R.I.P. TO CHRIS KELLY OF THE GROUP KRISS KROSS

As a loyal and dedicated fan of So So Def, this news was just painful to hear, as I was taking a break at work, and someone walked up to me and said: Chris Kelly from the group Kris Kross passed away. I just kept thinking, maybe it’s a hoax, because I remember some years back they said the same thing about him, only this time…it’s true. Back in February, Jermaine Dupri, held one of the biggest concerts of this era, when he brought all of the acts he has ever signed to the Fox Theatre for a once in a lifetime performance, and guess who opened up the show? That’s right the platinum selling artist: Kriss Kross! Still as vibrant and energetic as ever, they had the entire audience in the palm of their hands, as we all sang along to their hits: Warm It Up Kriss, Jump, & Live & Die in Hip Hop!

 So So Def’s CEO, Jermaine Dupri released this statement to the fans:

The cause of death is still pending, yet their are preliminary reports stating a possible drug overdose. I’m so sick of losing our gifted and talented people to drugs and alcohol! It’s so funny because Dupri kept saying that he would be the first CEO of a record label since Motown that was able to get each group/artist to return to do a concert of that magnitude, because other labels either had bad relationships with former artist OR SOME may have passed away..smh. If I had missed that concert and this happened, I would have been even more devastated.

Chris’s mother had this to say in a statement via the Hollywood Reporter:

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.

Yo I know ya’ll remember doing that “dance” they do with the hands and legs..hahahaha!

I don’t know how B.E.T. are planning to honor him at this year’s Awards show in June..but I really hope they do. As a matter of fact…it’s time to honor So So Def period..this is the perfect time.

Buy: Kriss Kross-Totally Krossed Out

 

@LAKERS OWNER DR. JERRY BUSS PASSES AT AGE 80

When I think of sport franchises, and their owners, there is always one that stood above the rest in my eyes: Dr. Jerry Buss. The owner of the Los Angeles Lakers was rivaled by no other in my humble opinion. As a long-time Laker fan, it was for this reason only: The Owner. As a child I fell in love with the franchise versus a particular player. What this man envisioned as a fan first, he was able to see manifest as an owner. In the midst of his rise to greatness he was sure to never forget where he came from. The perfect example of the American Dream, from nothing to something. I never knew him personally, but listening to players (former/current) it only make me appreciate what he did, by putting his stamp on the NBA, making me a fan of the game, and most importantly a loyal Laker fan. R.I.P. Dr. Jerry Buss.

 

[CONFIRMED] NATINA REED(BLAQUE) PASSED AWAY

Natina Reed of the 90’s group, Blaque has passed away this morning in Atlanta according to several reports. Natina was the spitfire of the group (rapper), and also an actress. She starred along side Gabrielle Union in the original Bring It On movie. This tragedy takes place on the eve of her 33rd birthday.

Right now details are sketchy at what happened, but reports are saying that it was a possible hit & run that caused the untimely death of Natina. She does leave behind one child, a 10yr. old son, by rapper Kurupt, formely of Tha Dogg Pound.

It’s so funny how things go…I was at an event in Atlanta that Blaque hosted in memory of TLC’s Lisa “LeftEye” Lopes (the founder of the group Blaque), and actually got to see Natina & Brandy.

According to author Tionna Smalls (What Chilli Wants consultant), Kurupt confirmed that Natina has indeed passed away.

Check out a clip of Natina in the movie Bring It On

Buy: Blaque-808
Update: Ronald Lopes via FB has this to say concerning the hit & run concerning Natina’s death!

 

WHITNEY HOUSTON HAS DIED AT THE AGE OF 48

Oh my goodness. After working a night shift, staying up for most of the day, falling asleep, I am awakened by a phone call, and the news is: “Is it true? Is Whitney Houston dead?” In my sleep state, I say NO. Whitney was just seen out with Ray J the other day, along with her being spotted to watch Brandy & Monica rehearse for their upcoming performance together. Then I hop up, and go over to Global14, and sure enough I see it is being reported by several credible news sources that the 48 year old Whitney Elizabeth Houston is dead.

There was shock, confusion, sadness, and anger that rose up in me. Why? It’s not like I knew her personally right? Because just like Michael Jackson, Whitney was like your aunt, sister, mom, etc. Today, I don’t want to see people talking about the drugs, the turmoil, bankruptcy, and any other rumor or whatever about THE VOICE! Instead, understand why she IS and forver will BE, the STANDARD that every female artist should try to attain.

My heart goes out to Bobbi Christina right now, as she was Whitney’s only child, and has had issues of her own, I pray that the Holy Spirit will wrap her up in His arms right now and comfort her, and the rest of Whitney’s family at this time. That includes Bobby Brown.

I also ask that God will please help us as a people to appreciate the gifts that He gives us, and rather than ridicule them, when they are down, or in their lowest state..that we will instead lift them up.

There is so much being said right now, first that Ray J is the one that found her, but now it’s being reported that he was not the one who found her. I simply can’t stop crying right now!

On the eve of music’s biggest night, THE GRAMMY’S, one of the greatest to ever do it is gone. She sold over 170 million albums sold from the Bodyguard alone. She had 7 straight #1 hits, multiple grammy awards, & more.

Bobby Brown is with New Edition right now, on their way to Memphis to perform, and according to Johnny Gill is DEVASTATED and not doing well. That Bobbi Christina is definitely not doing well right now. (CNN)
Approximately 3:23pm Bevelry Hills Hotel made a call to 911. At 3:55pm (LA time), she was pronouced dead at the hotel. According to press conference by Beverly Hills Police. They have NO obvious signs of drug overdose at this time. The rescue squad arrived in 2 minutes and immediately began to perform CPR, and stopped within 20minutes. Which makes you believe that she may have been gone for awhile. (Mark Rosen…Beverly Hills Police)

The cause of death is not yet determined.

 

Don Cornelius Found Dead

“Soul Train” creator Don Cornelius was found dead at his Sherman Oaks on home Wednesday morning.

Law enforcement sources said police arrived at Cornelius’ home around 4 a.m. He apparently died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to sources, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the case was ongoing.

The sources said there was no sign of foul play, but the Los Angeles Police Department was investigating.

In a 2010 interview with The Times, he said he was excited about a movie project he was developing about “Soul Train.”

“We’ve been in discussions with several people about getting a movie off the ground. It wouldn’t be the ‘Soul Train’ dance show, it would be more of a biographical look at the project,” he said. “It’s going to be about some of the things that really happened on the show.”

According to a Times article, Cornelius’ “Soul Train” became the longest-running first-run nationally syndicated show in television history, bringing African American music and style to the world for 35 years.

Cornelius stopped hosting the show in 1993, and “Soul Train” ceased production in 2006.