Kris Kross Now: What Happened To The Backward-Wearing Duo?

Do you ever think back to the early 90s, to a time when music videos ruled the airwaves and fashion was, well, a little wild? It's almost impossible to talk about that era without remembering two young boys who burst onto the scene with an energy that was truly infectious. They wore their clothes backwards, they sang about jumping, and they captured the hearts of millions. For many, Kris Kross was a first introduction to hip-hop, a fun, upbeat sound that just made you want to move. Their arrival felt like a fresh breeze, a vibrant moment in popular culture, and they became a symbol of youthful fun for so many people.

Yet, like many stars who shine brightly at a young age, the spotlight on Kris Kross eventually dimmed. Years have passed since their biggest hits filled our radios. A lot of folks wonder what became of the two Chris's, Chris Kelly and Chris Smith. What are they doing these days, or what happened to them after all that fame? It's a common thought, especially for those who remember their catchy songs and unique style.

This article will take a look at the story of Kris Kross, from their beginnings to where things stand today. We'll remember their rise, their signature look, and the lasting mark they made on music and style. We will also talk about the individual paths each member took once their time in the very bright spotlight faded. So, let's explore the lives of the duo who taught a generation to "Jump."

Table of Contents

• The Rise of Kris Kross: A Sudden Spark
• Who Were Kris Kross? (Personal Details)
• Their Signature Look and Sound: A Unique Approach
• Life After the Limelight: What Happened to Chris Kelly?
• Chris Smith Today: A Quiet Path
• The Legacy of Kris Kross: More Than Just Backward Clothes
• Frequently Asked Questions About Kris Kross

The Rise of Kris Kross: A Sudden Spark

The story of Kris Kross really begins with a chance discovery in an Atlanta mall. A music producer, Jermaine Dupri, spotted two young boys with a certain something, a charisma that really stood out. He saw potential, a kind of raw talent that could connect with a lot of listeners. These two boys, Chris Kelly and Chris Smith, quickly became the group Kris Kross. They were young, just kids really, but they had a stage presence that seemed much older than their years. Their youthful spirit was certainly a big part of their appeal.

Their first big song, "Jump," hit the airwaves with a serious bang. It was everywhere, practically overnight. The song had a bouncy beat and a simple, catchy chorus that stuck in your head. It climbed the music charts very quickly, staying at the top for weeks. This song became a huge hit, a real anthem for kids and teens. The music video for "Jump" also became iconic, showing the boys performing with their clothes worn backwards. This look became their trademark, a fun and memorable way to stand out from other groups.

Following "Jump," their debut album, "Totally Krossed Out," also did very well. It sold millions of copies, making them household names. They toured, appeared on television shows, and became global sensations. Their success was incredibly fast, a true whirlwind of fame and attention. They were, in a way, everywhere you looked. It was a time when their faces and their unique style were recognized by so many people, making them a very big part of the music scene.

Who Were Kris Kross? (Personal Details)

Kris Kross was made up of two friends, both named Chris. Chris Kelly, known as "Mac Daddy," and Chris Smith, known as "Daddy Mac." They brought different energies to the group, but together, they created something special. Their real names were Christopher Kelly and Christopher Smith. They were just 13 years old when their first big song came out, which is pretty young to experience that level of fame. They were, in a way, just regular kids from Atlanta, Georgia, before all the music success happened.

Chris Kelly often had a very playful and energetic stage presence. He was the one with the more outgoing personality during performances, often leading the chants and interacting with the crowd. Chris Smith, on the other hand, had a calmer, more laid-back vibe. He brought a cool confidence to the duo. Together, they created a balance that audiences really enjoyed. Their individual personalities, you know, really helped shape the group's overall appeal and made them distinct.

Here are some more personal details about the two members:

Their Signature Look and Sound: A Unique Approach

The most recognizable thing about Kris Kross, besides their music, was surely their fashion. They famously wore their clothes backwards: jeans, jerseys, and even baseball caps. This look was not just a gimmick; it became a cultural phenomenon. Kids everywhere started wearing their clothes the same way, trying to copy the style of their favorite rappers. It was a very simple idea, yet it made a huge impact on how young people dressed. This style, you know, was something that really caught on fast.

Their music was also quite distinctive for its time. It was hip-hop, but it had a very youthful, pop-friendly feel. Their songs were often about having fun, being young, and just enjoying life. They used catchy hooks and upbeat rhythms that made their tracks easy to dance to. This sound helped them reach a wide audience, not just traditional hip-hop fans. It was a style that appealed to families, to kids, and to anyone looking for a good time. Their sound, too, was really something different in the music landscape.

The combination of their fresh sound and their unforgettable look made them stand out in a very crowded music scene. They were unique, and people responded to that. They showed that hip-hop could be fun and accessible to a younger audience. Their influence stretched beyond music, into fashion and general pop culture. They truly left a mark on the early 90s, and their image is still quite strong in people's memories, even today. They were, in some respects, trendsetters for a whole generation.

Life After the Limelight: What Happened to Chris Kelly?

After their initial burst of fame, the lives of Chris Kelly and Chris Smith took different turns. For Chris Kelly, the years following Kris Kross's peak were not always easy. He faced some personal struggles. The intense spotlight he experienced at such a young age can be a lot for anyone to handle, and sometimes, it leaves people with very real challenges. He tried to continue making music, but the same level of success from his early days did not come back. It was a different kind of life, certainly, away from the constant attention.

Sadly, Chris Kelly's life came to a very early end. He passed away on May 1, 2013, at the age of 34. His passing was a very sad moment for many fans and for the music world. It brought back a lot of memories for people who grew up listening to Kris Kross. The news spread quickly, and many remembered the energetic "Mac Daddy" from their childhoods. His death was a stark reminder of the pressures and difficulties that some child stars face as they grow up. It was a very quiet, rather somber moment for many who followed his story.

His passing sparked conversations about the well-being of young performers and the support systems they need. Many people expressed their sorrow and shared their favorite memories of Kris Kross. It was a moment of reflection for a lot of people who had followed his career from the very beginning. His story, in a way, reminds us of the human side behind the music and the fame. It was a very poignant time for those who admired his early work.

Chris Smith Today: A Quiet Path

Chris Smith, known as "Daddy Mac," has taken a much more private path since the Kris Kross days. Unlike Chris Kelly, he has largely stayed out of the public eye. He has not pursued a high-profile music career, choosing instead a life away from the constant scrutiny of fame. This choice, you know, makes sense for many who have experienced intense public attention at a young age. He seems to prefer a more regular existence, which is completely understandable.

From what is known, Chris Smith has explored other interests. He has, apparently, dabbled in music production and has worked on some projects, though not with the same kind of widespread attention that Kris Kross once had. He has kept a relatively low profile, which is quite different from his very public childhood. He is, in some respects, living a much calmer life now. It's a different rhythm, certainly, than the fast pace of his early career.

He has, on occasion, made appearances related to Kris Kross's legacy, often to honor Chris Kelly. These moments are usually brief, showing his respect for their shared history and his former partner. He seems to carry the memories of their time together with a quiet dignity. His journey shows that life after child stardom can take many forms, sometimes leading to a very private and peaceful existence. He is, by the way, still remembered fondly by fans of the group.

The Legacy of Kris Kross: More Than Just Backward Clothes

The impact of Kris Kross goes beyond just their catchy songs and their backward fashion. They were a significant part of the early 90s music scene, showing how young artists could achieve massive success. They introduced a new generation to hip-hop, making it fun and accessible. Their music was a soundtrack for many childhoods, a source of pure, innocent joy. They showed that music could be lighthearted and still make a big splash. Their influence, you know, was quite broad for a short period.

Their unique style also left a lasting mark. The backward clothes trend, while perhaps short-lived, became an iconic image of the era. It was a playful rebellion, a way for kids to express themselves and feel cool. This visual identity made them unforgettable, cementing their place in pop culture history. It was a very simple idea, but it truly resonated with young people at the time. Their look, too, became a very recognizable symbol of the decade.

Even today, when people think of the 90s, Kris Kross often comes to mind. Their songs are still played at throwback parties and on nostalgia playlists. They represent a particular moment in time, a feeling of youthful exuberance and musical innovation. Their story, including the sad loss of Chris Kelly, serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of fame and the human stories behind the music. Their contribution to music and culture, you know, is still felt by many who grew up with their sound.

It's interesting to consider how the name "Kris" can appear in many different contexts. For instance, you might hear about "Kris 6 sports flour bluff volleyball's road back to state starts with tough win over calallen larissa liska" in a local news report, or see a sign for "Kris communications 301 Artesian Street Corpus Christi, TX." These are, of course, very different from the musical duo Kris Kross. But it just shows how a name can mean so many things to different people, and how the specific identity of Kris Kross the musical group truly stands apart in our memories, especially as of August 12, 2025, when we reflect on their lasting impact.

You can learn more about 90s music trends on our site, which explores many groups that shaped the era. And link to this page exploring other child stars who made a big splash early in their lives.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kris Kross

People often have questions about Kris Kross, especially about what happened to them. Here are some common inquiries folks often ask.

What was the big hit song by Kris Kross?

Their most famous song was "Jump." It was a huge success and reached the very top of the music charts. The song was known for its catchy beat and the repeated word "Jump." It became an anthem for many young people and is still widely recognized today. It was, in a way, their signature tune.

Why did Kris Kross wear their clothes backwards?

Wearing their clothes backwards was their unique style. It was a fashion statement that made them stand out from other music groups. This look was adopted by many of their young fans and became a popular trend in the early 90s. It was, quite simply, their very distinctive way of dressing.

What happened to the members of Kris Kross?

Chris Kelly, known as "Mac Daddy," sadly passed away in 2013. Chris Smith, known as "Daddy Mac," has largely stayed out of the public eye since the group's active years. He has pursued a more private life away from the music industry spotlight. Their paths, you know, went in very different directions after their initial fame.