Picks and Pans Review: Totally Krossed Out

Kriss Kross

The juvenilization of hip-hop continues with the lively debut of this Atlanta rap duo made up of Daddy Mack (Chris Smith), 12, and Mack Daddy (Chris Kelly), 13.

Anyone who caught these kids on In Living Color in March may have wondered whether they had dressed hastily, strutting as they were in outsize jeans and jerseys worn backward. But, no, the robe reversals are just part of the boys’ cheekily contrary “krossed out” style. More notable was the effect their music had on the In Living Color ensemble, causing people more than twice their age to pogo deliriously around the stage.

Kriss Kross does cross up your expectations—and reactions. With producer Jermaine Dupri, they have developed a sound that combines hard rap rhythms and textures with bubble-gum pop melodies. Imagine the Jackson 5 as produced by the Bomb Squad. While the koncept may be kute, the kids sound anything but innocent as they delineate brutal urban realities on “It’s a Shame” and “Lil’ Boys in Da Hood.”

Their best trick is inserting catchily melodic refrains in the middle of their free-stylin’ raps. That should help them kross over to pop. And cheek the speed at which they spin out their ragamuffin rhymes on “Jump” and “Warm It Up.” Obviously the tongue matures before the rest of the body. (Ruffhouse/Columbia)