Official: Kris Kross rapper died of drug overdose

ATLANTA — A medical examiner's investigator says Chris Kelly of the '90s rap duo Kris Kross died of a drug overdose.

Investigator Betty Honey of the Fulton County Medical Examiner's office in Atlanta said Monday that a toxicology screening showed the 34-year-old Kelly had a mixture of drugs in his system when he was pronounced dead on May 1. However, Honey said she did not know which specific drugs Kelly had used.

A police report says Kelly's mother told investigators her son used cocaine and heroin the night before he died and had a history of drug abuse.

Kelly, known as "Mac Daddy," performed alongside Chris Smith, known as "Daddy Mac," in the early and mid-1990s. The duo was remembered for the song "Jump" from their 1992 debut album, "Totally Krossed Out."

Copyright The Associated Press

About the Author

Phillip Lucas

Mitchell Anderson, Jenny Levison share ‘Love Letters’ to food, art, each other

Mitchell Anderson and Jennifer Levison write "Love Letters" to food, art and each other in drama at Synchronicity Theatre.

Review: Elizabeth Lide at whitespace opens a rich, singular attic of the mind

“Oddments of the Lean State,” Elizabeth Lide’s site-specific, full-gallery installation on view at whitespace through April 19, is as rich and singular as its title.

Pollinator Art Space at Goat Farm: Small space for big ideas

Located at the Goat Farm, Pollinator Art Space is a home for Atlanta artists to show new work that is either installation or experimentation focused.

The Latest

Credit: (Courtesy of Whitespace)

Review: Elizabeth Lide at whitespace opens a rich, singular attic of the mind

Mitchell Anderson, Jenny Levison share ‘Love Letters’ to food, art, each other

It’s panda-monium: Atlantans form 50,000-person queue for tickets to Panda Fest

Featured

Credit: Jenni Girtman

With new American South guide, Michelin highlights Atlanta – but not Georgia

The 2025 Michelin Guide featuring metro Atlanta will expand to include six southern states: Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.

Atlanta police say woman made fake 911 call prior to Young Scooter’s death

The bizarre string of events that led to the Atlanta rapper’s death began when Demetria Spence made a fake call to 911, according to police.

Trump’s legal fees, religious liberty and DEI: What made the cut with Georgia lawmakers

Wednesday is the penultimate day of the 2025 Georgia legislative session. It’s expected to be busy as lawmakers rush to get their bills assigned to the House and Senate floor.

2h ago