November 8, 2011.
That’s the day hip-hop took one of its hardest Ls. Heavy D, the lead rapper from Heavy D & the Boyz, died from a pulmonary embolism. Exactly one year later, we are still feeling the pain from losing one of hip-hop’s greatest voices.
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Heavy D achieved a lot throughout the 44 years he was on this planet. You might just know him because of his hit records like “The Overweight Lover’s in the House” and “Nuttin’ But Love,” but there was more than that. He was a famous multitasker that could also act and produce. Basically, we’re doing Heavy a disservice by calling him a rapper; he was an entertainer.
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Just a remarkable man. In case you didn’t know, here’s eight surprising things about the legendary entertainer.
Heavy D & the Boyz did the intro music for MadTV and In Living Color.
Heavy D made the transition from music to TV in the early ’90s by doing the catchy theme show music for two of the most popular shows of the decade: In Living Color and MadTV.
Heavy D was the first rapper to be president of a music company.
Jay-Z who? Back in 2004, people made a big deal when Jay-Z became the president of Def Jam Records. However, Jay was late to the party. Back in the early ’90s, our boy Heavy D was president of Uptown Records.
Heavy D was a great actor, too.
Heavy D has acted in more movies then he has created a albums. These aren’t little bullsh*t movies, either, but real big ones like New Jersey Drive, The Cider House Rules, Life and Tower Heist.
Heavy did a song with both Michael and Janet Jackson.
How many people can say that? Like, really. Both his collaboration with Michael, “Jam,” and his song with Janet, “Alright,” are classic.
Heavy rarely cursed on records.
Heavy D was one of the cleanest rappers of all time. He didn’t feel like he had to curse, and he rarely did. He even had a hit song dedicated to keeping it clean called, “Don’t Curse.”
He was the first person to showcase Notorious B.I.G.
Before anyone knew who Big was, the Brooklyn legend appeared on “A Buncha Niggas,” which appeared on Heavy’s Blue Funk album.
Heavy D was a great modern producer.
Heavy D is responsible for two of the best records of the 2000s: Beanie Sigel’s “Feel it in the Air” and Jay-Z’s “Guns and Roses.” He produced both tracks.
The Obamas were fans.
Michelle Obama has admitted that she has some Heavy D on her iPod. Also, at Heavy’s funeral, Obama sent a statement where he displayed his respect.
