Chris Kelly Honored in Emotional Funeral Service
Kris Kross’ Chris Kelly was honored today at an emotional funeral service held at a Baptist church in the late rapper’s hometown of Atlanta, MTV reports. The ceremony was attended by friends and family as well as members of Xscape, longtime collaborator DJ Nabs, rapper Da Brat and mentor Jermaine Dupri. the latter two reportedly wore their pants backwards in a nod to the duo’s iconic style from their heyday following their 1992 Number One hit, “Jump.”
Kelly’s Kris Kross cohort Chris Smith was also in attendance and delivered a tearful eulogy. Smith recalled the last time the duo performed together at the So So Def anniversary concert in February: Right before the curtain was set to go up, Kelly ran over to Smith on the other side of the stage and told him, “Stay focused,” before calmly walking back.
Kris Kross’ Chris Smith Mourns Death of Chris Kelly
“That’s the Chris I always knew,” Smith continued. “He was a true friend. He wanted to see if I was alright. I just want to say, I love you man. I would say Kris Kross forever, but without Chris, it ain’t never gonna be the same. But I hope our legacy for hip-hop is never forgotten.”
DJ Nabs paid tribute to Kelly by delivering his speech in a Kross’d-out pig latin language, saying “You family has your back, don’t worry about anything. Rest now. The fight is over.”
Kelly died on May 1st after being found unresponsive in his Atlanta home. Police have ruled any foul play; the cause of death is suspected to be a drug overdose, but authorities are still waiting for the results of a toxicology report.