Kris Kross Rapper Chris Kelly Dies At 34


Kris Kross rapper Chris Kelly, also known as “Mac Daddy” as he performed in the rap duo, has died at the age of 34.

Kelly was one-half of Kris Kross in the 90s, a teen rap act known for their tween-friendly rhymes and backwards clothing.

Kelly died on Wednesday afternoon, after he was found in his Atlanta home reportedly unresponsive.

Local paper the Atlanta Journal-Constitution quickly ran down Kris Kross’ notability in 90s pop culture as well as their rise to fame, reporting:

“An Atlanta native, Kelly and the other half of the duo, Chris Smith, were discovered at Greenbriar Mall in 1990 by now-famous entertainer and producer Jermaine Dupri. ‘Kris Kross’ was one of the first acts Dupri signed to his So So Def Records label, and in February, the duo was among many to perform at an anniversary show at the Fox … This time, neither Chris had their clothes on backward.”

The teens quickly shot to fame with the catchy 90s staple hit “Jump,” and many young teens emulated their style of back-to-front overalls and backwards clothing.

The paper reports that the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Officer confirmed the basic facts of Kelly’s death, saying the former Kris Kross rapper was transported to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Cause of death for Kelly was not immediately apparent after he was taken to the facility, and an autopsy is scheduled for tomorrow morning to determine what may have killed the star.

Earlier this year, Kris Kross announced plans to reunite, more than two decades after their teen success.

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