By: Shenice Sanders, NDG Intern
Chris Smith, known as Daddy Mac, and Kelly reach fame at the tender age of 13, after meeting music producer and rapper Jermaine Dupri in 1992. Their unique style and raps won the hearts of fans with their most successful song Jump, off of their multi platinum 1992 debut album Totally Krossed Out. The due experienced much success following their debut album by getting to tour with Michael Jackson, releasing their own video game and appearing on TV shows.
The duo also made headline news for fashion as well. The pair was known for wearing their clothes backward during performances and starting a trend for the younger audience.
While the next few albums did not match their original success, they had other hits such as Tonite’s the night and Young, Rich and Dangerous. The group earlier this year performed together for So-So Def 20th Anniversary All-Star concert.
“He actually was still working on music and recording,” said Yahoo music writer Billy Johnson Jr., who interviewed Kelly in February.
“He said he had several hundred songs that he had recorded and he had mentioned that during his time away from releasing music that he had actually gone back to school to learn how to be a studio engineer,” Johnson said, according to ABC News Radio
Kelly family released a statement saying.
“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.”
The hip hop community is very sadden by the rapper sudden death, Rapper LL cool J tweeted “R.I.P Chris Kelly, this song is now officially dedicated to you. May GOD embrace your soul & lift up your family.”
Da Brat and Hip-Hop icon Russell Simmons also tweeted their condolences.
