Family and friends gathered to remember one half of the beloved hip-hop duo Kris Kross, Chris Kelly aka Mac Daddy, yesterday (May 9) in Atlanta after his funeral service at Jackson Memorial Baptist Church. Jermaine Dupri (who discovered the then 13-year old Kelly in a mall), Da Brat, and Tameka “Tiny” Harris were a few well-known names who attended the service to pay their respects.
Fellow Kris Kross member Chris Smith spoke of his friend: “It's been a struggle for me every day, but there was a peace that came over me this morning because I know he's in heaven,” he said to the church in an emotional speech. “I just want to say I love you man and I’ma miss you dearly,” said a teary-eyed Smith. “I can say Kris Kross forever, but I know without Chris, my life it ain’t gon’ never be the same. But I just hope our legacy for hip-hop is never forgotten. But I’ma do my part to make sure Chris’ memory lives on.” The last time they performed together was at J.D.’s So So Def 20th Anniversary concert in March.
LaTocha Scott and Tamika Scott of 90s group Xscape and KeKe Wyatt sang “His Eye Is on the Sparrow” in tribute, and Jermaine Dupri wore his pants backwards in commemoration. “So much pain today, but I know you in a better place, Rest in Peace my lil homie,” JD wrote.
The rapper died last week from a drug overdose.
