A pioneer in the world of hip-hop, Heavy D passed away earlier this month.
The music world lost a great talent on Tuesday, Nov. 8.
Born Dwight Myers, the rapper known as Heavy D., like his contemporaries Will Smith and Dana “Queen Latifah” Owens, used the art form of hip-hop videos as screen tests for future acting roles. Heavy went on to small-screen acting roles on the shows Roc and Boston Public, and to big-screen roles that include the new Tower Heist.
Heavy D meant more than just a list of accomplishments. I first saw him in the video for “Uptown Is Kicking,” where he stole the show among a host of then new artists. Later, his first video “Mr. Big Stuff” was released and suddenly you heard the name Heavy D everywhere.
His music was the soundtrack to my 20s — from friendships to romances to mix tapes to video jukeboxes to the best dance clubs and parties I’ve ever been to. One memory that stands out is when Resorts had a video jukebox in their game room, and years after “Mr. Big Stuff” was considered old-school it was still one of the most popular videos played. People would gather around the jukebox and mouth all the words to the little skit leading up to the performance (which is hilarious).
In the video, Heavy asks his uncle to let his group perform. His uncle introduces the group: “Direct from my sister’s house, my nephew, Heavy D. and The Boyz.” Before the video is over the older folks in the club are dancing with the younger people who came to support Heavy D.
Although that video was fictitious, I have lived that experience several times. Most recently, I have even danced with my four-year-old niece, watching “Mr. Big Stuff” on my laptop.
I can’t adequately tell you how much Heavy D. means to me or how much he’ll be missed. I will say, however, that without Heavy D. and The Boyz, I doubt my life would have been as much fun. I certainly would have danced a lot less.
I reached out to some people who have worked with Heavy D.
Reginald Hudlin, director of the films Boomerang and House Party, directed the video for “Mr. Big Stuff.” “Heavy D. made music that made people happy because, as a person, he made people happy. Lately I saw him two or three times a week because our kids go to the same school. We’d talk about what was important to him — his daughter. He loved spending more time with his child than his career, because that’s what he cared about the most.”
You can read more reactions to Heavy D.’s passing from people like producer Darren Henson and Atlantic City councilman Mo Delgaldo in the online version of this column at acweekly.com.
Music Beat Pick — The Black Carpet Affair at Club Arzu
(New York Avenue and the Boardwalk, Friday, Nov. 25). This is a party for the grown and sexy people who dress up to go out on the town. MTV 2’s DJ Envy will be doing the music. The organizers have hinted that some other celebrities may be in the building. If you would like to attend the Black Carpet Affair, I have a free admission pass. You must be 21 or over, and you must be the first person to e-mail the right answer to this trivia question: What was the first music video Heavy D. released for his second album, Big Tyme? E-mail the answer to RTyler@acweekly.com. If you win you must come to the Atlantic City Weekly office to pick up your prize.
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1. Daddy-o said... on Nov 16, 2011 at 06:45PM
“I can remember meeting Heavy D (and the boyz) at a Mike Tyson fight at Convention Hall through my best friend's brother-in law, who grew up with him in Mt. Vernon. He was really down to earth. That fall I returned to college and during the Home Coming celebration I hear someone calling my name. I turn around and it Heavy D. He starts laughing and says "What? You don't remember me?" We cracked up and had a blast. His music was everywhere that year.”
2. L. Rozier said... on Nov 16, 2011 at 06:54PM
“Heavy D was one of my 1st music crushes because he made not only my body dance, but also made my heart dance and believe in love and chivalry because he was my Hip Hop Gentleman! He will be surely missed but never forgotten!”