Chris Kelly’s funeral
A fallen Kris Kross rapper and Hip-Hop trendsetter was laid to rest Thursday, May 9 while his family and friends looked on. Chris Kelly, 34, was funeralized in Atlanta, Georgia at Jackson Memorial Baptist Church. As previously reported Kelly passed away from a drug overdose.
Rollingout was on hand for the service and noted that the bereaving featured a number of celebrities. Attendees included Xscape singers LaTocha and Tamika Scott as well as So So Def founder Jermaine Dupri and his father Michael Mauldin. Both played pivotal roles in Chris Kelly’s musical career. The pair marched in with Kelly’s family, alongside his rap partner Chris Smith and DJ Nabs. Tiny Harris attended the funeral as well.
A grief stricken Da Brat was in attendance and refused to speak with the press. Keke Wyatt was also on hand and shared a few words with Rollingout about her first memory of Kelly. “‘Jump, Jump!'” said Wyatt. “I got in trouble for singing that [song].”
Wyatt later gave a soul stirring rendition of “His Eye Is On The Sparrow” after LaTocha and Tamika Scott sang an a capella gospel tribute for the rapper.
The service also featured reflections from several individuals closest to the rapper including Michael Mauldin and Kelly’s cousin LaToya Wise who shared a poem she’d written in his honor.
A pivotal moment came however when Chris Smith, Kelly’s Kris Kross rap partner, struggled through a heartfelt speech.
“This morning when I woke up this peace came over me,” said Smith wiping tears from his eyes. “I knew that Chris is with our father in heaven.”
He then recounted his final performance with Kelly at the recent So So Def Reunion concert in Atlanta.
“Right before we go on, Chris runs over to my side and says, ‘stay focused.’ […] He didn’t sweat nothing, he wasn’t all anxious, he just walked to his side. That’s the Chris that I knew. He was a true friend, he wanted to see if I was alright.”
“I just wanna say I love you man and I love you dearly, ” he added. “I hope our legacy for Hip Hop is never forgotten. I’m gonna do my part to make sure Chris’ memory lives on.”
Kelly’s mother attended the funeral in a cream colored frock and was seen being comforted by her husband as the rapper’s casket was brought out.
A singing trio was also spotted donning their clothing backwards to mimic Kris Kross’ trademark style.
Below are photos of funeral guests during today’s ceremony. Rollingout extends it condolences to the Kelly family. –danielle canada
