We have the very sad news to report this morning that Chris “Mac Daddy” Kelly of Kris Kross died last night after he was found unresponsive in his home. He was 34.
The following is a statement issued by his mother and the So So Def Family:
“It is with deep sadness that we announce that our beloved Chris Kelly has passed away on May 1. To millions of fans worldwide, he was the trendsetting, backwards pants-wearing one-half of Kris Kross who loved making music. But to us, he was just Chris – the kind, generous and fun-loving life of the party. Though he was only with us a short time, we feel blessed to have been able to share some incredible moments with him. His legacy will live on through his music, and we will forever love him.”
Kelly and his partner-in-rhyme Chris “Daddy Mac” Smith released three studio albums, including their triple-platinum debut Totally Krossed Out. That record contained their biggest single, the still-great and double-platinum “Jump”, while all three LPs were produced entirely by Jermaine Dupri.
Earlier this year, Kris Kross performed as part of a 20th anniversary celebration of So So Def, which also featured appearances by Jay-Z and Usher. Below is a more recent photo of Kelly and Smith. [via]
That nigga had “Criss-Crossed” over to the other side! Whoever found him dead shoulda tried to give his heart a “jump jump” or some shit.. HAHA
Sad news. Taught the whole word about backwards jeans.