Jermaine Dupri has released a statement regarding the death of Chris “Mac Daddy” Kelly.

On his website, ‘Global 14,’ Jermaine Dupri released a statement as he mourns Kelly's death, which came as a loss for the hip-hop group Kris Kross. At 23 years old, Dupri discovered Kelly and Chris “Daddy Mac” Smith at Greenbriar Mall. In his ‘Letter to the Fans,’ he shares how Kelly, who was 34 at the time of his passing, was more than just an artist on his label -- he was like a son.

"To the world Chris was MacDaddy but to me, he was a son I never had," Dupri wrote. "As much as you may think I taught him, he taught me. God has blessed me to be in the presence of so many naturally talented people, and Chris was one.”

Dupri remembers how passionate and driven Kelly was from the start. "His understanding of what we set out to do, from day one was always on point. His passion for the music, his love for doing shows, his want to [be] better than everyone else, was always turnt up,” he continued. J.D. goes on to say, “when I think about it, I spent more time with Chris and chris than damn near anybody in my whole life, so you can imagine how bad this hurts [sic].”

Kelly was found unresponsive in his home and was rushed to Atlanta Medical Center. He was pronounced dead yesterday evening.

In the '90s, Dupri helped the duo gain their big hit with ‘Jump,' off their multi-platinum album, ‘Totally Krossed Out.’

The super producer ends his letter with “I will always love you Chris, and I will never let the world forget you, may God bless your soul.”

Watch Kris Kross' 'Jump' Video

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