Chris Kelly, one half of the the rap group Kris Kross, died on Wednesday at the age of 34.  

Earlier this year, Kelly participated in the 2oth anniversary celebration concert for So So Def, the record company started by Jermaine Dupri -- on which the group had its success. Kris Kross was one of the groups that helped cement So So Def and Atlanta as one of the  nation's seminal purveyors of hip-hop.   

On Wednesday night, Kelly's mother, Donna Kelly Pratte, along with the So So Def family, released a statement that said, "To millions of fans worldwide, (Chris) was the trendsetting, backwards pants-wearing one-half of Kriss 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."

Some artists took to Twitter to express their sadness at Kelly's passing.

From Tionne "T-Boz" Watkins: "God Bless his family at this time. I started singing my demos for them."

From Ludacris: "One of my motivations as a kid to even get into the rap game. You will be missed. R.I.P. Chris Kelly."

From Keri Hilson: "Rest In Peace, Chris Kelly. Kris Kross lives forever. Thank you for the memories. #AtlantasOwn."

From Musiq Soulchild: "Rest in peace Chris "Mack Daddy" Kelly... god bless you brother!!!"

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Click here for  photos of Chris Kelly and his musical partner Chris Smith.