It was only a month and some change ago-October 2 to be exact. The day after he riveted the audience at the taping of the 2011 BET Hip Hop Awards with his surprise appearance, Heavy D popped in at the First Annual King Of Oneself Brunch, thrown by AKOO clothing and Grand Hustle Entertainment’s magnate T.I. Making the rounds on the red carpet, of course every one wanted to talk about the performance the night prior,. He shared, “I had to make sure I still had my knees and my wind, so I wasn’t going to do it if I didn’t have preparation. So with the 6 weeks of 8-hour days it turned out to be great. The reception from the audience was overwhelming.” Of course the next phase of the conversation went to future endeavors. “As someone who’s in their 40’s, I still love hip hop, I just like it a certain way. I’m not the only one who feels that way, so I can be the voice for that. I just put out a CD on itunes called “Love Opus,” and it’s geared toward the urban A.C. [adult contemporary] mature crowd. Musically, I’ll describe it like a male Sade, something you can drive to or make love to. It won’t be in the clubs, but it’ll be in your car and your bedroom.” Tour plans? “I’ll be going out at the top of the year.” So there it was. 2012 marks the return of Heavy D. Not that he was fully gone. A 2009 Best Reggae Grammy nominated CD “Vibes,” production credits (“Summer Rain” – Carl Thomas, “Guns & Roses” – Jay Z w/ Lenny Kravitz, “Call Me” – Fabolus, “Feel it in The Air” – Beanie Sigel, “She’s Gone” – Anthony Hamilton) and some acting roles kept the name/face out there, but Hev coming back “home” to hip hop, what?! Unfortunately for us, on November 8, 2011 those plans were permanently altered as Dwight Errington Myers passed on.
On Friday, November 18 more than 2500 guests gathered to say farewell to friend, brother, son and-for Dwight, of most import-father. A statement issued by the family read “Out of all Hev’s successes and accomplishments, in his eyes, his most important triumph was that of becoming a father. Hev’s love for his daughter Xea was profound-she was the center of his life, his heart, his soul. He often said, ‘I cannot live without her’ and that she embodied every phenomenal attribute that he brought to this world.” They also got a chance to say goodbye to the great emcee, producer, actor Heavy D, who’s impact was felt in entertainment across the board. Jay-Z, Usher, Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith, John Legend, Samuel L. Jackson and wife LaTayna Richardson-Jackson, Delroy Lindo, Queen Latifah, Jadakiss, Don King, Doug E. Fresh, Talent, JB Smoove, John Salley, Rosie Perez, Dana Dane, Cheryl James-Wray (Salt), Marley Marl and Christopher Martin (Play) were some of the luminaries personally witnessed going into Mount Vernon’s Grace Baptist Church. Musical selections were performed by Kim Burrell, Johnny Gill, Anthony Hamilton and Yolanda Adams. Speakers included Rev. Dr W. Franklyn Richardson, Senior Pastor of Grace Baptist Church, Mount Vernon Mayor and Mayor-elect Clinton I. Young and Ernie Davis respectively, Rev. Al Sharpton, Rev. Darin Moore, pastor of Greater Centennial AMEZ Church and his protege Sean Combs. “We extend our heartfelt condolences at this difficult time. 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,” were the words that gave the presence and support of the Chief Executive Barack Obama. Pallbearers included group members Glen Parrish, professionally known as “G-Wiz” and Eddie Ferrell PKA “Eddie F” and his biological cousin, super producer Peter “Pete Rock” Phillips.
Rev. Al Sharpton addressed the press corp gathered and surmised succinctly and poignantly, “I hope that this will be something that makes every artist pause and think about what does their life mean. To die at 44 of natural causes means that we can not assume since we’re young that tomorrow is promised.” If that has a familiar ring to Hev’s fans they know he’ll be “Just Coolin” with his homies Gerald and Sean Levert, reminiscing with his boy Troy “Trouble T-Roy” Dixon and will get to “Jam” with Michael Jackson. We got you down here.
For the folks here for the Thanksgiving holiday, Kirk Franklin brings The Fearless Tour to New York’s Best Buy Theater (1515 Broadway at W. 44th St) on Sunday, November 27. Also on the bill are BET Sunday Best Winner Amber Bullock, Isaac Carree, Deon Kipping and Jason Nelson. Doors are at 6 p.m., show time at 7:30 p.m., with tickets at $39.50-49.50. Also if you need some Christmas gifts, hold off until Noon, Tuesday, November 22 when tickets for Wale go on sale for his December 19 performance at the same venue.
I’m out. Holla next week. Until then enjoy the nightlife.