Fulton County police corporal Kay Lester told the newspaper Kelly's death is being investigated as a drug overdose, though an autopsy is planned on Thursday to determine the official cause of death.
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Chris Kelly (right) has died. Chris Smith is pictured on the left
Investigator Betty Honey of the Fulton County Medical Examiner's office told the Associated Press Kelly was pronounced dead at around 5pm at the south campus of the Atlanta Medical Centre.
Kelly performed alongside Chris Smith, aka 'Daddy Mac' in the early 90s. The pair were best known for the song Jump from their 1992 debut album Totally Krossed Out.
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Kelly performing in Atlanta in February 2013
The pair eventually went their separate ways after releasing two further albums, reuniting in February to perform at the 20th anniversary concert for the So So Def label.
Musicians including P Diddy and LL Cool J have been paying tribute to Kelly on Twitter.
Kris Kross Through The Years
Totally Crossed Out(01 of08)
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(credit:Flickr:nomen.nescio)
1993 Kid's Choice Awards(02 of08)
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Kris Kross during 1993 Kid's Choice Awards in Los Angeles, California, United States. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic, Inc) (credit:Getty Images)
1993 Kid's Choice Awards(03 of08)
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Kris Kross (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic) *** Local Caption *** (credit:Getty Images)
Kris Kross(04 of08)
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Kriss Kross And The King Of Pop
Photo of KRIS KROSS(05 of08)
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UNSPECIFIED - JANUARY 01: Photo of KRIS KROSS; Posed group portrait (Photo by Michel Linssen/Redferns) (credit:Getty Images)
Kris Kross - 12-1-1992(06 of08)
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Kriss Kross 12-1-1992 in New York City, New York, United States. (Photo by Steve Eichner/WireImage) (credit:Getty Images)
Kris Kross in NYC - 1992(07 of08)
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Kris Kross (Photo by Steve Eichner/WireImage) *** Local Caption *** (credit:Getty Images)
So So Def All-Star 20th Anniversary Concert(08 of08)
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ATLANTA, GA - FEBRUARY 23: Kris Kross perform at the So So Def 20th anniversary concert at the Fox Theater on February 23, 2013 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Prince Williams/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)