Kanye West has proven to be a motivating force…even when he doesn’t know it. Just ask Mike Posner.

The Detroit singer-songwriter sat down with pop duo Timeflies in Best Buy’s Collaboration Room to discuss an encounter with Yeezus that would change his life. After hearing a song Mike had produced for Big Sean, Mike asked Kanye if he liked the record, and the always honest rapper said no. But instead of feeling discouraged, it only made him work harder.

“It made me want to impress him and do better,” said Mike, who is currently working on his sophomore album Pages.

Two years later, he ran into ‘Ye again, but this time he only had good things to say.

Watch Mike describe the inspirational moment and see him perform “Amy” with Timeflies.