Nicki Minaj, P Diddy Pay Tribute To Kris Kross' Chris Kelly
The ‘Jump’ singer has died aged 34
Stars from the pop and hip-hop world have paid tribute to Kris Kross star Chris Kelly who has died at the age of 34.
Also known as Mac Daddy, Kelly and his Kris Kross bandmate Chris ‘Daddy Mac’ Smith shot to fame in 1992 with their number two anthem ‘Jump’.
Kelly died at an Atlanta hospital yesterday (1st May) after being found “unresponsive” at his home. The exact cause of his death is yet to be ascertained.
A statement released on behalf of Kris Kross' label So So Def and Kelly's mother Donna Kelly Pratte, read: “It is with deep sadness that we announce that our beloved Chris Kelly has passed away on May 1.
"To millions of fans worldwide, he was the trend-setting, backward 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."
Immediately after the announcement, stars from the music world took to Twitter to pay their respects.
Nicki Minaj wrote: "So sorry to hear that. Sending love to his family. RIP Chris."
Rapper and music mogul P Diddy simply Tweeted: “RIP Chris Kelly.”
Linking to his track ‘Jump On It’, hip-hop legend LL Cool J wrote: “R.I.P Chris Kelly. This song is now officially dedicated to you. May GOD embrace your soul & lift up your family.”
Justin Bieber’s manager Scooter Braun also paid homage, writing: “RIP Chris Kelly... So So Def Family. Star Jones - Damn! Mortality hits you in the face. Life is precious...yet tenuous.”
In an emotional open letter, So So Def Recordings founder Jermaine Dupri, said: “To the world Chris was MacDaddy but to me, he was a son I never had, 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.
“I will always love you Chris, and I will never let the world let the world forget you, may god bless your soul.”