News surfaced earlier this week that Chris Kelly, one half of the 90′s Group Kris Kross had been found dead in his Atlanta home at the age of 34. The Fulton County Police Department announced that authorities found evidence at Kelly’s home in south Atlanta pointing to a possible drug overdose.
As the music world mourns the loss of one of its own, producer Jermaine Dupri, who discovered and mentored the group, released a touching statement via Twitter about Kelly’s passing.
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“To the world Chris was MacDaddy but to me, he was a son I never had,” Dupri wrote. “As much as you may think I taught him, he taught me. God has blessed me to be in the presence of so many naturally talented people, and Chris was one. His understanding of what we set out to do, from day one was always on point. His passion for the music, his love for doing shows, his want to better than everyone else, was always turnt up. When I think about it I spent more time with Chris than damn near anybody in my whole life, so you can imagine how bad this hurts? I will always love you Chris, and I will never let the world forget you. May God bless your soul.”
Chris Smith, who was Kelly’s group mate in Kriss Kross, also spoke out about the loss of his longtime friend.
“Chris Kelly was my Best Friend,” said the rapper in a statement. “He was like a brother. I love him and will miss him dearly. Our friendship began as little boys in first grade. We grew up together. It was a blessing to achieve the success, travel the world and entertain Kris Kross fans all around the world with my best friend,” he continued. “It is what we wanted to do and what brought us happiness. I will always cherish the memories of the C-Connection.”