Remembering Heavy D (1967-2011)

It came as a shock yesterday when news broke that rapper Heavy D, born Dwight Arrington Myers, had passed at just 44 years old. He was found after collapsing outside his Beverly Hills home and was taken to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where he died shortly thereafter. Less than 24 years earlier former heavyweight champion “Smokin’ Joe Frazier had succumbed to his brief cancer battle.

Ironically, Heavy D took to twitter to send his well wishes. He wrote, “SMOKIN JOE FRAZIER..RIP.. truly one of the best heavyweight champs that ever lived.. GODS SPEED,MR FRAZIER!”
He later followed with “BE INSPIRED!” in his last message to the world.

Just last month, the rapper gave, perhaps, one of the best performances of his career on BET’s Hip Hop Award show. His first live performance in 15 years!

The larger than life MC, affectionately called the “overweight lover”, got his start in the late 80’s as lead MC for rap group Heavy D & the Boyz. He was best known for hit singles such as ‘Nuttin’ But Love’, ‘Is It Good to You’ and ‘Now That We Found Love.’

Heavy D also performed the rap on Janet Jackson’s single “Alright” and was later tapped by Michael Jackson’s to be featured on his hit single “Jam” as well.

Although no fowl play was detected, his cause of death is still unknown at this time. However, its believed his death was due to respiratory issues. May he rest in peace.

Heavy D’s BET Hip Hop Awards Performance.