The hip hop community is still mourning the loss of the one and only DMX. During an appearance on PEOPLE’s “PEOPLE Every Day” podcast, Rick Ross reflected on the time he spent with Dark Man X and revealed the lesson he’s taken away from his death.

Ross recalled working with DMX in 2019 on the Swizz Beatz-produced track “Just In Case,” which landed on the “Godfather of Harlem” soundtrack. The trio also joined forces on a 1960s Harlem-themed visual for the song at the time.

“You know, that’s something that’s been in my heart for so many years,” Ross said of X.

“I had the opportunity of working with DMX last year. We actually recorded the lead single for ‘Godfather of Harlem.’ Swizz Beatz was involved and DMX was on the record,” he recalled. “I was on the record and we filmed the video. I got to be on the set for a whole day with Dark Man X, with DMX, and I got to see the funny side of him.”

“We got to laugh at a few jokes,” he continued. “I saw him really focused and turned up.”

Ross said X’s struggles with drug addiction also had a large effect on him, as he’s seen his own family members suffer from the disease.

“Hearing about his addiction many years ago, being in the industry, is something that’s been in my heart the most,” Ross said. “Me having family members that suffer with addiction, I understood the struggle that he was up against. So, it’s something that was really painful.”

“Of course I didn’t expect this,” he said of X’s tragic death. “It just hurt. So, if anything else, it should motivate us. Let’s do what Dark Man X would’ve wanted us to do. Let’s turn up. Let’s go to the next level.”

Many members of hip hop’s elite have shared touching tributes and remembrances of X in the weeks since his passing. During an interview with USA Today, Snoop Dogg remembered DMX as someone who was “always trying to help other people.”

“… That leads me to believe that’s why God chose this angel to come back home with him,” Snoop said. “He did his time out here. He did what he was supposed to do.”

Watch Ross’ “PEOPLE Every Day” interview on Twitter below.