Hip Hop pioneer Heavy D was laid to rest today in a star studded funeral service held in his hometown Mt Vernon.
Heavy, whose real name is Dwight Errington Myers, died last week Tuesday (Nov 8th) of unknown illness.
Heavy D’s was remembered with laughter and tears by celebrity friends and families included Diddy, Jay-Z and Will Smith, and words of encouragement for the late rapper’s family, delivered in a letter from President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences at this difficult time. He will be remembered for his infectious optimism and many contributions to American music. Please know that you and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers,” read the note from the Obamas, read by the Rev. Al Sharpton.
Xea Myers, Heavy D’s 11-year-old daughter, also spoke briefly, telling the audience that her father was “still here, not in the flesh, but in the spirit.”
Heavy D was born in Jamaica but grew up in Mount Vernon, which he dubbed “Money Earnin’ Mount Vernon.” Mt Vernon was also the home of Sean “Diddy” Combs. Diddy talked about how Heavy D helped give him his start in the music industry, and how their decades-long friendship continued up until Heavy D’s death.
“He became my friend. He became my brother, and I’m not talking about friend-brother like we cavalierly use the word, I’m talking about a real friend, a real brother,” Diddy said. “Somebody I shared my dreams and my secrets with, somebody that’s been there for me at my lowest point, my darkest hour when nobody wanted to be beside me.”
R.I.P Heavy D
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