Kris Kross kid Chris Kelly, RIP

CHRIS KELLY (a.k.a. Mac Daddy) of the ’90s teen rap duo Kris Kross, who were known for wearing their pants and shirts backwards, died Wednesday of an apparent drug overdose. According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, which first reported the story, Kelly was found unresponsive at his Atlanta home and was pronounced dead after being transported to Atlanta Medical Center. He was 34. Kelly and partner Chris “Daddy Mac” were only 13 years old in 1991 when they were discovered by Jermaine Dupri while performing at the Greenbriar Mall in Atlanta. The producer signed them to his So So Def label and sent them into the studio to record their first album. A year later, Kris Kross what would become an era-defining hit with "Jump," which was a #1 smash and went on to become an enduring workout anthem. “Jump” helped propel their debut album Totally Krossed Out to north of 4 million units. A tour opening for Michael Jackson and a slew of TV appearances followed. They also recorded the "Rugrats Rap" for Nickelodeon. Kris Kross released two more albums before fading into obscurity. Kelly and Smith briefly reunited in February for the So-So Def 20th Anniversary All-Star Concert. were listed at #90 on VH1's list of "The 100 Greatest Kid Stars." (5/2a)