DJ Nabs made history as the main DJ for Kris Kross. In 1992, Kris Kross and DJ Nabs became the first and only hip-hop acts to ever tour with Michael Jackson. They were the opening performers on Jackson’s historical “Dangerous Tour.”
Over the years, DJ Nabs and Kris Kross grew apart professionally, but they all remained very close on a personal level.
When DJ Nabs heard of Chris Kelly’s death, it was like losing a younger brother.
He recently spoke with rolling out about life with Kris Kross and the untimely death of Chris Kelly.
What do you remember most about the first time you met Kris Kross?
I first met them at rehearsals for their tour. I had a relationship with Arrested Development and Jermaine Dupri’s father, Michael Mauldin, managed Arrested Development and Kris Kross. Mauldin brought me in to DJ for Kris Kross on Michael Jackson’s “Dangerous Tour.” Initially, they were suppose to open for the group Joe Public. But the album was moving so fast that it became a bigger situation and they needed a DJ.
They were both 13 years-old and touring with the biggest artist in history. Do you think that was too much to handle for kids so young?
That’s a lot of success for anyone. It was all fast for everyone involved. They were having fun and enjoying it. We toured for three or four years and it was busy at the time. When it slowed down, I became closer with Chris Kelly.
Did you see any signs that made you worry about their situation?
During the height of Kris Kross, they were busy. Afterwards, they wanted to be home and enjoy what they worked for and live like regular teens. Nothing happened because they weren’t popular anymore. Life took its own gradual turns. Over time, Kelly was like my younger brother. I’m sure there was some frustration when he was working hard on music and trying to make it again.
What was your initial reaction when you heard of Chris Kelly’s death?
It was a shocker. Immediately, I thought of his family so that’s who I’ve been spending most of my time with. I want to represent as much as I can. I want people to know the type of person Chris was when he was here. He had great success and experienced major lows. He was a very grounded person. He lived fast, hard and unfortunately he passed that way. A lot of people loved him and I really appreciate what he did personally and with music. I’m trying to find time to grieve, but right now it’s been very busy for everyone involved.
