5 replies to this topic

[Sharon007]

Hip-hop star Heavy D dies aged 44

US recording artist Heavy D, the self-proclaimed "overweight lover" of hip-hop, who became one of rap's biggest stars in the 1980s, has died aged 44.

He died on Tuesday after being found unconscious at his Los Angeles home.

Born Dwight Arrington Myers in Jamaica in 1967, Heavy D found fame with his band "The Boyz", scoring hits with such tracks as Now That We Found Love.

He appeared on Michael Jackson's 1991 song Jam and recently performed at the singer's tribute concert in Cardiff.

"My heart goes out to the family and [loved] ones of Heavy D," tweeted Jackson's sister La Toya, who appeared with Heavy D at the event on 8 October.

Although he was known for his big frame, Heavy D never let his size become his defining characteristic.

The charismatic MC was more often a seducer and a comedian. "What's it going to be, me or the TV?" he chided his lover on Now That We Found Love, his biggest UK hit.

With his band, The Boyz, he set the tone for New Jack Swing - sparse production, big R&B hooks and metallic drum loops - paving the way for the likes of Bobby Brown and Blackstreet.

Three of his albums - Big Tyme (1989), Peaceful Journey (1991) and Nuttin' but Love (1994) - went platinum in the US.

In the early 1990s, he duetted with the likes of Notorious BIG and Janet Jackson, cheekily branding the latter "a walking bank vault" on her hit single Alright.

His music suffered as his acting career took off, with appearances on TV shows such as Law & Order: SVU and Boston Public in the early 2000s.

He also made select film appearances, with roles in The Cider House Rules and, most recently, alongside Ben Stiller and Eddie Murphy in the comedy Tower Heist.

However, he continued to create music and his last album, Love Opus, was considered a return to form when it was released in September this year.

Heart of gold

Rapper Ice T was among the rapper's peers expressing condolences, saying he felt "sick" at the news of the Heavy D's death.

"Stop for a second, take a breath and realize how lucky you are to be alive," he wrote after hearing the news.

"We had a lot of great times touring together," tweeted MC Hammer. "He had a heart of gold."

According to Lt Mark Rosen of the Beverly Hills police, the rapper experienced breathing difficulties while returning home from shopping.

After collapsing in an exterior hallway, he was transported to Cedars Sinai Medical Center where he later died.

The musician is survived by family members including his daughter Xea.

Source: BBC

[Sharon007]

Heavy D appeared in the Jam video

[magic]

Sharon, thank you for adding this here. I forgot about it yesterday being busy adding some other things.

RIP Heavy D

[Sharon007]

Heavy D: Tito and Jackie Jackson talk passing of rapper

The news was announced this week that the rap superstar, Heavy D passed away at the young age of 44. The star achieved much in his career, and has garnered a huge amount of fans. His music is loved by fans around the world, and he will certainly be missed. According to new updates made via Twitter, Tito Jackson and his brother Jackie Jackson wrote of the loss of the rapper.

Tito Jackson wrote of Heavy D:

"I want to say rip--heavy d--he and i hung out after the show in cardiff--a really nice guy."

Jackie Jackson also took to Twitter and wrote of the rapper:

"Still in disbelief over the loss of my friend, we were just in Wales performing on the same show. Rest in peace Heavy D."

There have been other Jackson family members to write about the star's passing as well, which includes La Toya Jackson, Janet Jackson, and Jermaine Jackson. Heavy D performed with La Toya Jackson at the recent Michael Jackson tribute concert in Wales. Fans will recall that Heavy D was featured on the track and video of "Jam," the Michael Jackson classic. Heavy D also appeared on the track and video of Janet Jackson's "Alright." Heavy D will be greatly missed by those closest to him, and the fans as well.

Source: Examiner.com

[Sharon007]

Janet Jackson talks passing of rapper Heavy D


The superstar singer, Janet Jackson took to her official Twitter account today to share her feelings about the passing of rapper Heavy D. As fans are aware, Heavy D passed away yesterday at the young age of 44. The news has left his many fans truly saddened, and wishing those closest to him all the best at this time.

Janet Jackson took to Twitter and wrote of Heavy D: "Heavy D brought so much Joy into our lives through his energetic brilliance. I'm going to miss him."

Heavy D collaborated with Janet Jackson in her video "Alright" for the track, as well as Michael Jackson on the track "Jam" and he also appeared in the video. Many fans love the song "Jam" and the video. Heavy D has many fans, and he attained much success throughout his career. He also appears in the new film, "Tower Heist." The fans have taken to Twitter to express their sadness over the star's passing.

Source: Examiner.com

[Phantom]

I wish he rest in peace