Chinx Mourned by Family and Friends at Funeral

Friends and family turned out to say farewell to Chinx during his funeral in New York on Tuesday (May 26).

Mourners including French Montana filled the Greater Allen A.M.E. Cathedral in Queens to pay their respects at the open brown casket where the 31-year-old rapper, born Lionel Pickens, lay dressed in a gray suit and surrounded by white roses. His widow, Janelli Caceres, wore white jeans and a white shirt with the words “R.I.P. Baby Chinx” on the back.

According to the New York Daily News, two large screens displayed photos of Chinx in happier days. He was described as a “jokester” who “influenced many with his music and his drive to get to the top of the hip hop industry.”

There was a heavy police presence during the ceremony, which was noted by Chinx’ cousin Norman Seabrook, head of the Correction Officers’ union, who asked for a round of applause for the cops.

“Violence has hit home,” said Seabrook. “He’s a kid who turned his life around and he gets assassinated. The police are doing a good job. Let’s hope they catch somebody.”

Chinx’ manager Doug Ellison held back tears as he addressed mourners. “His goal and his intention was to leave a mark and he’s done that,” he said.

Clad in all black, his fellow Coke Boy French Montana held Chinx’ son in his lap during the eulogy.

“Always smiling even when it’s hard, just like his father!” said French, who reportedly helped pay for the funeral. “This home of ours ain’t perfect, but rest in peace in your perfect home now, my brother. Sometimes life hurts more than death when you lose a loved one. Terrible to love something that death can touch. #ripchinx #realone”

Chinx was killed in a drive-by shooting in Harlem on May 17. He and a friend were riding in a Porsche in Queens when a gunman pulled up beside them and opened fire.