Celebrities Pay Respect At Heavy D’s Funeral

In a touching service just one week after Heavy D died of pneumonia, the rapper was laid to rest in Mount Vernon, New York, at Grace Baptist Church. Many friends, fans, and colleagues of Heavy D have reached out to give their condolences to the family, including President Obama who wrote a note for Xea Myers, Heavy D’s 11-year-old daughter.

Rev. Al Sharpton delivered the message from the President in which he was instructed to read directly to Xea, saying:

“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.”

Xea also spoke about her father, and in a brave speech in front of the church she said that she knew her dad “was still here, not in the flesh, but in the spirit.”  Johnny Gill, Salt (of Salt-N-Pepa) and Usher also shared some words as well as Diddy who reminisced on how Heavy D helped him get his start in the music industry.

He became my friend. He became my brother, and I’m not talking about friend-brother like we cavalierly use the word, I’m talking about a real friend, a real brother. Somebody I shared my dreams and my secrets with, somebody that’s been there for me at my lowest point, my darkest hour when nobody wanted to be beside me.

May he rest in peace.