RIP Mr. Big Stuff!!

By Joseph Toomer, WHMG TV

In ‘87 he stole the show – just out there “Living Large,”

In ’89 – he was “Big Tyme” – platinum and in charge,

We took a “Peaceful Journey” in ’91 – to say goodbye to Troy,

And that “Blue Funk” in ’93 gave us all some joy.

There was “Nuttin’ But Love” in ’94 – she said what’s yours is mine

And I’ll never know how “Waterbed Hev” made it all the way to 9.

Things got “Heavy” in ’99 – and it was the fans last twirl.

But now our hearts are Heavy – now that he has left this world.

Rough and tough and all that stuff,

I’ll make you dance and prance till you huff and puff

There’s just no way you can get enough

Of ME – Your Mr. Big Stuff!!

And with those four lines, a true Hip Hop legend stormed onto the scene. Dwight Arrington Myers – better known as Heavy D – started down the path of hip hop immortality. Heavy D and the Boyz were the first group signed to Andre Harrell’s Uptown Records – the same label that gave rise to music legends such as Sean Combs, Mary J. Blige, Al B. Sure, Jodeci and others.

Heavy D. was a true Hip Hop original. While the Fat Boys used their weight as a comedic hook, Heavy D embraced his size with pride and dignity – and performed with so much energy, grace and style that his weight became a non-issue. Heavy D had style, class and stage presence that blazed a trail through music industry barriers that artists like Notorious BIG, Big Pun and Jim Jones would follow. Heavy D was the first overweight male sex symbol. He was the first big man in Hip Hop to challenge the media’s perception of what a male sex symbol is supposed to be.

When Heavy D hit the stage with “The Overweight Lover’s in the House” – the women swooned. Slimmer men got jealous watching their girlfriend’s scream for a man with a 50 inch waistline. Big men all over the nation abandoned their sweatpants and Hawaiian shirts, and began investing money in fine knit sweaters, crisp slacks and patent leather shoes. Big men across the Nation no longer were ashamed to hit the dance floor and bust a move!

Heavy D was more than just another old school rapper. Heavy D was a true example to anyone that ever felt that their inner spirit, talent and personality mattered more than what mainstream America defined as beautiful or acceptable. He didn’t use his weight as a tool to become famous – he embraced himself completely – and dared the world to try to use something as trivial as physical girth to deny a truly gifted and talented human being from becoming famous and successful.

Rest in Peace Heavy D. Bust a move with Trouble T-Roy for old times sake. The girls still love you, the fellas still wish they could dance and flow like you – and the world will forever be changed by the example you set for us all.