Chris Kelly Death: Kris Kross' Chris Smith Mourns His "Best Friend" and "Brother"

"Jump" star reacts to the untimely passing of his musical collaborator and BFF

By Josh Grossberg May 02, 2013 3:22 PMTags
Kris KrossChris Mitchell/135th Street Agency; Globe Photos/ZUMAPRESS.com

"Daddy Mac" is remembering the "Mac Daddy."

Chris Smith, the surviving half of '90s rap duo Kris Kross, is grieving over the loss of his bandmate, Chris Kelly, who died Wednesday of a suspected drug overdose.

"Chris Kelly was my Best Friend," said the rapper in a statement. "He was like a brother. I love him and will miss him dearly."

"Our friendship began as little boys in first grade. We grew up together. It was a blessing to achieve the success, travel the world and entertain Kris Kross fans all around the world with my best friend," he continued. "It is what we wanted to do and what brought us happiness. I will always cherish the memories of the C-Connection."

Kelly was found unresponsive at his Atlanta residence yesterday afternoon and was taken to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead. An autopsy is scheduled to be performed today.

Atlanta police told E! News they're investigating his death as a possible drug overdose after reports that the hip-hopster may have taken cocaine and heroin.

Smith concluded his statement by paying tribute to their 20-year partnership, writing,

"KRIS KROSS FOREVER, the 'MAC DADDY' and 'DADDY MAC.'"

No doubt Kris Kross fans feel his pain.