Ray J is still reeling from the death of Whitney Houston last month. The R&B singer opened up to the media for the first time during a press conference for the Brotherhood Crusade and Mothers in Action Organizations in Los Angeles on Friday (March 9). Tears rolled down his face as he remembered his dear friend, whom he called Nippy.

“I really miss my friend, you know, I really do,” said an emotional Ray J. “I’m still hurting.”

He was at a loss for words while speaking to reporters.

“I’m really emotional right now, I really don’t know what to say,” he continued. “It’s just such a tough time for me. I’ve been through a lot in these past two weeks. I’m able to look at life in a whole different way.”

During his charitable visit, the 31-year-old donated school supplies to the children.

“Like Whitney, I love giving back to kids,” he said. “I enjoy being around people that support me and that give me a sense of peace, and that’s what these kids do for me.”