Who is Chris Smith, better known as Kriss Kross? Chris Smith, known professionally as Kriss Kross, was an American rapper best known for the 1992 hit single "Jump".
Chris Smith was born on January 1, 1979, in Atlanta, Georgia. He began his music career in the late 1980s, when he met Chris Kelly at a local YMCA. The two formed a rap duo called Kriss Kross and signed with Ruffhouse Records in 1991. Their debut album, Totally Krossed Out, was released in 1992 and was a commercial success, selling over four million copies worldwide. The album's lead single, "Jump", was a number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Kriss Kross released two more albums, Da Bomb (1993) and Young, Rich & Dangerous (1996), before disbanding in 1998.
After the breakup of Kriss Kross, Smith pursued a solo career. He released his debut solo album, Now or Never, in 2002. The album was not a commercial success, and Smith subsequently retired from the music industry. In 2013, Smith reunited with Kelly for a Kriss Kross reunion tour. The tour was a success, and the duo performed at several high-profile events, including the BET Awards and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Chris Smith is a pioneer of the hip-hop genre. His unique style and catchy songs have influenced a generation of rappers. He is a true icon of the 1990s and his music continues to be enjoyed by fans around the world.
Chris Smith, aka Kriss Kross
Chris Smith, better known as Kriss Kross, was an American rapper who rose to fame in the early 1990s as part of the hip-hop duo Kriss Kross. He was known for his unique style and catchy songs, which helped to popularize the hip-hop genre among young audiences.
- Early life and career: Chris Smith was born in Atlanta, Georgia, on January 1, 1979. He began his music career in the late 1980s, when he met Chris Kelly at a local YMCA. The two formed a rap duo called Kriss Kross and signed with Ruffhouse Records in 1991.
- Breakthrough success: Kriss Kross's debut album, Totally Krossed Out, was released in 1992 and was a commercial success, selling over four million copies worldwide. The album's lead single, "Jump", was a number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
- Unique style: Kriss Kross was known for their unique style, which included wearing their clothes backwards. This fashion trend became popular among young people in the early 1990s.
- Later career: Kriss Kross released two more albums, Da Bomb (1993) and Young, Rich & Dangerous (1996), before disbanding in 1998. After the breakup of the duo, Smith pursued a solo career, but was not able to achieve the same level of success as he had with Kriss Kross.
- Reunion: In 2013, Smith reunited with Kelly for a Kriss Kross reunion tour. The tour was a success, and the duo performed at several high-profile events, including the BET Awards and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
- Legacy: Chris Smith is a pioneer of the hip-hop genre. His unique style and catchy songs have influenced a generation of rappers. He is a true icon of the 1990s and his music continues to be enjoyed by fans around the world.
- Personal life: Chris Smith married Tameka Cottle in 1999. The couple had three children together. Smith died in 2013 at the age of 34 from a drug overdose.
Chris Smith's death was a tragic loss for the music industry. He was a talented rapper who helped to popularize the hip-hop genre among young audiences. His unique style and catchy songs will continue to be enjoyed by fans for years to come.
| Name: | Chris Smith |
|---|---|
| Birthdate: | January 1, 1979 |
| Birthplace: | Atlanta, Georgia |
| Genre: | Hip-hop |
| Occupation: | Rapper |
| Years active: | 1991-1998, 2013 |
| Labels: | Ruffhouse Records |
| Notable awards: | Billboard Music Award for Rap Song of the Year ("Jump") |
Early life and career
The early life and career of Chris Smith, better known as Kriss Kross, played a pivotal role in the rise of the hip-hop genre. His unique style and catchy songs helped to popularize hip-hop among young audiences. Here are a few key facets of his early life and career:
- Musical influences: Chris Smith was influenced by a wide range of musical genres, including hip-hop, R&B, and pop. His music reflected this diversity, and he was able to appeal to a wide range of audiences.
- Partnership with Chris Kelly: Chris Smith's partnership with Chris Kelly was essential to his success. The two rappers complemented each other perfectly, and their chemistry was evident in their music.
- Signing with Ruffhouse Records: Signing with Ruffhouse Records was a major turning point in Chris Smith's career. The label gave him the resources and support he needed to succeed, and he was able to release his debut album, Totally Krossed Out, in 1992.
- Breakthrough success: Totally Krossed Out was a commercial success, selling over four million copies worldwide. The album's lead single, "Jump", was a number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Chris Smith's early life and career laid the foundation for his success as a rapper. His unique style, catchy songs, and partnership with Chris Kelly helped him to become one of the most popular hip-hop artists of the 1990s.
Breakthrough success
The breakthrough success of Kriss Kross's debut album, Totally Krossed Out, was a major turning point in the career of Chris Smith, better known as Kriss Kross. The album's success helped to popularize the hip-hop genre among young audiences and made Chris Smith a household name.
- Unique style: Kriss Kross's unique style, which included wearing their clothes backwards, helped to set them apart from other hip-hop artists. Their style was popular among young people and helped to make them one of the most recognizable hip-hop duos of the 1990s.
- Catchy songs: Kriss Kross's songs were known for their catchy melodies and lyrics. Their songs were popular on radio and MTV, and they helped to make the duo one of the most popular hip-hop acts of the early 1990s.
- Marketing savvy: Chris Smith and his label, Ruffhouse Records, were savvy marketers. They used a variety of marketing techniques to promote Kriss Kross, including music videos, television appearances, and live performances. Their marketing efforts helped to make Kriss Kross one of the most popular hip-hop acts of the early 1990s.
The breakthrough success of Kriss Kross's debut album, Totally Krossed Out, was a major achievement for Chris Smith. The album's success helped to popularize the hip-hop genre among young audiences and made Chris Smith a household name. Chris Smith's unique style, catchy songs, and marketing savvy were all factors in the album's success.
Unique style
Chris Smith, better known as Kriss Kross, was known for his unique style, which included wearing his clothes backwards. This fashion trend became popular among young people in the early 1990s and was a major factor in the duo's success.
- Originality: Kriss Kross's unique style set them apart from other hip-hop artists of the time. Their backwards clothing was a unique and eye-catching fashion statement that helped to make them one of the most recognizable hip-hop duos of the 1990s.
- Influence: Kriss Kross's unique style had a major influence on young people in the early 1990s. Many young people began wearing their clothes backwards in imitation of their idols.
- Marketing savvy: Chris Smith and his label, Ruffhouse Records, were savvy marketers. They used Kriss Kross's unique style to their advantage, promoting the duo as the "backwards kids." This marketing strategy helped to make Kriss Kross one of the most popular hip-hop acts of the early 1990s.
Chris Smith's unique style was a major factor in his success as a rapper. His backwards clothing was a unique and eye-catching fashion statement that helped to make him one of the most recognizable hip-hop artists of the 1990s.
Later career
Chris Smith, better known as Kriss Kross, achieved great success as part of the hip-hop duo Kriss Kross. However, his solo career was not as successful. There are several reasons for this.
- Lack of a partner: Kriss Kross's success was due in part to the chemistry between Smith and his partner, Chris Kelly. When the duo disbanded, Smith lost this key ingredient to his success.
- Changing musical landscape: The hip-hop landscape changed significantly in the mid-1990s, with the rise of gangsta rap and other subgenres. Smith's style of music was no longer as popular as it had been in the early 1990s.
- Personal issues: Smith struggled with personal issues, including drug addiction, which may have affected his ability to focus on his music career.
Despite these challenges, Smith continued to release music throughout his career. He released his debut solo album, Now or Never, in 2002. The album was not a commercial success, and Smith subsequently retired from the music industry. In 2013, Smith reunited with Kelly for a Kriss Kross reunion tour. The tour was a success, but it was not enough to revive Smith's solo career.
Chris Smith's later career is a reminder that even the most successful artists can struggle to maintain their success. The music industry is constantly changing, and artists need to be able to adapt to the changing landscape. Smith was not able to do this, and his solo career suffered as a result.
Reunion
The reunion of Chris Smith and Chris Kelly for a Kriss Kross reunion tour in 2013 was a significant event in the history of hip-hop. The tour was a success, and the duo performed at several high-profile events, including the BET Awards and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. The reunion tour was a reminder of the duo's enduring popularity and the impact they had on the hip-hop genre.
The reunion tour was also a personal triumph for Smith. After the breakup of Kriss Kross in 1998, Smith struggled with personal issues, including drug addiction. The reunion tour gave Smith a chance to get back on track and reconnect with his fans. The tour was a success, and it helped Smith to revive his career.
The Kriss Kross reunion tour is a reminder that even the most successful artists can struggle to maintain their success. The music industry is constantly changing, and artists need to be able to adapt to the changing landscape. Smith was able to do this, and the Kriss Kross reunion tour is a testament to his resilience and his love of music.
The Kriss Kross reunion tour is also a reminder of the power of nostalgia. The tour was a success because it gave fans a chance to relive their childhood and reconnect with the music that they loved. The tour was also a reminder of the importance of friendship and the power of music to bring people together.
Legacy
Chris Smith, better known as Kriss Kross, is one of the most influential rappers of all time. His unique style and catchy songs helped to popularize hip-hop among young audiences in the early 1990s. Smith's legacy is still felt today, as his music continues to be enjoyed by fans around the world.
- Musical innovation: Smith was a pioneer in the use of backwards clothing and other unique fashion trends. He was also one of the first rappers to use a high-pitched voice, which became a signature sound of his music.
- Commercial success: Smith's debut album, Totally Krossed Out, was a commercial success, selling over four million copies worldwide. The album's lead single, "Jump", was a number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
- Influence on other artists: Smith's music has influenced a generation of rappers, including Jay-Z, Kanye West, and Drake. His unique style and catchy songs have helped to shape the sound of hip-hop today.
- Cultural impact: Smith's music has had a major impact on popular culture. His unique style and catchy songs have been featured in movies, television shows, and commercials. Smith's music has also been used to promote social and political causes.
Chris Smith's legacy is one of innovation, success, and influence. He is a true pioneer of the hip-hop genre, and his music continues to be enjoyed by fans around the world.
Personal life
The personal life of Chris Smith, better known as Kriss Kross, is closely connected to his professional career. His marriage to Tameka Cottle in 1999 provided him with stability and support, and the couple's three children were a source of great joy for him. However, Smith's personal life was also marked by tragedy. His death in 2013 at the age of 34 from a drug overdose was a devastating loss for his family, friends, and fans.
Smith's drug addiction was a major factor in his untimely death. He had struggled with addiction for many years, and his attempts to overcome it were ultimately unsuccessful. Smith's death is a reminder of the dangers of drug addiction and the importance of seeking help.
Despite the challenges he faced in his personal life, Smith was a talented and successful rapper. His music continues to be enjoyed by fans around the world, and his legacy as a pioneer of the hip-hop genre is secure.
FAQs about Chris Smith, aka Kriss Kross
This section addresses frequently asked questions about Chris Smith, the rapper better known as Kriss Kross, providing concise and informative answers.
Question 1: When and where was Chris Smith born?
Chris Smith was born on January 1, 1979, in Atlanta, Georgia.
Question 2: What was the name of the hip-hop duo that Chris Smith formed?
Chris Smith formed the hip-hop duo Kriss Kross with Chris Kelly.
Question 3: What was the name of Kriss Kross's debut album, and when was it released?
Kriss Kross's debut album was titled "Totally Krossed Out" and was released in 1992.
Question 4: What was the name of Kriss Kross's most famous song?
Kriss Kross's most famous song is "Jump," which reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Question 5: Did Chris Smith pursue a solo career after Kriss Kross disbanded?
Yes, Chris Smith released a solo album titled "Now or Never" in 2002.
Question 6: What was the cause of Chris Smith's death?
Chris Smith died from a drug overdose on March 25, 2013, at the age of 34.
In conclusion, Chris Smith, known as Kriss Kross, left a significant mark on the music industry with his unique style and catchy songs. His legacy continues to inspire and entertain fans worldwide.
Transition to the next article section...
Conclusion
Chris Smith, known by the stage name Kriss Kross, was a pioneering rapper who gained recognition in the early 1990s for his distinctive style and infectious music. His contributions to hip-hop culture left an indelible mark on the industry and continue to influence artists today.
Through his innovative fashion choices and catchy lyrics, Kriss Kross not only entertained audiences but also broke down barriers and challenged societal norms. The duo's success demonstrated the power of individuality and creativity, inspiring countless aspiring musicians.
