Hip-hop legend Heavy D died Tuesday at Cedars Sinai Medical Center after passing out at his condominium in Beverly Hills, California.
The self-proclaimed “overweight lover” is believed to have just returned from a shopping trip when he allegedly started to have difficulty breathing while climbing the stairs. The “Now That We Found Love” singer was still conscious and talking when he was found. A 911 call placed at 11:25 a.m. reported that an unconscious male had been found but 95 minutes later he was pronounced dead at 1PM. Witnesses at the scene have stated Heavy appeared to have a heart attack but cause of death has yet to be officially determined. The corner in the case believes no foul play was involved and that the rap star’s death was probably of natural causes.
Born Dwight Arrington Myers in Jamaica in 1967, Heavy D shot to fame by seamlessly melding hip-hop and R&B together on his debut album, Living Large in 1987 with his group Heavy D & the Boyz. As the first act signed to Uptown Records, throughout the years Heavy’s hits included “Who’s the Man,” “Somebody For Me,” “The Overweight Lover’s In the House” and “Mr. Big Stuff.” Heavy was also responsible for the theme song on In Living Color.
In the final years of his career, Heavy D had lost a bunch of weight and gotten heavy into acting. He appeared in films like The Cider House Rules, Step Up and the Eddie Murphy comedies Life and most recently Tower Heist.
After the announcement of his death, stars took to Twitter to remember the hip-hop giant:
Marlon Wayans: “I didn’t cry this much when my own grandma passed #smh *wipes teArs, giggles, snot bubble, giggles.”
Usher: “This is too heavy, I can’t believe it. HEAVY D was just here. Truly gone too soon. My heart and support goes out to his family. R.I.P HEAVY.”
Ciara: “RIP HEAVY D! He was a really nice man! Sending my condolences to him and his family!”
Keyshia Cole: “When I met Heavy D.. He said ‘believe U have a good soul, Sing with always having Something to say’. This was 1 year Be4 the 1st album RIP.”
Missy Elliott: “U will be missed Heavy D so many laughs we’ve shared but your Music is Timeless and will Always be Around 4ever Love u Heav[y].”
John Legend: “I’m so sad about Hev. He really was a wonderful person.”
Nicki Minaj: “We’ll never forget you babe! #hiphopelite #RIPHeavyD.”
Nick Cannon: “*Tears* for my man @heavyd #noshame I love that dude! I just talked to @heavyd. He was just encouraging me about life.”
Wendy Williams: “RIP Heavy D…..love you like cooked food!”
In life and in death, Heavy D was all about positivity. His last tweet said it all: “Be Inspired.”
SOURCE: http://live.drjays.com/index.php/2011/11/09/rip-rapper-heavy-d-dead-at-44/