The shocking news that seminal rapper Heavy D died Tuesday at the age of 44 launched an outpouring of emotion from those who knew him and were influenced by him.
Many opted to retweet the artist's last postings on Twitter, encouraging statements such as "Never stop believing," and then, just before his death, "BE INSPIRED!"
Others still recalled a man who was as legendary for a gracious spirit as he was for his music:
- "I can't even think right now yall. Heav was my dude. What a friend. My heart is heavy." - Q Tip
- "May GOD embrace the soul of Heavy D and Bless his family. I respected you Heavy and I always will." - LL Cool J
- "Heavy D was...no...is one of Hip-Hops finest. Your art and contribution will live 4ever brother!" - Common
- "U will be missed Heavy D so many laughs we've shared but your Music is Timeless and will Always be Around 4ever Love u Heav." - Missy Elliott
- "When I met Heavy D.. He said "believe U have a good soul, Sing with always having Something to say". This was 1 year Be4 the 1st album RIP" - Keyshia Cole
- "When people say the phrase"he's a good dude" @heavyd Personified that. He at core a good dude and I hurt knowing he's gone." - Marlon Wayans
- "Heavy D was a truly positive and uplifting man. Rest in peace Heavy. Its a very Sad day today." - Joel Madden
- "I'm so sad about Hev. He really was a wonderful person." - John Legend
- "RIP. Heavy D. i can;t believe that. I can't. Was just in London w him. WTF." - Estelle
- "Man. I was just with Heavy D recently in London. Had I known it'd be the last time I'd see him, I woulda told him he was truly great. RIP..." - Ne-Yo
- "Smokin' Joe, now this?! The overweight lover Heavy D was one of my favorites growing up. From an era when hip hop was fun, entertaining...and had a social conscience. He was a cool, smooth big man... R.I.P Heavy D.. My condolences to your family." - Mario Lopez
- "I just talked to Heavy D. He was encouraging me about life. This is crazy.@heavyd such a beautiful person. He did and will continue to inspire me." - Nick Cannon
- "R.I.P. To my dude Heavy D. He sat me down & gave me many inspirational talks when i started early in the game. Gon miss you brother." - DJ Clue
- "Rest in Peace Heavy D. You provided the soundtrack to some of the best times of my teenage years. Your music will always make me smile." - Fred Savage
- "Heavy D gave me advice when I was pregnant. He said, "Cherish every single moment. It goes by way too fast". Rest in peace, Heavy D." - Alyssa Milano
- "We'll never forget you babe!...His BET Hip Hop Awards performance seems so much more special now. Thanks BET." - Nicki Minaj
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FdPYZhAyyGs&w=420&h=315]
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Mr. Big Stuff was a great heavy D song n every fan of hip hop and rap will miss you RIP Heavy D
I am soo glad there is another rapper dead. Now... if the rest of them just all the sudden died.... alot of people would be happy...hahaha.
heavy d,rest in peace bro will never forget my best track sister sister.
he was an awesome man! i'm only 18 and my mom loves him to death and wont stop and i wont stop either! R.I.P Heavy D
I'v never been deep into rap music, but Heavy D's music is music that I always liked, so I own more than I thought I did. Rest In Peace, Heavy D
TO MY,AND ALL OF HIS FANS HEAVY D. WILL BE MISS. I REMEMBER THE CLUB DAYS WHEN THE DJ WOULD PLAY HIS SONGS EVERYONE WOULD GET UP AND JAM TO HIS MUSIC, THEIR WASNT A EMPTY SEAT IN THE HOUSE. THE GOOD OLD DAYS WERE FAB. MY HEART GOES OUT TO HIM AND HIS FAMILY EVERYWHERE. MAY GOD SHINE A LIGHT UPON YOU. YOU WILL BE MISS. REST IN PEACE.
You need to go back to English class.
Heavy I am so heartbroken. You are one of the few talents (rap) I listened to back in the day and even now because you always respected the ladies. You never called us the "B" word the "N" word or any of those other negative names that some of us glorify now days. I enjoyed each and every song/message. I enjoyed watching you on TLC during the wedding of Mary/Mary artist Erica Campbell. I pray peace and strength for your family today....your talents extended to the masses therefore you made us your family....#WishingUaPeacfuljourney....
I love you Heavy D,your music will live forever,R.I.P
Wow so sad but we have to know that God knows best he knows what he's doing. It makes us also know we have to get closer to our Lord and Savior.... He is doing fine in Heaven, I promise you that....
I clicked on this thinking it had something to do with astronomy.
So what who gives a sh!t
Pulmonary Embolism
Wow, I've never heard of him.
I met Heavy in the early 1990s. Delivered furniture to his house in Westchester County, NY. Didn't realize who I was delivering to until I saw him inside the house. Very likable and down to earth guy, never acted like a big shot. He joked around with me and my delivery partner. Cool guy, he will be missed. My condolences to his family.
This news brought tears to my eyes....He was a great entertainer from back in the day when I went to a 90's concert! I can only imagine how special he was to those who were close to him. I am truly saddened by this news. My thoughts and prayers to the family and close friends of this cool dude!
Yesterday, hip-hop lost one of its most notable icons, and a great positive spirit. Everyone who knows his body of work or has met him has only kind words to say about him. Thank you Dwight for being one of the most talented and positive beacons in hip-hop music. And a talented actor to boot, I'll always remember the quality work he did in the 'Roc' series. Rest in peace Heavy D, and bless your great, warm, and kind soul.
RIP Heavy,love your music
Heavy D was one of the few TRUE rappers that didnt talk about violence n drugs or disrespect women n his music unlike the rappers of today. He was the best and will TRULY BE MISSED
Great guy,his music in the 80's,I think about the NCO club at Ft. Riley KS. and the fun me and my boys had,Chunky but Funky.
BET awards? Wow, talk about racist. Imagine if there was a WET awards...
they have that already, its called the CMA's.
RIP heavy d you left your mark on hip hop forever. May God receive you in his kingdom.
I will see you in the after life Heavy D. May you rest in peace and may the Holy Spirit comfort your friends and family.
His music was cool. Now he's in a better place. R.I.P Heavy D !!!
Always loved you Heavy D, you made being fat Beautiful before Biggie Smalls did, Loved your joint with Super Cat!! "There is no death." SPIRIT NEVER DIES!
The late Mr. Dwight Arrington made so many happy with is rapping. He perhaps open and closed many performances. All who sends their condolences know's the impact of this rapper's demise. Heavy D, as he is known went on home to be with is creator. Another soldier fought a greatful battle, is reward is heaven. As he move on in his journey, I am sure he will be rapping his way until he reached the gates and will enter with is gospel rap! God Speed!
This is very sad to hear. A man pivotal to R&B and Rap. He will be missed.
P.I.P Heavy hope i see u some day on heaven One Love
R.I.P In Peace Heavy
Wow this video shows he still had so much to give to the world of music.
You were a big part of the soundtrack to my childhood. God Bless and R.I.P. Heavy D.
RIP Heavy D...truly one of the greatest talents hip hop had...we'lll miss you
rip heavy d i really didn't know none of yours songs but my grandfather loves your music so therefore i think you are a good inspiration heavy d lives on forever and ever this is sad months after the bet peformance only 44 and he's gone goodbye
We met in nyc in '98 and you called me "down to earth and approachable" and I laughed and said the same about you. You gave me advice about staying out of "the game" and being real to myself. Well I listened, followed your advice and now I'm proud to say Ive been outta trouble ever since and its because of your advice. Thank you Heavy D for taking those 10 min to find a good in me that I never saw till then. My heart is with you and my condolences to your family. You will be definately missed in Buffalo ny.
RIP heave i know this world can be domant and uncaring,you inspired soul for real and the late BIG!!!
Oh boo hoo. A million kids just starved to death in the time it took me to post this. Grab some perspective people.
including you and yours for you to post that comment...grow up
I'm with you, who really gives a .... There was no blog filled with tons of people crying when my friend died in the Military but we should all be sad because some over weight, over paid rapper died. NOT!!!
Who?
Your mother, that's who... idiot.
not you...that who
If 'Heavy D' was a 'Light B', things might have turned out for the better!
This is a very sad news to my ears, heavy D he is a good man. I respected his kind of humility, i also loved his music so much. He says Baby dont be afraid show ur love. I miss ya heavy.rest in peace.
Heavy D was the very beginning of this Brain Rambling Brainwashing HATE RAP, about drugs, violence, the F word, the B word, and the N word.
No wonder our young people are frustrated and angry listening to this crap and believing it.
@DL Before you open your mouth and spew venom, you need to educate yourself. Heavy D was one of the few rappers that did not disrespect women or engage in gangsta rap. His songs were fun, positive, dance music that people of all ages would and could listen to. It's funny how the word "rapper" brings up only negative statements. There are many positive rappers in the industry. Try to educate yourself on those instead of being force fed the ones the media hand feeds you. RIP Heavy D, my favorite overweight lover
He was a icon here too...
I remember the early UPTOWN/MCA Records days.
My heart is HEAVY....
I remember the duet between heavyD & soul for real, heavy RIP.
Everyone who knew him respected him, as a person, and as a talent. He took the baton from Whodini, Doug E Fresh, and BDP, and he ran with it. He helped grow the rap game. Original style. Before there was B.I.G, there was Heavy D!
RIP
BD
"cause it's heavy in the middle!" – RIP D
Miss ya babe.
it must be true, the GOOD die young, and the BAD live for ever, damn ole farts, -r.i.p. Heavy d-
wow.....heavy d gone....i grew up wit him....felt as if i known him...always saw a smile on his face...big voice big guy ...great dancer..u will be missed ...ur music will be wit me always...ur entertainin god now....R.I.P...my bro...n thanks for the memories....8(
Heavy D was one of the great pioneers of rap. He will surely be missed. My condolences goes out to all his friends and family. He was a great guy.
Heavy D was not only an entertainer but an honest artist that was also genuine. I guess they needed more hip hop in heaven!
I appreciated your profanity free music Heavy D. Live each day like it's your last. One day it will be. Be blessed!
FYI Wimp, i'm a female and i am speaking about the death of a good person and you take the time to write something negative..OMG! move along..
RIP Heavy D. You will remain one of the great treasures in the world of Hip-Hop. Even when some people weren't checking for your music like they should have been and instead of trying to change your sound, YOU remain the same to your craft...your heart. One of the few hip-hop artist that didn't disrepect women in your rhymes, never use the "n" word in your rhymes, never felt the need to use in profanity in your rhymes...THANK YOU!! THANK YOU for the body of work you graced us with. You're last tweet was BE INSPIRED....and you TRULY have inspried a nation of many and will continue to do so. Much love & respect to your family, friends & fans!!
I'm not a fan of Hip Hop and don't really know his music at all, but by all accounts he was genuinely good person, and it's always sad when good person goes too early. Condolences to family, friends and fans. RIP
I never understood the need for uneducated, bitter people to come on these blogs and post negativity. You people really are no better than attention seeking pieces of crap. I was never much into rap, however this man was very talented and from what I can see thru reading multiple articles this man never swore in his songs and there were no illegal drugs found in his home. To generalize all rappers swear and are drugs users is ridiculous. Furthermore, no matter how one lives their life, or if we agree or not.......this was a human being, with family, friends and fans. This is not the place to be posting that gibberish and downright disrespectful to those morning his death. It really is sad how far the individuals in this society have fallen, especially when these people can hide behind anonymity. R.I.P. Heavy D thought and prayers go out to all who loved you.
Just because rappers are talentless hacks is no reason to be mean to the dead Heavy D.
It's amazing how someone can say something bad about a person when that person will only be remembered for good during their life. What goes around... But I can remember when Heavy D came out with 'Somebody For Me, and my Dad was about 75 at the time. He loved Heavy D and one day called me to see this big guy rapping on TV. My Dad was smiling so much and getting into the music. That's Heavy's legacy. RIP dude.
I do not care for hip-hop, but your acting abilities were impressive; especially in "The Cider House Rules".
Here is to what might have been ....
Thank you for entertaining the masses. Rest now, your toil is over.
MAN!! He was just in that new movie with Eddie and Ben Stiller too? Life goes by so fast R.I.P
I saw an advanced screening of that movie.
It was so bad it probably contributed to D's death.
My girlfriend text me the news and I couldn't believe it, a dark cloud came over me and I was just done. My kids and I watched him perform at the BET Awards and i was so happy to see that he lost weight and was performing with his dancers, i thought that was amazing, my kids loved seeing that. I love showing them our 'old school' guys so they can know where i'm coming from. Miss You Alot.. Heavy D..RIP.
"My girlfriend text me the news and I couldn't believe it, a dark cloud came over me and I was just done"
You sir, are pathetic.
Be a man and take it like one.
Anyone know how he died?? I'm guessing it was his heart. I hope everyone realizes its not cool to be overweight, its very unhealthy.
My heart is so crushed ..we lost a great man..he will be truly missed.. I grew up listening to Heavy D..I play his music all the time. I was so excited when I saw him on BET Hip Hop awards.. I was like Heavy D is making a comeback..I was so happy.. Rap was back to what it needs to be... My condolence to his Family..much love to Heavy D...R.I.P
Dear Overly Sanctimonious Person.
Your sentiments are a bit over the top; the man was not Gandhi.
I did not care for heavy d & his music. But, god bless his family. they must be heart broken.
MAY HEAV R.I.P TO THE FAMILY KEEP YOUR HEAD UP LIKE HE WOULD WANT YOU TO.
R.I.P. although I wasn't big on rap/hip-hop I liked quality rap/hip-hop like some Heavy D, peace bro. may Lord Jesus give you peace & rest eternal.
Check out Hazakim, Shai Linne, Timothy Brindle, iLL day [all brothers glorifying God incarnate Jesus Christ]
"all brothers glorifying God incarnate Jesus Christ"
TRANSLATED: They all pack gats.
R.I.P. Heavy B
D mutha-focka D!!!!!
Heavy D was one of the nicest men i ever photographed. He wasnt in a rush or wanted Fiji
Water. He was a talented nice guy. The look in eyes said a lot about the kind person he was. Great knowing you man.
You cannot even spell PHOTOGRAPHER.
I remember Heavy D while growing up in Chicago! He was a great artist & will be sorely missed. God please forgive the terrible comments that people with no Brains have left. RIP Heavy D! God Bless You!
you should always be mindfulll of the narrow minded and obviously uneducated comments. you never know what vindictive and computer savy person is out there cooking up a nasty virus for you right now....... or not.
Heavy D! I GOT NUTTIN BUT LOVE FOR YOU BRUH!
RIP
all of my comments were replies but aren't posting that way. whatever, but to all you haters....it's a free country; post what you want but Heavy D deserves and gets more respect than all of you combined have for yourselves. sorry you don't understand how the greatness of a good natured entertainer can affect so many lives positively.
RIP Heavy D!!! Dont you know. . . Dont you know!!!
WHO????
What business do you have reading this? You are irrelevant!
Heavy D was a positive and inspirational rapper. I was never a HUGE fan but I have alot of memories growing up listening to his music. That said, alot of these negative comments disgust me especially when these people don't even know the man they are speaking on.
You're on my mind... and I wish you a peaceful journey. Brotha, I hope you hear me. – Og
R.I.P.Mr. Overweight Lover! Heavy D is one of my favorite rappers/had a chance to see him in concert twice-great show! For those bad-mouthing his name & music need to be slapped! Heavy D did not cuss in his songs-jus provide feel-good songs-I used to wake up to "More Bounce" every day in high school. Damn True Hip Hop LEGEND GONE BUT NEVER 4GOTTEN! R.I.P.
Who???
Don't you read?
Zeus keep him safe in the afterlife !!!
In my years working in flight as a flight attendant, I've seen and met 'em all. This is the one celebrity who has always stuck in my mind long after meeting him. Most celebrities at best are condescending (which is fine with me in my line of work) most hip hop artist are just plain downright rude, nasty or dismissive. Not him...the absolute definition of a gentleman as well as someone who could talk to anyone regardless of what their level was. RIP. To everyone, never mind the things 'haters' write about others on the internet, 99.9% of the time it's merely a reflection on how they actually feel about themselves.
Well said Tony T. Sometimes I read the hateful comments and it makes me angry and I have to catch myself trying to understand these folks. Once I readjust, I just smh and keep it moving b/c they're not even worth my energy nor thoughts. I agree, its just a reflection of who they are. Haters full of hate.
RIP in peach Heavy. Truly one of my favorite hip hop artist. New York Represent!!!!!!!!!!!!! LET YOUR HATERS BE YOUR MOTIVATORS...........
ZEUS keep him safe !!!
Wow..I was stationed in Germany when Heavy D first came onto the scene. I loved dancing to his music at the clubs. So sad. He will be truly missed! RIP Heavy D!!!
me too! Stuttgart
What an Old School Hip Hop Rap Icon he bacame. Hev will be truly missed. He was a master lyricist and could rap and move like no bodies business (Without) the explicit lyrics. No that's what I considered a true thinker in the Rap game. RIP Heavy D-
C-Dub
Jus recently saw heavy d on the BET hip hop awards and he put the icing on the cake with a medley uv his ol' school classics. Pioneer indeed!!
I am heartbroken to hear of the recent loss of one of my favorite artist of ALL TIME!! As a young teenager, Heavy D stood out (and always will) because he kept it clean, and his beats were banging! He truly deserved all the success he career afforded him...what a talented soul. Heavy D will be greatly missed. Love ya, Heavy!
Goodbye Mr. Bigstuff, we loved you so much. Thanks for putting Mt Vernon on the map. R.I.P.
R.I.P. Heavy D. I remember your music all the way back in the early 90's when I was still a kid.
I grew up listening 2 the overweight lover will b missed RIP my condolences 2 ur Family
Was his music truly inspirtional or was it full of 4 letter words? Have never heard of the gentleman nor his music. If his music was truly inspiritional as these posts suggest then my thougjhts and prayers go with him, his fans and family and all his friends!
@Brian1952....his music was everything but four-letter-words...no bytches, no p1mps, no h0es.....listen to some and you will see...thanks for asking instead of bashing before you knew.....it was great dance music you could listen to in public....
Brian1952 – Heavy D never used any curses in his RAP. His was inspirational. If you don't even know of him, why say anything? That makes no sense!
Heavy D! Love you much! Prayers for your family. RIP
If you are not aware or concerned for that matter at the passng of a Legend – then why are you posting on this blog? Im sorry that you missed the best era of Hip hop and music for that matter during the 80's and 90's. Have you heard the saying- if you don't have anything nice to say then don't say anything at all? Try it – it applies to DEATH!
It is better to ask than assume, that's why he commented
If you don't know of him, why comment. Keep your stupidity hidden, jerk.
He commented on the posting of his death because it was about a human being dying and it's always sad to hear of anyone losing their life. As I recall Mr. Brian said if he was the person that we all are saying he was, his heart goes out to his fans and family. Clearly he can make a comment about someone passing, he doesnt have to know them. It's called GIVING CONDOLENCES! PAYING RESPECT! And you don't have to know anyone to extend that. Thanks Brian for inquiring about the man and paying your respects, the people who knew him, his family and the ones who loved his music really appreciate your prayers. Thanks for being mature about it.
Brian1952:
I agree with Karen. He had good clean rap music before the itchs and oes became the new name for women... I grew up listening to him on the radio and he pretty much rapped about Love and one song I remember relating to black women. You should look him up on youtube if your mind is opened to listening to rap music.
He was a great entertainer with a very positive vocabulary. You really need to listen to his music, my opinion "Peaceful Journey" was one of his best albums. God bless and RIP Heavy! You will always be loved and missed.
I remeber only go times listening to his music,R I P you will be miss.
heavy D... i hurt more when i watched the video.. RIP.
Lord I hurt when I heard about heavy d...I'm still in that mood. Lord rest his soul as we remember his music.
RIP Heavy D, Let's all reflect on a classic
http://www.matthewfalcone.com/post/12532907375/heavy-d-r-i-p-to-hip-hops-original-overweight
Best song was "dem no worry we" with Supercat. Classic.
RIP D...
Yes I love his regaee song "Dem Dont Worry We" 🙂 Classic dancehall song that makes you feel happy!
CNN;One request please when a celebrity is ill or dies please filter vile hateful remarks,these people have loved ones that are grieving or trying to help the ill to recuperate they didn't ask for and don't need these ugly comments thank you.
ain't that the truth.........................
As much as we (the publc & fans) may want them to, they won't and that's just sad.
Man , gonna miss Heav... He was waking it up at the BET awards 🙂
I cant believe it...i was just talking about him with my sister on monday...r.i.p Heavy....my prayers are with your family
Heavy had a heart attack outside hiz home. RIP D.
I believe it was respitory failure for an infection he was fighting actually. Still sad regardless...
So many people have said he ate, ate,ate... Did you HATERS know he lost weight? Did you HATERS know he was a GREAT ENTERTAINER... DID YOU HATERS KNOW THAT ALL THE SMACK YOU ARE TALKING IS DISRESPECTFUL?!?!?!?! When your people die I hope your friends and family and strangers are not in any way DISRESPECTFUL to your deceased loved ones.... A$$40LE$ RIP Heavy <3
Wow, you sound pretty hate-filled.
have a bless day
I will be forever inspired, " Love You Heavy D " .
Long live Heavy (1967 – 2011)
Long live New Jack Swing (1985 – 1995)
Long live the Golden Era of Hip-hop (1986 – 1997)
ஜ۩۞۩ஜஜ۩۞۩ஜஜ۩۞۩ஜ
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@ SMAKE-IT.....I LOVE THAT!!!
So True!!!
SOLJA GURL? Boy, you people need to be in school – not blogging.
Nice! Love it!
That is a shame. Only 44. May he go to a better place where he can be with his loved ones who have gone before him. May GOD Bless his soul and his friends and family.
I would like to offer my condolence to the family may the good lord be with you.Also today we a gold medalist and heavy weight champion of the world Smokin'Joe Frazier love you.
R.I.P. Heavy D. You will be missed. Luv ya.
RIP Heavy D...I GOT NOTHING BUT LOVE FOR YOU BABY! K.SMITH
Heavy D. Beautiful spirit. Talented brother. An infectious smile!!
You provided your fans with a tremendous gift: wonderful music and lyrics. Rest in peace. You will be missed.
i love you and will miss you always r i p
Wow I just listening to Janets" Alright With Me'I love the part when he says 'I'm a big mac you're a chicken mc nugget lol,he'll be missed.
RIP HEAVY D
This is so sad. Heavy D you were truly an inspiration and a wonderful human being. My condolences goes out to his family.
RIP Heavy D,always greeted you with a smile no matter who you were,god bless your family and heaven awaits you brother
R.I.P, Heavy D!! My heart goes out to his family. May the Lord Jesus Christ, keep them.
Beyond sad you are much loved and will always be missed. So much talent now in heaven what a party.
RIP Heavy D...a true HipHop Icon and inspiration to many others...my condolences to your family.