On Saturday afternoon (April 3), as news of DMX’s sudden hospitalization made its way around the internet, Killer Mike took to Twitter, asked God to “bless the Dog” and added that he was “praying for him” and his recovery.

In a recent interview with TMZ, however, Mike dug deeper and reflected on X’s legacy while sharing a few anecdotes about his encounters with the ailing rapper.

“His greatest legacy are his fifteen children. Musically, he has been an amazing man,” Mike began before sharing a story about his experience gambling with the star. “I met DMX personally myself, me and my cousin,” he recalled.

“We gambled for like, eight grand. My cousin Jimmy skipped him for about five grand, I was on the side making his manager bet me for about three.”

In another instance, the last time Mike actually saw X, the Ruff Ryders star was reportedly “singing Christmas Carols to a table in a Waffle House [and] making everyone very happy.”

While DMX has brought smiles to many faces during prayer sessions, performances, his recent Verzuz with Snoop Dogg and other occasions, he’s battled mental illness and substance abuse for years.

During his interview, the Run the Jewels emcee praised X for being open about his struggles and highlighted a few of the lessons that can be learned from his life.

“He taught people that you can love through suffering,” said Killer Mike. “He taught people there is no shame in addiction because he was always honest about being in that place. And he taught people that there was no shame in being sensitive and vulnerable. He showed people publically that he loved God.”

Mike concluded the interview with a statement, doubling down on his previous wishes to see the rapper recover and continue to be a father figure to his children. “I hope [DMX] survives this,” he said, “and travels a long journey with them.”