Whatever Happened to Kris Kross — The Teenage Duo Behind the ’90s Hit “Jump”?

#NOLAZINE - In the early 1990s, few young hip-hop acts made an entrance quite like Kris Kross. With their clothes worn backwards, youthful energy and an infectious record called “Jump,” the Atlanta duo became an international sensation while they were still kids.

Kris Kross consisted of Chris “Mac Daddy” Kelly and Chris “Daddy Mac” Smith, two Atlanta youngsters whose lives changed after they were discovered by producer Jermaine Dupri. Dupri helped transform the pair into one of the most recognizable young acts of the decade.

“Jump” Takes Over the Charts

In 1992, Kris Kross released their debut album, Totally Krossed Out, led by the single “Jump.”

The record became enormous. “Jump” reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remained there for eight consecutive weeks, turning the teenage rappers into stars almost overnight.

But their influence went beyond the song.

Kris Kross became known for wearing their clothes backwards—a fashion statement that became part of their identity. At the height of their popularity, young fans around the country copied the look.

Their debut album was also a major commercial success, selling millions of copies and establishing Jermaine Dupri as an important new force in hip-hop and R&B.

Kris Kross Was More Than One Song

Although “Jump” remains their signature record, Kris Kross continued releasing music after their explosive debut.

Their early catalog included songs such as “Warm It Up,” “I Missed the Bus” and “It’s a Shame.” They followed Totally Krossed Out with the albums Da Bomb in 1993 and Young, Rich & Dangerous in 1996.

As the two got older, their sound and image matured. However, recreating the enormous mainstream success of “Jump” proved difficult.

By the late 1990s, Kris Kross had largely disappeared from the spotlight as both members began living lives away from the constant attention they experienced as teenage stars.

A Kris Kross Reunion

Years later, fans got another opportunity to see the duo together.

In 2013, Chris Kelly and Chris Smith reunited to perform at the 20th-anniversary celebration of Jermaine Dupri’s So So Def Recordings in Atlanta. It was a nostalgic moment for fans who had grown up during Kris Kross’ early-'90s run.

Sadly, the reunion would become one of their final public appearances together.

The Tragic Death of Chris Kelly

On May 1, 2013, Chris “Mac Daddy” Kelly died at the age of 34 in Atlanta.

According to the medical examiner, Kelly’s death was caused by a drug overdose.

His death brought an unexpectedly tragic ending to the story of one-half of a duo that had once represented the youthful, fun side of early-'90s hip-hop.

Chris Smith was left to carry the Kris Kross legacy without his longtime musical partner.

Where Is Chris “Daddy Mac” Smith Now?

Chris Smith largely stepped away from the level of celebrity attention that surrounded Kris Kross during the group's prime. Over the years, he has occasionally appeared publicly to discuss the group, his friendship with Kelly and the impact they made on hip-hop.

While Kris Kross' recording career was relatively short compared with many legendary rap groups, their cultural footprint has lasted much longer.

The Legacy of “Jump”

More than three decades after its release, “Jump” remains one of the defining hip-hop crossover records of the 1990s. The opening energy of the song can instantly transport listeners back to an era of colorful music videos, baggy clothing and a rapidly expanding hip-hop culture.

Kris Kross proved that two kids from Atlanta could become worldwide stars and helped provide an early glimpse of the city's potential as a major force in hip-hop.

They had the hit record. They had the backwards clothes. They had millions of young fans copying their style.

And although the story of Kris Kross eventually took a heartbreaking turn, Chris Kelly and Chris Smith will forever be remembered as the two young rappers who made the world “Jump.”