While the world is still mourning the death of hip hop pioneer Heavy D, who passed away last week at age 44, his peers are remembering his influence on the game.

One such peer is DMX, who credits Heavy with inspiring him to pursue a rap career.

"Heavy D was the first celebrity that I ever seen in my life. He's from Mount Vernon (New York). The first person from Westchester County to make it big," X said. "Before it was all these people from Brooklyn and The Bronx getting on. So, now it was somebody I could relate to. He gave me hope that it could be done."

Dark Man X also recalled the last time he saw Heavy.

"I seen him at the [2011] BET Awards. And he hugged me so hard it picked me off my feet, and gave me a kiss on the cheek. It was a little weird, but you know I was like, 'Wow this dude really got a lot of love and respect for me.' Then to find out that he passed...I couldn't believe it."

Shouts to Vibe for the audio

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