- Kris Kross was a duo band formed by Atlanta teenagers, Christopher Smith and Christopher Kelly after meeting with Jermaine Dupri in 1991
- The group made a hit with their debut single Jump and found their way to collaborations with artists like Michael Jackson
- Despite releasing three successful albums and many hit songs, the death of Christopher Kelly in 2013 effectively ended the group’s progression
Like many boy bands of the 90s era, Kris Kross made it to the top as the youngest and most successful duo following the sales of gold and platinum records. Kris Kross apparently sang their expectations like many bands that contributed to the hip-hop culture. With a bold entrance through their first song Jump which sold well, their sound became distinct among many sounds of the time.
They captured the mood of the era with their lyrical depths and attracted quite a following through their numerous collaborations with stars like Michael Jackson.
Apparently, they rose so fast and hit rock bottom just as fast but their music lived beyond them. Yet, what really happened and where are members of Kris Kross today?
The Rise of Kris Kross
Kriss Kross was formed in 1991 by two friends, James Christopher Kelly and Christopher Smith well known by their stage names ‘Mac Daddy’ And ‘Daddy Mac’ respectively. Kelly who was born on August 11, 1978, and Smith, born on January 10, 1979, both grew up in Atlanta, Georgia and they first met in First Grade. They became lifelong friends and pursued a music career.
Apparently, the two boys who were 13 and 12 years respectively knew what they wanted and when they met Jermaine Dupri in 1991, their career took off. The year 1992 was a turning point for Kriss Kross as they signed with Ruffhouse Records and also released their debut album Totally Krossed.
subsequently, they achieved success with their other albums and also had major collaborations with other music acts.
Where Are The Members Of Kris Kross?
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The rise of the teenagers caught the attention of many yet it was the excesses of living the life of fame that will be the end of one of them.
In 2013 it was reported that Kelly aka Mac Daddy, the second half of the duo died on May 1. His death as revealed by the Atlanta Medical Examiners Office was caused by a drug overdose. Obviously, Kelly’s drug use dates way back since his mother, Donna Kelly Pratte confirmed his history of drug abuse. Kelly was only 34 at the time of his death.
At the moment, the only surviving member of the group, Smith has embarked on his solo career. While his plan to launch a music career is yet to materialize, the former member of Kris Kross is an artist with a passion for music, design, and film. As of now, he showcases his work on the website Urbane Muse.
Shocking Facts About Members Of Kris Kross No One told You About
1. Kris Kross was Impacted by Grammy-Winning Producer, Jermaine Dupri
Kris Kross’s success started with meeting the producer, Jermaine Dupri at a Mall. Dupri who himself attained success wrote and produced their hit song Jump helped to push their career to the world. He is known for pushing the career of other musicians ranging from Janet Jackson to Mariah Carey and many others.
The founder of the So So Def Record label revealed in an interview that when he found them, they were not trying to be rappers or singers. As per his explanation, he saw their gift and facilitated their signing to a record label. While he helped push their musical career, they were among the first artist on his newly founded record label at the time.
He won a Grammy for Mariah Carey’s We Belong Together in the Best R&B song category in 2006.
2. The group Collaborated with Big Names in Their Rise to the Top
Perhaps their greatest announcement outside of a feel of their debut album and its hit singles was a collaboration with the late King of Pop, Michael Jackson. Members of Kris Kross made it to the eighth-studio album tour of Michael Jackson. Tagged, Dangerous world tour, Kris Kross also appeared as cameos for his single Jam.
Their vibe really caught up with other artists like Run-D.M.C. They also sang the Rugrats Rap for Nickelodeon.
3. Why Kris Kross Went on a Hiatus
After releasing three successful albums, their fourth album which contained 25 tracks were never released. Moreso, the artist went on a hiatus during which they both earned more knowledge.
Kelly went into engineering which pushed him into founding his own label, C Connection while Smith went into marketing and business management which pushed him to his own One Life Entertainment, Inc.
As it is they performed intermittently over the years. Kelly and Smith performed their last gig in their hometown shortly before Kelly’s death.
4. They Had a Peculiar Style of Dressing
For most followers of 90’s boybands, Kris Kross stood out not only for their lyrical depth but also for their dress. The music duo wore their trousers back to front and soon started a trend among contemporaries.
Not to be deterred, they chose their dress style to stand out before the release of their first single, Jump. Moreso, they did not want to take chances in an industry that has stiff competition. Despite starting the trend as a teenager, Chris Smith revealed in 2013 that he still wore his trouser backward.
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5. How much is Kriss Kross’s Net Worth?
The successful ’90s duo emerged at a time when many modern bands were coming up yet, at the time of Kelly’s death in 2013, they never verified their net worth. Notably, Kelly purported to have a net worth of $100 000. While this figure is arguable, Smith is said to have a net worth of $200 000.
Over the years, this figure may have increased through his personal endeavors.
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