11/8/11

On November 8, 2011, the world lost a Hip Hop Icon. Dwight Arrington Myers, better known as Heavy D. My family (my mom especially) was a huge fan of his music, so it’s only right that I pay my respects on this day.

Labeled Hip Hop’s original overweight lover, Heavy D’s career began in high school when he discovered rap music. His group, “Heavy D & the Boyz,” was formed with high school friends DJ Eddie F, Trouble T-Roy, and G-Wiz. They were first signed to Uptown in 1986 and released their debut album, Living Large, in 1987; the album went gold. Their follow-up album, Big Tyme, was released in 1989 and became a breakthrough success by going platinum. Heavy D’s Peaceful Journey also went platinum, Blue Funk went gold and Nuttin’ But Love went platinum. And his following albums, Waterbed Hev and Heavy, also had commercial success.

He spent the remainder of his career doing business, making appearances, and writing/producing for artists like Montell Jordan, Jay-Z, Beanie Sigel, Babyface, and Timbaland. Although he’s no longer with us, his music, charisma, and fun-loving creativity will live on forever. So in honor of Heavy D’s legacy, let’s vibe to some classics.