Died On This Date (May 1, 2013) Chris “Mac Daddy” Kelly / Half Of ’90s Rap Duo, Kris Kross
themusicsover Chris Kelly
June 11, 1978 – May 1, 2013
Chris Kelly is best remembered as one-half of the popular ’90s rap duo, Kris Kross. Formed in 1990 with Chris “Daddy Mac” Smith when they were just 13 years old, the pair went on to have a major hit in 1992 with “Jump.” That single, which appeared on their debut album, Totally Krossed Out, spent eight weeks at #1 on the Billboard singles chart and sold in excess of two million copies. The album from which it came sold upwards of four million copies in the US alone. Kris Kross’ two follow-up albums went platinum and gold in the US respectively. Kelly and Smith were also known for wearing their clothing backwards on stage. Born in Atlanta, Kelly and Smith were discovered by Jermaine Dupri who helped land them a deal with Columbia Records’ Ruffhouse imprint. In 1992, the duo hit the road with Michael Jackson, opening for his Dangerous World Tour. They also appeared in Jackson’s video for “Jam.” Throughout the ’90s, the guys made several cameos on various television shows and such. They also recorded “Rugrats Romp” for the popular Nickelodeon program, Rugrats. Kelly and Smith parted ways in 1998 but reunited for Dupri’s So So Def Recording’s 20th anniversary concert in 2013. On May 1, 2013, Chris Kelly, age 34, was found unresponsive in his Atlanta home and was later pronounced dead at a local hospital. Official medical reports concluded he died of a drug overdose.
What You Should Own
Member of the 
Matthew Africa was a popular hip-hop DJ in the San Francisco bay area. Africa began building his following after he joined U.C. Berkeley radio station, KALX-FM. Over a career that spanned some 20 years, he was revered for his ability to find rare soul and hip-hop vinyl nuggets and introduce them to his audience. He went on to become a popular club, party, and event DJ while fans gobbled up his mix tapes. In recent years, Africa could be heard on 
Chris Lighty was a respected artist manager who counted Sean “Diddy” Combs, Mariah Carey, Ja Rule and 50 Cent as clients. Raised in New York City, Lighty landed his first significant gig in 1988 with Russell Simmon’s Rush Management. After learning the ropes and building a solid reputation as a man who could build brands, Lighty formed Violator Management. His early roster included Busta Rhymes, L L Cool J, and Missy Elliott. Before long, Lighty was representing some of the biggest names in entertainment, and while doing so, becoming one of the most significant business forces in rap history. Chris Lighty reportedly died from a self-inflected gunshot wound at his home on August 30, 2012. He was 44.
Ramona Scott, known professionally as Ms. Melodie, was a rapper and MC who was part of her one-time husband, KRS-One’ s group, Boogie Down Productions. She remained with the outfit until their divorce in 1992. Born in Brooklyn, New York, Scott released her first 12″ record, “Hype According To Ms. Melodie” in 1988. She followed that up with her one and only album, the mostly KRS-One produced, Diva in 1989. The album featured the hits, “Live On Stage” and “Wake Up, Wake Up,” which cracked the top 20 of Billboard’s Rap Singles Chart. Both received significant video airplay on MTV and other outlets. On July 18, 2012, it was announced that Ramona Scott passed away earlier that day. Cause of death was not immediately released.