Heavy D: The Overweight Lover of Hip-Hop

Heavy D, born Dwight Arrington Myers, was a Jamaican-American rapper, singer, and record executive who led the influential hip-hop group Heavy D & the Boyz. Hailing from Mount Vernon, New York, he achieved major commercial success in the late 1980s and 1990s, with his 1991 album Peaceful Journey reaching platinum status and topping the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.

Early career

Born in 1967 in Mandeville, Jamaica, Myers moved to Mount Vernon, New York, as a child. He formed Heavy D & the Boyz with high school friends DJ Eddie F, Trouble T. Roy, and G-Whiz, signing with Uptown Records in 1987. Their debut album, Living Large, was released that same year, introducing a smoother, more melodic style to the hip-hop landscape.

Breakthrough

The group's breakthrough arrived with their second album, 1989's Big Tyme. Fueled by the hit singles "We Got Our Own Thang" and "Somebody for Me," the album went platinum, cementing Heavy D's reputation as a charismatic hitmaker. His upbeat, dance-friendly flow and positive lyrics offered a contrast to the harder-edged rap dominating the era.

Key tracks

Now That We Found Love — This 1991 crossover smash, featuring Aaron Hall, became his biggest pop hit, reaching No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 and exemplifying his fusion of hip-hop with new jack swing.

Is It Good to You — The sensual jam from Peaceful Journey showcased his singing ability and further solidified his presence on R&B radio in 1991.

Nuttin' But Love — The title track from his 1994 platinum album was a celebratory anthem that highlighted his consistent, chart-topping formula on the Billboard R&B chart.

Big Daddy — This smooth, confident single from his 1997 album Waterbed Hev marked a successful return after a brief hiatus from solo recording.

Heavy D's success continued throughout the 1990s with platinum and gold albums. He also became a respected executive, serving as president of Uptown Records in the mid-1990s. His collaborative spirit led to work with artists like Michael Jackson, on "Jam," and Janet Jackson, co-writing her hit "Alright."

As a solo artist and with the Boyz, Heavy D released seven studio albums. His influence extended beyond music into acting, with roles in film and television. The hip-hop community felt a profound loss when he passed away in 2011, but his legacy as a pioneer of positive, danceable hip-hop endures.

Fans of Heavy D's brand of accessible, melodic hip-hop often appreciate the work of similar artists. Kid N Play shared his upbeat, party-oriented approach and connection to the same era. MC Lyte was a labelmate and collaborator who also represented Uptown Records' signature sound. Queen Latifah paralleled his success as a positive, charismatic force in hip-hop who crossed into mainstream entertainment. The Notorious B.I.G., though from a different stylistic school, famously name-checked Heavy D with respect on his debut album, highlighting his widespread influence.

Heavy D's catalog remains a staple on classic hip-hop radio stations and dedicated throwback R&B channels. His hits are frequently featured in rotations that celebrate the golden era of the late 80s and early 90s, keeping his energetic vibe alive for listeners.

The music of Heavy D, a foundational figure in hip-hop, continues to be broadcast on radio stations featured on our website. Listeners can discover his influential tracks and enduring legacy by tuning into the classic hip-hop and R&B stations available on onairium.com.