Our friendship began in first grade: Chris Smith pays tribute to Kriss Kross partner after 'overdose'

Chris Kelly of Kris Kross performs on stage at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia during the So So Def 20th Anniversary Concert, in this photo taken February 23, 2013. Chris "Mac Daddy" Kelly, one half of the 1990s rap duo Kris Kross, has died at an Atlanta hospital at the age of 34, a Fulton County Medical Examiner's spokesman said on May 1, 2013. REUTERS/Jonathan Phillips

4 May 2013

Kris Kross star Chris Smith has paid tribute to his "brother" Chris Kelly following his death from an apparent overdose.

The singer has been left devastated after his musical partner and long-time friend was found dead on Wednesday and has issued an emotional statement.

Chris - who was known as Mac Daddy alongside his pal's Daddy Mac - said: "Chris Kelly was my best friend. 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. It is what we wanted to do and what brought us happiness. I will always cherish the memories of the C-Connection. KRIS KROSS FOREVER, the 'MAC DADDY' and 'DADDY MAC."

An autopsy on the 34-year-old singer's body showed no signs of trauma or foul play. An official cause of death will not be determined for several weeks while toxicology tests are processed.

According to a police report, officers were told by Chris' mother Donna Kelly Pratte that he had taken a mixture of heroin and cocaine the night before so she had brought him home to "recover from his drug use, and [that he] had done this several times in the past."