Chris Kelly, better known as Mac Daddy, was born on November 11, 1978, in Atlanta, Georgia. He discovered his passion for music at a young age and formed a close friendship with his future Kris Kross bandmate, Chris Smith, also known as Daddy Mac, while attending elementary school together.
Kelly and Smith officially joined forces in 1991 when they were just twelve years old. They released their debut album, Totally Krossed Out, in the same year, with production help from renowned rapper Jermaine Dupri. The album's lead single, "Jump," quickly became a hit, propelling Kris Kross to stardom.
The success of Totally Krossed Out earned the duo the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for eight consecutive weeks. They became known for their unique style, which included wearing their clothes backward, setting a trend among their young fans.
Kelly was deeply rooted in his Atlanta community, where he remained until his untimely death. He valued his friendships and relationships, especially with his Kris Kross partner, Chris Smith. Kelly's music career allowed him to connect with artists beyond their duo, such as the iconic Michael Jackson, with whom they collaborated on the hit music video "Jam" in 1991.
The music industry mourned the loss of Chris Kelly when he passed away in 2013. His contributions to hip-hop, particularly during the 1990s, left a lasting impact on the genre, inspiring future generations of artists. Kris Kross's music continues to be celebrated and remembered for its infectious energy and youthful exuberance.