Heavy D Mourned by Jay-Z, Will Smith, & Obamas at Hometown Funeral

Dwight “Heavy D” Myers was remembered by his family and friends at a funeral service held at Grace Baptist Church in his hometown of Mount Vernon, New York, on Friday (Nov. 18). Jay-Z, Usher, Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith, John Legend, Queen Latifah, Denzel Washington, Salt-N-Pepa, and more gathered to pay their respects to the self-proclaimed “Overweight Lover” at the star-studded sendoff.

An emotional Diddy remembered his friend, who passed away earlier this month at the age of 44. “Heavy D was the first person to believe in me. He’s the person who made me who I am today,” said the Bad Boy mogul, who was seated in the front row next to Heavy’s parents. “I’ll admit that I took Hev for granted. I always thought he’d be there.”

Johnny Gill, Yolanda Adams, Kim Burrell, and Heavy D’s nieces performed, while Anthony Hamilton walked down the aisle singing a somber version of Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come.”

Even the First Family grieved the loss of the hip-hop pioneer. “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,” read a note from the Obamas, which was delivered by Rev. Al Sharpton.

Heavy D’s daughter Xea Myers also gave a touching tribute to her father during the two-and-a-half-hour funeral service. “He was just amazing,” said the 11-year-old. “That’s why we’re all here today. To celebrate his love and passion.”