Kris Kross Rapper Chris Kelly Dies at 34

Chris Kelly, one-half of the ’90s rap duo Kris Kross, died Wednesday at the age of 34.

The rapper, known as “Mac Daddy,” was found unresponsive at his Atlanta home and was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead, the Fulton County medical examiner’s office told CNN.

Kelly, along with Chris Smith, rose to stardom in 1992 with the hit “Jump,” which topped the Billboard Hot 100 for eight weeks.

Kelly and Smith were 13 when they were discovered in 1991 by Jermaine Dupri.

In February, the duo reunited and performed at the 20th anniversary concert for J.D.’s So So Def label.

Celebrities took to Twitter to send their condolences. “R.I.P Chris Kelly. May GOD embrace your soul & lift up your family,” tweeted LL Cool J, while Nicki Minaj added, “So sorry to hear that. Sending love to his family. RIP Chris.”

UPDATE: Kelly’s mother, Donna Kelly Pratte, and So So Def have released a joint statement.

“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 trendsetting, backwards 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, and we will forever love him.”

—Donna Kelly Pratte (mother) & The So So Def Family

NOTE: No further comments or interviews with the family or So So Def will be granted at this time. We appreciate your understanding.