S. Samuel
Atlanta singer Kandi Burruss is the latest entertainer to come forward to speak on the memory and legacy of late Kriss Kross member Chris Kelly.
Burruss credited Kriss Kross for helping her former R&B crew Xscape land a home on Jermaine Durpi‘s So So Def label in the 1990’s.
“It just really messed with me because a couple things, um, I haven’t seen him lately. I saw him a while back but me and him was always cool. Like, I always thought he was a real cool dude. We came up in the industry together,” Kandi said in an interview. “Because of Kriss Kross, that’s how Jermaine Dupri got his label to sign Xscape. When we were young, we were all around each other, a lot. A lot. I remember, after, you know, his group stopped — he was looking to do more music on his own — this is before everyone knew I was writing songs. This is when I first wanted to write songs. … I hate that he’s gone but I also hate the fact that dang, it’s so many young people that are losing their lives and it’s just so sad to me, it’s like, what is going on?” (The Urban Daily)
When news of Kelly’s death went viral, JD penned an emotional statement.
“To the world Chris was MacDaddy but to me, he was a son I never had, as much as you may think I taught him, he taught me, god has blessed me to be in the presence of so many naturally talented people, and Chris was one. his understanding of what we set out to do, from day one was always on point. his passion for the music, his love for doing shows, his want to better than everyone else, was always turnt up. when I think about it I spent more time with Chris than damn near anybody in my whole life, so you can imagine how bad this hurts. I will always love you Chris, and I will never let the world forget you, may god bless your soul” (XXL Mag)
A few days ago, footage of Kelly’s final day surfaced across the Internet.
Hours before his death, a drugged out Chris Kelly attempted to rap … and spit out lyrics about a room full of dead bodies … and TMZ has the sad footage. The video — shot in Kelly’s Atlanta home around 7:00 AM on May 1 — is a window into the life of a drug addict. There’s crap strewn all over the house … and several seemingly drugged out people just hanging out. One of Kelly’s guests — who also seems inebriated — pulls out a camera and begins to record as a discombobulated Kelly struggles to rap along with music pumping through the speakers. (TMZ)
Funeral services for the late hip-hop artist are slated to begin tomorrow (May 8).
Funeral services are planned next week in Atlanta for former Kris Kross rapper Chris Kelly, who was found dead in his home from a possible drug overdose. Murray Brothers Funeral Home in Atlanta confirmed Saturday that it will hold a public viewing for Kelly throughout the afternoon and evening Wednesday. (Fox News)
Check out Kandi Burruss’ interview:
