Twenty years ago one of the best dance recordings was “Now That We Found Love” by Dwight Arrington Myers, better known as Heavy D. On Nov 8, the influential rapper and producer who emerged in the late 80s, died in Beverly Hills, Calif. from a cause undetermined. He was pronounced dead Tuesday afternoon at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. He was only 44.
Heavy D with his group, the Boyz, made their debut in 1987 with the album Living Large. The albums neatly packaged sound was ushered by veteran rapper/producer Marley Marl along with rising star beatmaker Teddy Riley. Known for his cat-like moves on the dance floor despite his large frame, Heavy D’s music was the heart and soul of parties across the nation. He also re-personified sex appeal so for once the big guy had a shot of getting the girl.
Heavy D & the Boyz was part of the heyday of vinyl music samples and hip hop turntablism. The group hopped on board a genre that took off on urban and pop radio stations everywhere. It was time when Heavy and his predecessors embraced the joie de vivre of hip hop dance music. From 1989 to 1994 Heavy D & the Boyz hit their apex with the jams “Somebody for Me” and “Got Me Waiting.” Heavy parlayed his love of music into a successful producing career that kickstarted brothers-in-arms group Soul 4 Real.
Hits such as “Don’t Curse” and “Black Coffee” gave him more solid ground as a rapper. And oftentimes, Heavy D would channel his Jamaican roots with “Gyrlz, They Love Me” and “Ready for Dem,” a collaboration with Naughty By Nature. He maintained his relevance as writer and performer of “In Living Color,” the theme to the eponymous sketch comedy show developed by the Wayans family.
The late Michael Jackson took interest in Heavy D’s staccato delivery in the hit “Jam.” As he transitioned into acting Heavy D was very supportive of Los Angeles-based theatrical talent, especially, the cast and crew of ‘The Bachelorette Party,” an award-winning ensemble play that had many revivals across the United States. He appeared in New Jersey Drive and most recently, Tower Heist.
It just felt like yesterday when Cross Colours era teens would dance with their sweethearts to Heavy D’s oeuvre of slow and upbeat jams. Twitter and YouTube were overflowed with tributes. Facebook status updates saluted him. And though we lost him so young, it’ll be exactly the way we remember him… and his music.
Rest in Peace, Heavy D.
