LOS ANGELES (AP) — Heavy D, the self-proclaimed "overweight lover" of hip-hop who became one of rap's top hit-makers with wit, humor and a positive vibe, has died. Heavy D's father Clifford Vincent Myers attends attends the funeral service for Heavy D at Grace Baptist Church on November 18, 2011 in Mount Vernon, New York.
Hip-hop star Heavy D was remembered through laughter and tears at a funeral … And "be inspired" on the day he collapsed in front of his Beverly Hills building.Heavy D was returning from a mall at around 11:30 a.m. and was climbing a set of stairs at his condominium when he experienced trouble breathing, according to the condo staff, who tried to help him to his home.But his fusion of New Jack Swing and reggae, made him one of the industry's major players in the late '80s and early '90s.Born Dwight Arrington Myers in Jamaica, Heavy D was the youngest of six children. Lt. … He will be remembered for his infectious optimism and many contributions to American music. "Last month the rapper, known as the "overweight lover," turned up on the BET Hip-Hop Awards, his first live appearance in 15 years.At dinner afterward, Hill remembered the joy on Heavy's face as he took in the accolades for his performance. He said no illegal drugs were found.At 6 feet 3, Heavy D once weighed more than 300 pounds, but in 2005 he shed 160 pounds for the lead role in the Hollywood stage production Medal of Honor Rag, produced by Will Smith.On his Twitter feed, he exhibited "relentless optimism," writing, "All glory comes from daring to begin," two days before his death. A former editor for the Source and writer for Vibe and Spin, dream hampton tweeted that Heavy D "often felt unappreciated in recent years. The actual funeral for John Lewis will be a private ceremony in Georgia, but a public viewing is taking place in D.C. on Monday and Tuesday, where people can … Dwight Arrington Myers, was found unconscious in the walkway of his Beverly Hills home on Nov. 8 and was later pronounced dead at a Los Angeles hospital. Please know that you and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers," the president wrote in a letter, which the Rev. "We extend our heartfelt condolences at this difficult time. TMZ reported that Heavy, born Dwight Myers, died from a … "Stephen Hill, the BET executive who oversaw the award's show where Heavy D made his last live appearance, said it took five years to get him back onstage.Last week, the 44-year-old rapper collapsed outside his Beverly Hills, Calif., condominium.He also made a cameo in Eddie Murphy and Ben Stiller's new movie, "Tower Heist," as his focus had shifted in recent years to TV and movie appearances.He was rushed to a Los Angeles hospital, where he was pronounced dead on Nov. 8. Al Sharpton read at the service, The Associated Press reported.The night of Heavy D's big comeback performance, Hill said he was both nervous and excited but determined to nail his performance.In September, he digitally released his ninth and final album, "Love Opus. Get premium, high resolution news photos at … Nov. 18, 2011— -- Rapper Heavy D, who was known for his free-flowing, playful hip-hop style, was remembered by family and friends -- and President Obama -- in a funeral …
His mother Eulahlee, a nurse, and father Clifford, a film technician, moved the family to Mount Vernon, N.Y., when he was young.The rapper had just returned from a trip to London, where he saw James Earl Jones in a stage production of "Driving Miss Daisy. Shaun King Talks About the Nathaniel Woods Case;… Get All Videos. Funeral services are under the direction of Memorial Funeral Home in San Juan. "As hip-hop shifted, however, Heavy D seemed to get left behind.He poured his energy into taking care of his 13-year-old daughter.2011 BET Hip-Hop Awards was rapper's first live appearance in 15 years.On the Saturday before his death, Heavy D sent Hill an email thanking him and saying he was looking forward to continuing their discussion about marketing the rapper to the 35-plus, adult hip-hop audience. An attendee holds Heavy D’s obituary at Heavy D’s Funeral Service in Mount Vernon, New York.Chris Rock attends Heavy D’s wake in Mount Vernon, New York.Sean Combs arrives at Heavy D’s wake in Mount Vernon, New York.Heavy D at his funeral service in Mount Vernon, New York.Will Smith attends Heavy D’s funeral service in Mount Vernon, NY.Queen Latifah attends Heavy D’s Funeral service in Mount Vernon, NY.Usher attends Heavy D’s Funeral Service in Mount Vernon, New York.John Legend and Chrissy Teigen attend Heavy D’s funeral service in Mount Vernon, New York.Jay-Z arrives at Heavy D’s funeral service in Mount Vernon, New York.Jada Pinkett Smith attends Heavy D’s funeral service in New York. Browse 63 heavy d funeral service stock photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more stock photos and images.
Explore {{searchView.params.phrase}} by color family {{familyColorButtonText(colorFamily.name)}} 63 Heavy D Funeral Service stock pictures and images. Though he was only 44 years old, a medical examiner has concluded that Heavy D's death last month was a result of natural causes. Heavy D Mourned by Diddy, Al Sharpton, Obama at Emotional Hometown Funeral ‘Heavy D was the first person to believe in me,’ says Diddy