, CBS CSI: Miami, and most recently as a series regular role on CineMax Zane’s Chronicles. In addition to this, he had a 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 album, for 2011“RICANstruction". He also continues his socially aware movement along side his fellow rebel armz brother IMMORTAL TECHNIQUE raising money through benefit shows to aid children worldwide also speaking to at risk youth , Chino XL's song "WORDSMITH" considered by many as one of the greatest lyrical pieces of all time . has been featured in YALES ANTHOLOGY OF Rap. Chino XL has done over 100 live shows just this past year. He is also a member of MENSA