Heavy D was adored by millions, but his family put a personal touch on just how great a loss we all suffered when the beloved rapper, actor and music executive died suddenly last week.
In their first public statement, the family of Heavy D, nee Dwight Arrington Meyers, described him as a loving family man who “was a kind and giving spirit who extended and shared himself with everyone who crossed his path.”
“To us, Hev was the one who made us laugh, cry, sing, dance and turn a frown upside down,” the statement, released Monday, read. “As a family, we are devastated by Hev’s passing, but through our faith in God and support from family, friends and fans, we are comforted, blessed and will remain strong.”
Heavy D, who made his mark as a formidable rapper in the 90s and went on to become an executive at Uptown Records before reinventing himself as a film and theater actor, is survived by his parents, a brother, a sister and his daughter. Of Heavy D’s daughter, Xea, 13, the family said she was the light of her father’s life and his death is truly a great loss for her.
“Hev’s love for his daughter Xea was profound,” the family said. “She was the center of his life, his heart, his soul. She embodied every phenomenal attribute that he brought to this world.”
Heavy D will travel to his final resting place later this week after a public viewing at the Grace Baptist Church in Mount Vernon Thursday. The viewing will start at noon and end at 6 p.m.
Rap mogul Sean, P. Diddy Combs and the Rev. Al Sharpton will speak at a private, invitation-only memorial service at the historic church on Friday.
Combs, a long-time friend whom Heavy introduced to his legendary internship gig at Uptown Records, said of his dear friend: “He was a wonderful human being who inspired and paved the way for a Hip Hop generation.”
Fellow artist and R&B icon Mary J. Blige, who is expected to also attend the funeral service stated, “He was one of the people in my life who always had something inspiring and encouraging to say. He was so joyful and optimistic… His talent brought so much joy to our lives. I love you and miss you, Heavy.”
The Los Angeles Times reported that the L.A. County coroner’s office deemed autopsy results inconclusive, but officials are awaiting results from a toxicology test. Ed Winter, a coroner’s spokesman, said that no illegal drugs were found at Heavy D’s Beverly Hills home, but that a doctor had prescribed the 44-year-old artist medication after he experienced a cough.
Rest in peace Heavy D. We will always love you; may your light shine above as brightly as it did below.
