Kris Kross Rapper Chris Kelly Dies At 34
May 2 2013, Published 6:55 a.m. ET
Chris "Mac Daddy" Kelly, half of the 90s rap group Kris Kross, died at 34 in Atlanta Wednesday in what authorities believe to be a drug overdose.
Kelly was found unresponsive at his home at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, and pronounced dead at 5 p.m. at Atlanta Medical Center, according to Betty Honey of the Fulton County Medical Examiner's office.
Cpl. Kay Lester of the Fulton County police said that statements and evidence indicate Kelly's death "may have been a possible drug overdose."
An official cause of death will be released following an autopsy of the fallen hip-hop star, officials said.
Kelly and Chris Smith were best known for their niche of wearing their outfits backwards, and their 1992 smash hit Jump from their debut album, Totally Krossed Out.
The tandem, who were discovered by rapper-producer Jermaine Dupri, toured with late music legend Michael Jackson that year, as well.
In a letter addressed to his fans, Dupri called Kelly the son he never had, and said "I will always love you Chris, and I will never let the world forget you, and God bless your soul."
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Kelly’s mother Donna Kelly Pratte said in a statement Thursday, "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.”