Johnny Kemp, the Bahamanian vocalist responsible for the Billboard Top 10 single "Just Got Paid," was found dead last week in Jamaica, according to reports (from CNN). Drowning is believed to be the cause. There are mixed reports on how old the performer is, with some claiming the vocalist was 55 while others imply he was 54.

Jamaican authorities said that his body was fond in Montego Bay on Thursday.

"Passersby saw Kemp's body floating faced down in the water" around 9:50 a.m." read a statement from the police force. "Police were summoned and the body removed to the morgue."

Kemp was in Jamaica preparing for performances aboard the Tom Joyner Foundation Fantastic Voyage Cruise.

Kemp came to renown during 1988 when he released "Just Got Paid," a Friday-centric song that went to No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and no. 1 on the R&B charts. It would be one of his few hits, along with "Dancin' With Myself" and "Birthday Suit." Although his career hit its peak for a shirt period during the '80s, he would remain relevant thanks to future generations of musicians: NSYNC would later release a cover of the song on its album No Strings Attached (the latter version would be produced by Teddy Riley, the song's original writer).

NSYNC member Chris Kirkpatrick was one of many celebrities who tweeted tribute and condolences upon hearing of the vocalist's death.

"RIP Johnny Kemp!" tweeted Samuel L. Jackson. "Met him at my daughters 25th. Just Got Paid came on & he walked in!! Amazing & so cool."

Join the Discussion