An artist paid tribute to late rapper DMX through a mural painting in Olinville.

The artist, Efren Andaluz, told News 12 he knew he wanted to paint the mural the moment he found out the rapper was at the hospital. He started to look for a space and found one right outside La Estrella Tropical Restaurant on Holland and Burke avenues.

"I want them to feel healed," Andaluz said. "He was the voice of my childhood. When I was a kid, he was my favorite rapper as a kid."

Andaluz said it will be a place where people can enjoy it and remember DMX not only an artist but also as a father, icon and an inspiration to thousands of people with his real lyrics.

Restaurant owner and DMX fan Eddie De Jesus said he feels honored to have the mural outside his business.

"I'm a Ruff Ryder because of him. I look up to the family Ruff Ryders because of what he represents, and what the family represents - unity," De Jesus said.

People who passed by said DMX might be gone but his energy will live on in the mural.