On this day in Hip-Hop history, Atlanta duo Kris Kross made their explosive debut with Totally Krossed Out, an album that became a defining moment in early ’90s rap and youth culture.
The album arrived on the heels of their breakout single Jump, which had already taken the world by storm after its release in February of the same year. Largely written and produced by Jermaine Dupri, Totally Krossed Out was the result of two years of development, crafted to introduce a fresh and youthful energy to the rap scene.
The impact was undeniable. The album shot to the top of the Billboard 200 and the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, selling over four million copies in its first year alone. Two of its four singles—Jump and Warm It Up—became chart-toppers, with Jump claiming the No. 1 spot on the Hot Rap Singles chart.
More than just a hit in the U.S., Jump became a global phenomenon, dominating the Eurochart Hot 100 and reaching No. 1 in Australia, Finland, Ireland, New Zealand, and Switzerland. It was a Top 10 hit across Europe and went double platinum in the U.S., while also earning a Silver certification in France for selling 125,000 copies.
At just 12 and 13 years old, Kris Kross members Mac Daddy (Chris Kelly) and Daddy Mac (Chris Smith) became instant superstars, with Jump becoming the fastest-selling single in 15 years. Their signature backward clothing style and infectious energy solidified them as cultural icons.
Critics, often skeptical of young rap acts, surprisingly embraced Totally Krossed Out. Reviewers praised Dupri’s production and the duo’s confident delivery, recognizing that Kris Kross had something special beyond their novelty appeal. Their meteoric rise landed them an opening spot on Michael Jackson’s Dangerous World Tour in 1992, along with a cameo in his Jam music video.
More than just a debut, Totally Krossed Out became a landmark album in ’90s Hip-Hop, proving that Kris Kross was more than a passing trend—they were a movement.
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