Kris Kross's Chris "Mac Daddy" Kelly Dies at 34

Tragic news hit the music world today. Chris “Mac Daddy” Kelly of ’90s hip-hop duo Kris Kross has died at age 34. Kelly was found unresponsive at his Atlanta-area home, and later died at a Atlanta Medical Center on Wednesday, May 1. No further details about his cause of death were immediately available. His mother and the So So Def Family issued this statement on Thusrday morning:

“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 Chris “Daddy Mac” Smith celebrated global success with “Jump, Jump.” The single remained eight weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, and was certified double platinum. They released three albums during the ’90s: 1992’s Jermaine Dupri-produced Totally Krossed Out, the following year’s Da Bomb, and 1996’s Young, Rich & Dangerous. Condolences go out to his family and friends.