Rapper and actor Heavy D also known as "The Overweight Lover" died on Tuesday November 8, 2011. According to ABC News, he collapsed outside of his Beverly Hills home while returning from a shopping trip. He was rushed to the hospital where he was pronounced dead. The cause of his death is unknown at this time. Heavy D enjoyed a successful music and acting career. Throughout his music career, Heavy D aimed to make clean cut music with a positive message, and to avoid degrading women without being too sentimental.
Heavy D transitioned from rapper to actor during the 1990’s. He made another transition into the reggae genre with his 2008 album Vibes.
Biography
Heavy D, whose real name was Dwight Errington Myers, was born on May 24, 1967 in Jamaica. He later moved with his family to Mt. Vernon, New York. When he was eight years old, he discovered rap music and by the time Heavy D was in junior high, he started making his own demo tapes. He later formed the group Heavy D & the Boyz with high school friends DJ Eddie F (Eddie Farrell), Trouble T Roy (Troy Dixon), and G Wiz, (Glen Parrish). Their demo tape made it into the hands of Andre Harrell of Uptown Records. In 1986, Heavy D & the Boyz were the first artists who were signed with Uptown Records. Their debut single, "Mr. Big Stuff" was released in 1986.
Their second album, Big Tyme which was released in 1989, was the group’s breakout success. The album hit number one on the R&B charts and number 20 on the pop charts. Unfortunately in 1990, tragedy struck when Trouble T Roy was killed in an accident.
Their third album Peaceful Journey was released in 1991, and gained platinum status thanks to the remake of the O Jay’s "Now That We Found Love." Their follow up album Blue Funk, which was released in 1992, gained gold status. In 1994, Heavy D & the Boyz returned with their new album Nuttin’ But Love which gained platinum status with hits such as "Black Coffee", "Got Me Waiting", and the title track "Nuttin’ But Love."
Heavy D began to cross over into the acting world by making cameo appearances on A Different World and the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Heavy D also composed the theme song for Fox’s sketch comedy In Living Color and had a reoccurring role on Fox’s sitcom Roc. While continuing to make music throughout the 1990’s, Heavy D began to build his acting resume with reoccurring roles on the sitcom Living Single. In the 1990’s he was able to transition from rapper to actor. Heavy D also made another big transition into the reggae genre within the last few years.
Filmography
- Booker 1990
- Tales From the Crypt 1992
- Roc 1993
- New Jersey Drive 1995
- Living Single 1994-1996
- Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales For Every Child 1997
- The Deli 1997
- Life 1999
- The Cider House Rules 1999
- Martial Law 1999
- Nest Alternative 2000
- For Your Love 2000
- Big Trouble 2002
- Boston Public 2000-2003
- The Tracy Morgan Show 2003-2004
- Black Listed 2003
- Larceny 2004
- Dallas 362 2005
- Bones 2005
- Yes, Dear 2005
- Step Up 2006
- Law & Order Special Victims Unit 2011
- Are We There Yet (TV series) 2011
- Tower Heist 2011
Discography
- Living Large 1987
- Big Tyme 1989
- Peaceful Journey 1991
- Blue Funk 1992
- Nuttin’ But Love 1994
- Waterbed Hev 1997
- Heavy 1999
- Vibes 2008
- Uptown Heavy Ranking 2009
- Love Opus 2011
Fast Facts About Rapper and Actor Heavy D
Here are some fast facts about Heavy D:
- Heavy D was of Jamaican descent.
- He leaves behind one daughter named Xea.
- Heavy D attended high school with R&B singer Al B. Sure.
- Composed the theme song for the 1990’s sketch comedy In Living Color.
- Collaborated with Janet Jackson on "Alright" and Michael Jackson’s "Jam."
- Heavy D is the youngest of six children.
Sources:
- Heavy D (1967-2011). IMDb.
- Heavy D Biography. Starpulse
- Reeves, Marcus. Reflecting on Heavy D. BET
- Fisher, Luchina. Heavy D’s Last Days. ABC News.
