Very sad news: Rap legend Heavy D has died.
The former leader of Heavy D & the Boyz,—whose real name was Dwight Arrington Myers—was an actor, rapper, record producer and singer who shot to fame in the 1980s and 1990s. Myers died today in Los Angeles, reports TMZ.
Heavy D was rushed to an L.A. hospital around noon today ... and was pronounced dead at the hospital at 1 PM. He was 44 years old. We've learned a 911 call was placed from Heavy's Beverly Hills home around 11:25 AM to report an unconscious male on the walkway .
When help arrived, we're told Heavy D was conscious and speaking -- and was transported to a nearby hospital. He died a short time later. Cops are investigating the death -- and so far, there are no obvious signs of foul play. Police are currently at the home.
Heavy D became a pop culture phenomenon after singing the theme song for comedy television series television In Living Color. Heavy D also performed the rap on Michael Jackson's"Jam" as well as sister Janet Jackson's hit "Alright". But the rapper is probably best known for hits such as "Now That We Found Love", "The Overweight Lovers In The House" and "We Got Our Own Thang".
Just last month Heavy D made his first live performance in 15 years at the 2011 BET Hip Hop Award. Also last month: Heavy D guest starred in a Law & Order: SVU episode as the cousin and business manager of the superstar baller played by Mehcad Brooks.
So much style, such a voice and so many memories. Take a trip down memory lane AFTER THE JUMP
R.I.P. Heavy D. "Now that We Found Love" was my song back in the day.
Posted by: Zambos27 | 08 November 2011 at 17:33
So sad. Gone much to young. He was also good in _Cider House Rules_.
Posted by: reggieh | 08 November 2011 at 18:34
Loved his music.
Rest in peace.
Posted by: Honut Sinti | 08 November 2011 at 19:43
So sad!! RIP :(
Posted by: 4everDOB | 08 November 2011 at 20:03
Just watched all of these videos.
This was from an era when house and hip-hop intersected. At the time, I just kind of dismissed this as pop music. (I was a serious underground house snob.) But when I look at "We Got Our Own Thang" now, it really was a lot of fun.
Posted by: Jim | 08 November 2011 at 23:41
I just saw him do his thang on the Hip Hop Awards and he was AWESOME so this really hurts because I grew up with his music and videos and being a big fan of his I was totally shocked and sadden by the news. We really lost a great in the world of Rap with the loss of Heavy D. RIP man!
Posted by: BLACK | 09 November 2011 at 06:26
RIP...
Posted by: thegaytekeeper | 09 November 2011 at 12:22
He was from my hometown of Mount Vernon and people there would speak highly of him because he never forgot his roots. He would still come back and hang out on "the Avenue" and took care of his friends.
R.I.P Heavy.
Posted by: RW | 09 November 2011 at 16:06
RIP...Wow...It just makes a person take stock of their life and live it to the best!
Posted by: Charles | 12 November 2011 at 10:18