(BlackDoctor.org) — Highly influential music artist Heavy D died suddenly on Tuesday, Nov. 8. He was 44-years-old.
The rap legend, born Dwight Arrington Myers, was rushed to a Los Angeles hospital around noon. Details surrounding his death remain uncertain.
Born May 24, 1967, the Jamaican-American actor, rapper and record producer formed the influential hip-hop group, Heavy D & the Boyz, and released their first album in 1987. The group was perhaps best known for singing the theme song for In Living Color, as well as the hit single “Now That We Found Love.”
As hip-hop’s original “overweight lover”, Heavy D transformed an eminently likable persona and strong MC skills into a lengthy career. Despite his weighing in at over 250 pound, he enjoyed a very rare, broad appeal, with lyrical content that included positive messages, fun-loving party jams, a respect for women, and an engaging mix of R&B, reggae, dance, and pop elements.
As an actor, Heavy D was featured in the film Big Trouble as an FBI agent. He also guest starred on episodes of Tyler Perry’s House of Payne and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.
Most recently, Heavy D performed at the 2011 BET Hip Hop Awards in October 2011, which marked his first live performance in 15 years.
