HomeNews UpdateChris Kelly dies at 34: Music icons give eulogy for rapper Kriss Kross
Chris Kelly dies at 34: Music icons give eulogy for rapper Kriss Kross
July 13, 2024
Chris Kelly, the rapper best known as “Mac Daddy” and one half of the ’90s rap duo Kriss Kross, whose “Jump” was one of the decade’s most enduring hits, has died in Atlanta at the age of 34. Police believe it was a possible drug overdose. The news was confirmed in an official statement from So So Def Records, which was also signed by Chris Kelly’s mother, Donna Kelly Pratte:
It is with deep sadness that we announce that our beloved Chris Kelly passed away on May 1st. To millions of fans around the world, he was the trendsetting, backwards-wearing half of Kris Kross who loved making music. But to us, he was just Chris – the kind, generous, fun-loving soul of the party. Although he was only with us for a short time, we feel blessed to have been able to share some incredible moments with him. His legacy will live on in his music and we will love him forever. (via All Hip Hop)
In addition to the official statement, So So Def Records founder Jermaine Dupri – who discovered the duo as teenagers in an Atlanta mall and served as sole producer of their 1992 debut album – announced. Completely crossed out — posted an open “letter to the fans”:
To the world, Chris was MacDaddy, but to me, he was a son I never had. As much as I taught him, he taught me. God blessed me to have so many naturally talented people around me, and Chris was one of them. His understanding of what we set out to do was always on point from day one. His passion for music, his love for shows, his desire to be better than everyone else was always on full throttle. When I think about it, I’ve spent more time with Chris and Chris than anyone else in my entire life, so you can imagine how much that hurts. (Vibe)
The rest of the letter can be found at Mood.
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Chris Smith, the other member of Kriss Kross who performed under the nickname “Daddy Mac,” paid tribute in a statement:
Chris Kelly was my best friend. He was like a brother. I love him and will miss him very much. Our friendship began as little boys in first grade. We grew up together. It was a blessing to be successful with my best friend, to travel the world and to entertain Kris Kross fans around the world. This is what we wanted to do and what made us happy. I will always cherish the memories of the C-Connection” (E! Online)
The rest of the explanation can be found at On-line.
Numerous other musicians and representatives of the music industry have also tweeted messages of condolence:
Teddy Riley, who was on tour with Kriss Kross:
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Justin Bieber manager Scooter Braun:
And less than 24 hours after Kelly’s death was confirmed, at least one artist had already offered a musical tribute. At a show in St. Louis on Wednesday night, Deftones frontman Chi Moreno delivered a eulogy for Kelly before launching into a metal cover of “Jump”:
(above Turn)
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