During the ceremony Al Sharpton invited Heavy's daughter to the podium, while he read a poem from President Obama dedicated to the late rapper.
(Pallbearers carry Heavy D's body)
By Nadeska Alexis with reporting by Rob Markman
On Friday (November 18) family members and friends of Heavy D said their final goodbyes to the late rapper—born, Dwight Errington Myers—during an invite-only funeral service in Mount Vernon, New York. The service was held at the Grace Baptist Church in Heav’s hometown, where guests included Jay-Z, Will Smith, Sean “Diddy” Combs, Mary J. Blige and former Heavy D & the Boyz group members, DJ Eddie F and G-Whiz. During the ceremony Rev. Al Sharpton called Heavy’s 11-year-old daughter Xea Myers to the podium, before reading a poem that President Obama dedicated to the deceased entertainer.
"We extend our heartfelt condolences at this difficult time,” the note from Obama read. “He will be remembered for his infectious optimism and many contributions to American music. Please know that you and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.”
During an open memorial service held at the church on Thursday, MTV News spoke with Heav’s friend and Kid 'n Play disc jock DJ Wiz—real name Mark Eastmond—who reminisced about his friendship with the Jamaican-born performer.
(Diddy shares a few words about Heavy D)
“We had great memories on the road because we toured with Heavy for a couple of years,” Wiz said of the time Kid 'n Play spent with the Overweight Lover. “It was us, Public Enemy, Digital Underground, Troy was still around, Tupac was still around, we were all on the road together and it was just good times. It was a different era of energy, music, it was just fun, total fun, no egos…just love. It was all love.”
“Heav treated you like family,” he continued. “If Heav just met you, he gave you mad love, and I think my best memories were actually off the road, in Mount Vernon, or at whatever events we would go to, to just hang out, where you got to really talk and clown around.”
(Jay-Z arrives at funeral for Heavy D)
During Thursday's memorial service, fans braved the chilly temperature in New York to pay their respects to the legendary rapper, who also had a successful career in acting. Once inside, ushers guided fans to the front of the church, where Heavy D lay in an open casket, dressed in a gray suit, with his arms folded. After fans paid their respects, Heavy's family did their best to thank each and every visitor as they exited the church.
Heavy D was rushed to the hospital last week after collapsing in his Beverly Hills home. He was pronounced dead shortly afterward, at the age of 44. The Los Angeles coroner's office has not yet announced an official cause of death.
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