Kris Kross' Chris Kelly Death Investigation: Mother Suspects Drug Overdose

Authorities in Atlanta were planning to conduct an autopsy on Thursday (May 2) to determine the cause of death
 of Kris Kross rapper Chris Kelly.

Kelly, 34, one half of the Atlanta-based duo known for their smash 1992 hit "Jump," was found unresponsive at his ATL home and died at an area hospital a short time later.

A spokeswoman for the Fulton County police department told the Associated Press that based on statements at the scene and evidence turned up in Kelly's home, "it appears it may have been a possible drug overdose."

Nicki Minaj, LL Cool J, Ludacris and others pay tribute to Chris Kelly.

According to CNN, a woman who identified herself as a friend of Kelly's told an investigator that the rapper had ingested a mixture of heroin and cocaine on Tuesday night and that she had brought him home to "recover from his drug use," according to a police report.

A spokesperson for the Fulton County police department could not be reached for comment at press time.

Kelly's mother, Donna Kelly Pratte, issued a statement on her son's death, writing, "It is with deep sadness that we announce that our beloved Chris Kelly has passed away on May 1. To millions of fans worldwide, he was the trendsetting, backwards pants-wearing one-half of Kris Kross who loved making music. But to us, he was just Chris — the kind, generous and fun-loving life of the party. Though he was only with us a short time, we feel blessed to have been able to share some incredible moments with him. His legacy will live on through his music, and we will forever love him."

Kelly and his partner Chris Smith hit the rap scene hard in 1992 with their debut single "Jump." The track sampled the Jackson 5's "I Want You Back" and was most remembered for its rambunctious music video where the then-teenagers set a fashion trend by wearing their clothes backwards. The single would eventually propel the duo's debut LP Totally Krossed Out to multiplatinum status. They released two more albums, 1993's Da Bomb and 1996's Young, Rich & Dangerous before going their separate ways and pursuing solo careers.

Check in with MTV News as more details emerge.

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