Chino XL, the legendary lyricist and actor, has unveiled his long-awaited magnum opus, Darkness & Other Colors, a brilliantly produced masterpiece by the exceptional BodyBagBen. This marks Chino’s sixth full-length studio LP, albeit his posthumous debut, showcasing the unparalleled talent of the East Orange, New Jersey emcee. The release of Darkness & Other Colors was not without controversy. There was some drama between Chino’s estate and Holy Toledo Productions founder and A&R extraordinaire M80. However, anyone who admires Chino’s artistry can understand why M80 was determined to bring this album to light. It offers a vivid explanation of Chino’s dedication to perfection, which he worked tirelessly to achieve back in 2020 during the COVID lockdowns when he was still with us. This one is tough to hear, especially the opening track. May Chino rest in peace.