Heavy D Dead: Rapper Suffered Respiratory Failure, Jackson Family Reacts to Sudden Death
Iconic hip-hop pioneer Heavy D died yesterday at the age of 44 just one month after performing at Michael Jackson’s tribute show in Wales Oct. 8.
At the concert, Heavy D performed the Michael Jackson song "Jam" with La Toya Jackson, and "Alright," with Janet Jackson.
"This is very shocking and a tragic loss," La Toya said to TMZ. "I just performed with Heavy D at the Forever Michael tribute concert and he was a friend to Michael and a friend to me."
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"We have lost a great person and terrific performer, my prayers and condolences go out to his family and fans,” La Toya added.
According to the Los Angeles coroner’s office, Heavy died of respiratory failure.
Law enforcement told TMZ Heavy was shopping and then stopped at a banister to gather his breathe. His neighbor phoned emergency services.
Upon entering the hospital, Heavy was reportedly talking and alert, but he repeatedly told medical professionals that he could not breathe.
Chuck D, Public Enemy front man, told TMZ: “I am sitting here stunned and shocked about this ... I can’t believe it. [Heavy] was a hip hop god ... this is a sad tragedy to hear. He will always be remembered and I'm thankful for him for what he's done for hip hop culture."
Comedian Martin Lawrence also spoke about the rapper: "Heavy D was a talented performer and one of the nicest and most genuine people I have ever met. I was to happy to have known him, my prayers are with his family. God Bless him.”
Heavy D, also known as Dwight Arrington Myers, started rapping in 1986 with his group, Heavy D and the Boys.
His two biggest albums were Big Tyme in 1989 and Nuttin' But Love in 1994.
After his 1994 release, Heavy focused more on acting and production, appearing in several movies and television shows, as well as doing production work for a young Jay-Z.
Heavy D performed at the Hip-Hop awards in October making it his first live performance in 15 years.
