Heavy D & The Boyz

Nas Makes 'History' With Heavy D-Produced 'The Don'

20 Mar 2012 17:01:14 EDT

'When Salaam played me the beat for it, I said, 'That's the single,' ' Nas tells MTV News of Life Is Good track.
By Nadeska Alexis

Nas is gearing up to release his 10th studio album, Life Is Good, this summer, and the Queens MC gave fans a first taste of the anticipated LP last week with the premiere of his new single, "The Don." The track features production from Salaam Remi, Da Internz and the late Heavy D, who died suddenly in November.

Before taking the stage at South by Southwest this past weekend, Nas acknowledged the significance of having Heav's touch on his new single.

"When Salaam played me the beat for it, I said, 'That's the single — do this and do that and we're golden.' So he started flipping it around," Nas said of the first time he heard the instrumentals. "When we heard that Heavy D died, of course we were messed up, and Salaam called me and told me, 'You know your record "The Don"? You know who gave me that, right?'

"He's like, 'Heavy D gave me that. He liked what we did with the other single, "Nasty," and he sent me this record.' And the rest is history," Nas continued. "So rest in peace, Heavy D."

Life Is Good will be Nas' first solo album since 2008's Untitled, and the LP is slated to arrive by late May or early June. "It's a summer album," Nas told MTV News. "We're gonna shoot the video for 'The Don' and get ready for the next song that's in the chamber. It ain't gon' stop. It's a whole story. '[The] Don' just dropped, so we're just letting that bubble and setting up the next one."

Before Nas rolls out Life Is Good, fans can catch him on the song "Champion," which appears on Nicki Minaj's upcoming sophomore album, Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded. "Nicki hit us up, I got love, so it was nothin' — I did the record," he said of his work on the track.

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Heavy D's Cause Of Death Announced

27 Dec 2011 14:22:18 EST

Rapper succumbed to pulmonary embolism, a result of a blood clot that traveled to his lung.
By Rob Markman

Though he was only 44 years old, a medical examiner has concluded that Heavy D's death last month was a result of natural causes. TMZ reported that Heavy, born Dwight Myers, died from a pulmonary embolism caused by deep vein thrombosis.

Pulmonary embolism is usually caused by a blood clot formed in the leg that eventually travels up to the lung, stopping blood flow. In most cases, the clots formed aren't deadly, but officials from L.A. County Coroner's Office also told TMZ that the rapper suffered from heart disease and that may have been a contributing factor to his death as well.

According to WebMD, common symptoms associated with pulmonary embolism are sudden shortness of breath, sharp chest pains, lightheadedness and fainting. Police reported that on November 8 they arrived at Heavy D's Beverly Hills home after a call was made to report an unconscious man. When the cops arrived, they found the rapper conscious, though he had difficulty breathing. The self-proclaimed Overweight Lover was then transported to Cedars Sinai Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead. TMZ also reported that a flight that Heavy took back from Europe after performing at a Michael Jackson tribute concert in Wales may have been a factor in his death as well. It is believed that the blood clots formed in Heavy's legs due to his prolonged immobility on the long flight.

Heavy was laid to rest on November 18. The night before his funeral, his brother Floyd Myers spoke with MTV News about his brother's health from his family's home, apparently unaware of Heavy's heart disease. "Heavy was in great shape," Myers said. "You guys seen him at the BET Awards, and he just did the tribute to Michael Jackson; they flew him out to London to do that. Heav was in good shape, healthy, no heart problems. He constantly made sure that his health was in check."

At the time, the initial autopsy report had come back inconclusive and Heavy's family, friends and fans were still searching for answers. Still, rather than speculate, Heav's brother remembered the positivity that the rapper exhibited in his life. "He loved family, and that's who he was, but it wasn't too much different from how he treated his friends and his fans," he said. "He showed everybody love and affection, and we're gonna miss that."

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In Memoriam: Nate Dogg, Heavy D Among Stars We Lost In 2011

23 Dec 2011 08:54:16 EST

MTV News remembers 'Jackass' daredevil Ryan Dunn, Alice in Chains bassist Mike Starr and Cali Swag District's M-Bone, among others.
By Tami Katzoff

This year we lost some of our brightest stars: artists that spanned the genres of rock, hip-hop and pop, as well as TV and film. They were at different stages in their careers — some just starting to rise, others already legends — but all left a distinct mark on pop culture, and their deaths affected us deeply.

Beloved hip-hop icons Nate Dogg and Heavy D influenced the generations of artists who followed them. Nate (born Nathaniel Hale) died at age 41 after suffering several health setbacks related to a stroke. One of the key players in the birth of the West Coast G-Funk sound, the crooner's silky smooth vocals touched classic tracks from Snoop Dogg and Warren G to 50 Cent and Ludacris. Fun-loving Heavy D, a major force in the New Jack Swing era, had hits with songs like "We Found Love" and "Nuttin' But Love," but he had also branched out into film and theater. He was 44 when he died this past fall.

Photos: The celebrities gone too soon in 2011.

We lost Mike Starr, former bassist for the groundbreaking Seattle grunge band Alice in Chains. Like Amy Winehouse, who also died this year at the age of 27, Starr's talent was often overshadowed by dependency on alcohol and drugs.

Gun violence claimed the life of 22-year-old Montae Talbert, the Cali Swag District dancer otherwise known as M-Bone. And Australian actor Andy Whitfield, who got his big break when he was cast as the lead in the Starz TV series "Spartacus: Blood and Sand," was 39 when he succumbed to non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Finally, the MTV family mourned the death of "Jackass" daredevil and "Viva La Bam" star Ryan Dunn. The 34-year-old died on a rural Pennsylvania road along with his 30-year-old passenger, Zachary Hartwell, when their car slammed into a guardrail and caught fire.

Share your memories of those we lost this year in the comments below.

MTV continues our Best of 2011 coverage by looking back at the biggest pop-culture stories of the year. As we count down the newsmakers that mattered to you most, also check out our Best Artists, Best Songs, Best MTV Live Performances and Best EDM Artists of 2011.

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Heavy D Was An 'Icon,' Red Cafe Says

18 Nov 2011 06:53:15 EST

'He was just a big dude with swag, and then you seen Biggie follow suit and you see Rick Ross follow suit,' he tells MTV News.
By Rob Markman

Red Café may have only met Heavy D a few months before his death, but the Overweight Lover remained an inspiration to the Bad Boy rapper.

"I gotta tip my hat, raise my glass to Heavy D for paving the way for me to be able to do this," Red told MTV News during MTV2's Sucker Free Awards in Miami last week. "Heavy D was instrumental on me being a part of hip-hop. The Overweight Lover brought the swag to the game, so for me, it was a great loss for me."

The fallen rapper was close friends with Bad Boy founder Diddy; their relationship dates back to their days at Uptown Records, where Puff interned back in the early 1990s. "I got a chance to meet Heavy D at Puff's house a few months ago, and he knew who I was," Red Café shared. "Heavy D knew who I was. He was like, 'Yo, dog I've been hearin' about you, I've been watching your movement,' and, you know, that was so inspiring for me, 'cause I grew up on Heavy D."

Through his music, Heavy D embraced his physical stature. Songs like "The Overweight Lover," "Mr. Big Stuff" and his 1991 dance hit "Now That We Found Love" helped brand the rapper as not only a hitmaker, but a sex symbol as well. It was a blueprint that many rappers after him followed.

"He was just a big dude with swag, and then you seen Biggie follow suit and you see Rick Ross follow suit, so Heavy D is instrumental in the game and very important," Red said. "He's an icon, and I salute him. Rest in peace. He's in a better place, and you know we love you. Your music will live forever, believe that."

There was a public viewing for the fallen rapper Thursday at Grace Baptist Church in Mount Vernon, New York, and a private funeral service for family and close friends is set for Friday (November 18). BET is planning a special tribute to Heavy D during November 27's Soul Train Awards. Rappers Big Daddy Kane, Doug E. Fresh, Curtis Blow, Naughty by Nature, Whodini and Stetsasonic's Daddy-O are all said to be taking part.

How has Heavy D inspired you? Tell us in the comments.

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Heavy D Fans Pay Final Respects At Public Memorial

17 Nov 2011 17:13:31 EST

Wayans brothers were among mourners; a private funeral service for the late rapper will be held Friday.
By Nadeska Alexis, with reporting by Rob Markman

A private funeral for late rapper Heavy D (born Dwight Errington Meyers) will take place Friday, but on Thursday (November 17), his family held an open memorial service from noon to 6 p.m. at the Grace Baptist Church in Mount Vernon, New York. Fans were given a chance to say goodbye to the Overweight Lover, as he was affectionately known.

The weather in New York had dipped into the 40s, but that didn't prevent fans and friends — including the Wayans brothers — from showing up to pay their final respects. Outside the Grace Baptist Church, police officials set up barricades that stretched as far as three city blocks.

A steady stream of visitors, heavy with high school students, made their way inside for a last glimpse of the local hero. Once inside, ushers guided fans to the front of the church, where Heavy D lay in an open casket, dressed in a gray suit, with his arms folded. Just above his casket, a video monitor played footage of the Jamaican-born performer from his early days. After fans paid their respects, Heavy's family did their best to thank each and every visitor as they exited the church.

On Friday, guests at Heavy D's invite-only funeral services will include Mary J. Blige, Diddy (who both worked with Heavy at Uptown Records) and DJ Eddie F and G-Wiz, his group members in the popular '90s outfit Heavy D & the Boyz.

Heavy D was rushed to the hospital last week after collapsing in his Beverly Hills home. He was pronounced dead shortly afterward, at the age of 44. The Los Angeles coroner's office has not yet announced an official cause of death.

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Rick Ross Says Heavy D Was A True Boss

17 Nov 2011 15:07:19 EST

'It was just cool to see a big dude that could still dance, get fly, put on the slick joints,' Rozay recalls on 'RapFix Live.'
By Rob Markman, with reporting by Sway Calloway

Ask Rick Ross about Heavy D's contribution to hip-hop, and he's likely to break out into song.

"Heav's at the door, so there'll be no bum-rushing," Rozay sang when MTV News asked about his thoughts on the passing of the Overweight Lover. Heavy's verse from the 1989 anti-violence jam "Self Destruction" was clearly memorable for the Maybach Music boss, but it goes deeper than just his rhymes, according to Ross.

"Man, you know, that was the Overweight Lover, and it was just cool to see a big dude that could still dance, get fly, put on the slick joints, rock the dope shades, the females screaming for him," Rozay said on Wednesday's "RapFix Live."

Although Heavy D's accomplishments in rap music are sometimes overlooked, Ross said the rapper/actor's impact is something to be noted. "Me being cool with Puff, I know the kind of impact he had on Puff at Uptown Records and we just gotta give Heavy his credit," Rozay said. "He really impacted the game on another level, being one of the early dudes."

In October, Heavy closed out the BET Hip Hop Awards with a medley of hits, including "The Overweight Lover," "Mr. Big Stuff," "Is It Good to You" and "I Want Somebody." Ross, who also performed that night, watched Mr. Big Stuff's performance in amazement.

"Just to be at the BET Awards just this past year and watch the homey close the awards out and still doin' his thing and it's like years later, you just really reflect on all the great memories just with hip-hop, period, especially from that era," he said. "Heav, he was just that dude."

1990s rap star Chubb Rock, who also appeared on "RapFix Live" this week, told host Sway that it was "hard to be happy" since his friend's death at 44. Both Rock and Heavy D were born in Jamaica and the two men became friends before they started their respective rap careers. Heavy got his start first and paved the way for Chubb, who was also one of rap's big men. "It was great because between him, Markie Dee of the Fat Boys — that was our lane, that big boy thing," he said.

When it comes to Heavy D and the hip-hop heavyweights he inspired, Chubb doesn't see it as an old school versus new school thing. Instead, he sees rappers like Rick Ross and Fat Joe, as well as late MCs Big Pun and the Notorious B.I.G., as members of a fraternity.

"When I heard things happened to Rick, it bothered me, too, because I was like, 'Wait a minute, that's one of our young brothers doin' his thing and keeping that legacy going," Rock said of Ross suffering two seizures in October. "But the health thing is serious, that's why I had to drop, like, 80 lbs."

The exact cause of Heavy D's death is still unclear as initial autopsy results came up inconclusive. He was taken to Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Beverly Hills after a 911 call was placed from the rapper's home. Heavy had difficulty breathing and was pronounced dead after he reached the hospital.

There will be a public viewing for the fallen rapper on Thursday (November 17) at Grace Baptist Church in Mount Vernon, New York, followed by a private funeral service for family and close friends on Friday. BET is planning a special tribute to Heavy D during Sunday's "Soul Train Awards." Veteran rappers Big Daddy Kane, Doug E. Fresh, Curtis Blow, Naughty by Nature, Whodini and Stetsasonic's Daddy-O are all said to be taking part.

Share your fondest Heavy D memory with us in the comments.

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Heavy D Autopsy Results Inconclusive

15 Nov 2011 08:27:11 EST

Coroner has deferred autopsy pending toxicology tests.
By Gil Kaufman

Authorities have not yet determined what caused Heavy D's death. After results were inconclusive, the Los Angeles coroner's office has deferred judgment on what killed the rapper/producer (born Dwight Errington Myers) suddenly at age 44 last Tuesday pending the results of toxicology tests.

According to the Los Angeles Times, officials said the autopsy results were unclear and that it could take several more weeks to determine a cause of death. Coroner's spokesperson Ed Winter has already stated that no illegal drugs were found at the rapper's Beverly Hills home, but that a doctor had recently prescribed medicine for a cough.

"We need to see what's in his system," Winter said. The paper said toxicology tests are common in cases when a relatively young, healthy person dies unexpectedly. D had just returned from some shopping on the day of his death when he began complaining of difficulty breathing and collapsed. He died a short time later at a local hospital and officials believe his death is related to a medical issue and do not suspect foul play.

A private funeral is planned on November 18 at Grace Baptist Church in Mount Vernon, New York. Diddy and the Rev. Al Sharpton are expected to speak at the event and BET is planning a tribute to the Overweight Lover at Sunday's Soul Train Awards that will feature Big Daddy Kane, Doug E. Fresh, Curtis Blow, Naughty by Nature, Whodini and Stetsasonic's Daddy-O.

Fans will have a chance to pay their respects at a public viewing in his hometown of Mount Vernon on Thursday.

Heavy D's family released a statement in memory of the artist, which in part reads: "The name and the success of Heavy D will always be synonymous with music forever. He never compromised his values and artistry, and encouraged his peers to do the same."

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Heavy D's Funeral Planned For Next Week

11 Nov 2011 16:44:12 EST

While Friday's New York service will be for family and friends only, a public viewing has been scheduled for Thursday.
By Alvin Blanco

Plans for Heavy D's funeral services are being made, and his sendoff will be small and intimate with close friends and family only. The beloved rapper, born Dwight Errington Myers, will be laid to rest next Friday, November 18, in the New York area.

TMZ reports that Heav's family will be holding a public viewing the Thursday before the funeral for fans to catch a last glimpse of the "Now That We Found Love" rapper.

Heavy's burial services Friday will be invite-only. The surviving Boyz of Heavy D & the Boyz — DJ Eddie F and dancer G-Wiz — will be in attendance. While calling into MTV News' "RapFix Live," Eddie explained the universal appeal of his late friend.

"The thing that he did that may be apparent, but maybe a lot of people didn't pay attention to it, he was the type of rapper like the hardest, hardest, hard rock was a fan of his, and he would move on the street," Eddie F told MTV News. "But then he was also respectful, and your mother, your grandmother could listen to Heavy D."

Also sure to attend the funeral will be Sean "Diddy" Combs and Mary J. Blige, who both worked with the Overweight Lover while he was at Uptown Records. The Wayans brothers are on the list of select attendees, according to TMZ; Heav famously penned and performed the theme music to the Wayans' "In Living Color" sketch-comedy show.

Heavy D died Tuesday after collapsing near his Beverly Hills condominium. Although it's been reported that he had pneumonia-like symptoms shortly before his death, the Los Angeles coroner has not announced an official cause of death.

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Heavy D Had 'Flu-Like Symptoms' Before Death

09 Nov 2011 20:10:02 EST

L.A. County Coroner's Office and Heavy's cousin reveal rapper's ailment to New York's Daily News.
By Alvin Blanco

More details are emerging regarding the untimely death of New York rap legend Heavy D. According to Ed Winter of the Los Angeles County Coroner's office, the beloved artist, born Dwight Errington Myers, was already ill before he collapsed Tuesday morning just outside his Beverly Hills condominium.

"He had gone to the doctor the day before," Winter told New York's Daily News. "He had what appeared to be flu-like symptoms."

"He said he had a touch of pneumonia, maybe from traveling," cousin Ruddy Phillips, 50, told the Daily News after speaking with the entertainer's dad. "He just got back from England."

The Overweight Lover was conscious though experiencing trouble breathing when he was transported to Cedars Sinai Medical Center after a 911 call was placed at 11:25 a.m. PT on his behalf Tuesday. However, he was pronounced dead at 1 p.m. PT. Although an autopsy has been performed, the coroner is declining to announce any cause of death until toxicology tests are conducted due to Heav taking various medications.

The Mount Vernon, New York, rapper's death hit many close to heart, including Eddie F, who along with dancers G Wiz and the late Trouble T Roy were the "Boyz" in Heavy D & the Boyz. The DJ and producer called into MTV News' "RapFix Live" on Wednesday and revealed how he found out about the unfortunate news.

"I had gotten a call from a few of the guys from our crew, and I thought they were calling me about something else that we were working on," Eddie F told MTV News. "They told me the news, and at first I didn't believe 'em. I was like, 'There's no way.' And then I got a call from G Wiz, and then I started making calls. I actually spoke to Andre Harrell, and he had Puff on the other line and everybody was just getting information and really just hysterical. From there, we started getting bits and pieces in."

Heavy D & the Boyz were the first act record executive Andre Harrell signed to his Uptown Records, which released the act's debut, Living Large, in 1987. While at Uptown, Sean "Diddy" Combs got his start in the music industry as Harrell's intern. Naturally, they all became close friends with the universally adored Heavy D, whose music was well regarded by all types of music fans.

"Heavy was always a class act," Eddie F said. "The thing that he did that may be apparent, but maybe a lot of people didn't pay attention to it, he was the type of rapper like the hardest, hardest, hard rock was a fan of his, and he would move on the street. But then he was also respectful and your mother, your grandmother could listen to Heavy D. He was always stylish and fashionable and he was a professional, he was a hard worker."

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Heavy D Remembered By Iconic Producer Pete Rock

09 Nov 2011 12:25:45 EST

Cousin of rap's Overweight Lover reminisces during call to New York's Hot 97.
By Rob Markman

Heavy D's death on Tuesday has hit the entire hip-hop community pretty hard, but for Pete Rock, who not only collaborated with Heav but was his cousin, things are difficult.

Still, the legendary hip-hop producer took the time to call in to New York City's Hot 97 morning show on Wednesday (November 9) and spoke with hosts Peter Rosenberg and Cipha Sounds. "Just trying to fathom the thought of all of this, it's very hurtful," Rock said of Heavy D, who was born Dwight Arrington Myers. "This man, he gave me everything."

The trailblazing rapper, who rose to fame with his group Heavy D & the Boyz in the late 1980s, died at 44. While the cause of death remains unconfirmed, early police reports say that Heav complained of having difficulty breathing. After cops responded to a 911 call on Tuesday, a still-conscious Heavy D was transported to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, where he was pronounced dead at 1 p.m. ET.

Pete Rock, who is also Heav's first cousin, told the radio hosts that he was with the rapper/actor just weeks ago and he seemed to be in good health. "It's hard because it's still unbelievable. I didn't expect this to happen this fast, I was just with him a couple of weeks ago," the producer revealed. "I spent the night; he didn't even want me to leave. It's like he didn't want me to go and I laughed at him ... it was crazy."

It was Heavy D who gave the Mount Vernon, New York, producer his start. Mr. Big Stuff's success helped pave the way for Pete Rock to make his mark with rapper C.L. Smooth. On Pete and Smooth's 1992 album Mecca and the Soul Brother, the duo even paid homage to deceased Heavy D & the Boyz group member Troy Dixon (a.k.a. Trouble T Roy) on their classic single "They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.)."

"I felt like he was my guider, my person that just put me in place. He was my #1 believer," Rock said while on the radio. "He was just too good to be true."

The #1 Soul Brother also spoke about the fond memories he shared with his cousin, remarking that their bond was "deeper than music." Pete also noted that the two musicians had completed a song just two weeks ago.

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