Singer Of 1988 Smash 'Just Got Paid' Dead At 55

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com)   — Johnny Kemp, the Bahamian soul singer who topped the charts with "Just God Paid" in 1988, has reportedly died.

Kemp was 55.

Various reports say the singer was found floating in Montego Bay on Thursday. There were also unconfirmed reports he was injured earlier after a fall while performing on a cruise ship.

CNN reported Saturday that he was scheduled to perform on the Tom Joyner Foundation Fantastic Voyage Cruise but had not boarded the ship.

Kemp -- who moved to New York City in 1979 -- was still performing around the world but he never enjoyed more success or radio airplay than he did in the late 80s.

Grammy-nominated "Just Got Paid" became something of an anthem for dancing,/spending and partying that hit the Top 10 on many lists including pop (#10), R&B (#1), dance (#1) and music club Top 100 lists. "Just Gor Paid" (also heard on several movie soundtracks, most notably "Love & Basketball") is often still played on the radio. It was later covered by 'N Sync.

His other chart hits included "Just Another Lover" and "Birthday Suit," a tune from the "Sing" movie soundtrack.

Kemp got his start singing in nightclubs in the Bahamas when he was barely in his teens.