Kris Kross

Kris Kross was an American rap duo that rose to fame in the early 1990s, delivering chart-topping hits that would become classics of the genre. Comprised of the late Chris “Mac Daddy” Kelly and Chris “Daddy Mac” Smith, the duo became platinum-certified by bringing their unique style and perspectives to the industry.

About Kris Kross

Kris Kross made their debut in 1992 with their first single, “Jump,” which became an immediate sensation worldwide. It leaped to the top of the Hot 100 charts and stayed there for eight weeks, becoming a cultural phenomenon and introducing a new generation to rap music. The duo’s debut album, “Totally Krossed Out,” also reached the top spot on the charts and went 4x platinum based on its popularity and success.

What made Kris Kross unique was their youthful energy, perspective, and the way they talked about the ghetto and gang violence at such a young age. Their lyrics and style were heavily influenced by the street culture of the time, and their success represented a breakthrough moment for young artists in the industry.

Kris Kross was discovered by producer Jermaine Dupri in an Atlanta mall while they tried to get an autograph from another artist. Dupri was impressed with their appearance and exchanged phone numbers with them, eventually becoming their mentor and developing their talent. After being turned down by several record labels, the duo finally got their big break when Ruffhouse Records signed them based on their unique perspective.

Over the next few years, Kris Kross released two more albums, both of which achieved moderate success. They reached the top 20 in the US, and each spawned another top 20 hit on the Hot 100. Although they wrote songs for a fourth album, it was never released, and the group disbanded.

After the group split up, Chris Kelly pursued a career in music production, working with various artists in the industry, while Chris Smith studied business and later formed the companies Urbane Muse and One Life Entertainment. In 2013, Kris Kross reunited to perform at a celebration marking 20 years in the business for Dupri’s record label So So Def.

Tragically, four months later, on May 1, 2013, Chris Kelly was found unresponsive in his Atlanta home and was pronounced dead at the Atlanta Medical Center; he was only 34 years old. The cause of death was later determined to be a drug overdose, highlighting the darker side of the music industry and the personal struggles of many artists.

Kris Kross was a groundbreaking duo that helped to redefine rap music in the 1990s. Their youthful energy, unique perspectives, and street-inspired style made them an instant hit and a cultural phenomenon. Although they faced personal struggles and challenges, their legacy lives on through their music, which continues to inspire and influence new generations of artists.