(AllHipHop News) Rick Ross was among the stars – including Ne-Yo, Aerosmith’s Joe Perry and the Jackson brothers – to pay tribute to the King of Pop at Monster’s CES 2016 event in Las Vegas. The boss hit the stage at the “Healing the World – A Tribute to Michael Jackson” showcase to run through a few of MJ’s popular tunes. AllHipHop.com spoke with Ross to get his thoughts on what the global icon meant to him.

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“I remember I was in LA going to the studio when he passed,” says Ross. “I remember the driver took me by the crib. We sat outside. I smoked one for the big homie. He’s the greatest.”

Jackson passed away on June 25, 2009. Often named the greatest entertainer of all time, the Gary, Indiana native was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice, won 13 Grammy awards, and inspired generations of performers.

“Thriller – 60 million [sold] worldwide, 30 [million sold] in the U.S.,” adds Ross. “That’s something a boss always gotta pay homage to. That’s forever.”