Rapper Heavy D Laid to Rest in New York.
Heavy D, May 24, 1967-November 8, 2011
The funeral for late great rapper Heavy D, a.k.a Dwight Errington Meyers was held today November 18, 2011 at Grace Baptist Church in Mount Vernon, N.Y. The eulogy was given by Sean Combs and Xea Myers, Heavy’s daughter. Services were lead by Rev. Al Sharpton during which he read a note from the Obamas expressing their sympathies “We extend our heartfelt condolences at this difficult time. He will be remembered for his infectious optimism and his many contributions to American music.” Heavy D’s nieces sang the gospel tune “His Eye Is On Sparrow.” A wake and viewing were held previously in the week.
The 44-year-old rapper, actor and producer passed away outside his home in Los Angeles on November 8th. The LA Times reports that a cause of death has not been officially announced.
The Jamaican born ”Now That We Found Love” singer is best known for his group Heavy D & The Boyz with which he recorded the albums Living Large and Big Tyme. Heavy was also the author of the theme song for the TV show Living Color. He was known to collaborate with Janet and Michael Jackson and B.B. King.
Heavy was the first artist signed to Uptown Records and eventually became president of the company. While with Uptown he helped develop the careers of Mary J. Blidge and Sean Combs. He later went on to become the senior vice-president of Universal Music.
Heavy D had recently returned from England where he was working on a new album titled Love Opus. Heavy D’s very last tweet read “Be Inspired.”
Cards can be sent to events@pollennation.com. Donations are being accepted for the Xea Myers Fund, established for Heavy D’s 11-year-old daughter.
Below see Heavy D at the 2011 BET awards in what was his first public performance in fifteen years and what turned out to be his last.