Chris Kelly of Kris Kross Dead at 34

Rapper, who along with Chris Smith was known for 1992 hit "Jump," was found unresponsive at his Atlanta home

By Natalie Finn May 02, 2013 2:38 AMTags
Chris Kelly, Kris KrossPrince Williams/Getty Images

A sad day for hip-hop fans.

Chris Kelly, who along with fellow rapper Chris Smith made up the 1990s teen rap duo Kris Kross, died tonight after being found unresponsive at his home in Atlanta, E! News confirms. He was 34.

He was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after 5 p.m. According to the Fulton County Medical Examiner, an autopsy is scheduled for tomorrow and this is an ongoing investigation.

Kelly was the "Mac Daddy" half of Kris Kross to Smith's "Daddy Mac," both of which monikers they name-checked in their biggest hit, the catchy 1992 tune "Jump."

The pair, who were also known for wearing their baggy hip-hop threads backwards, were just 13 when they were discovered in their native Atlanta by Jermaine Dupri. Their debut album, Totally Krossed Out, sold more than 4 million copies in the U.S.

Other big singles included "Warm It Up" and "I Missed the Bus," and they also recorded the "Rugrats Rap" for Nickelodeon in 1994.

Dupri had arranged for Kelly and Smith to reunite at the 20th-anniversary celebration for his So So Def Recordings back in February.

"RIP Chris Kelly...May the peace of God comfort your family & all of those who love u," tweeted R&B singer Monica upon hearing the news.

"R.I.P Chris Kelly," wrote LL Cool J, with a link to his tune "Jump On It." "This song is now officially dedicated to you. May GOD embrace your soul & lift up your family."

—Reporting by Holly Passalaqua