Heavy D & the Boyz
Encyclopedia
Dwight Arrington Myers better known as Heavy D, was a Jamaican-born American actor, rapper, record producer, singer and former leader of Heavy D & the Boyz, a hip hop group which included G-Whiz (Glen Parrish), "Trouble" T. Roy
(Troy Dixon), and Eddie F
(born Edward Ferrell). The group maintained a sizable audience in the United States through most of the 1990s. The five albums the group released were produced by Teddy Riley, Marley Marl
, his cousin Pete Rock
and Eddie F.
, the son of Eulahlee Lee, a nurse, and Clifford Vincent Myers, a machine technician. His family moved to Mount Vernon, New York
, in the early 1970s, where he was raised.
Heavy D & the Boyz were the first group signed to Uptown Records
; their debut, Living Large
, was released in 1987. The album was a commercial success, though Big Tyme
was a breakthrough that included four hits. Trouble T. Roy died at age 22 in a fall on July 15, 1990, in Indianapolis
. Dixon's death led to a tribute on the follow-up platinum album, Peaceful Journey
. Pete Rock & CL Smooth
created a tribute to Trouble T. Roy called "They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.)
" which is regarded as a hip-hop classic.
Heavy D & the Boyz gained even more fame by singing the theme song for the television program
In Living Color
and also MADtv
, and Heavy D performed the rap
on Michael Jackson
's hit single "Jam" as well as sister Janet Jackson's hit single "Alright
". Heavy D then began focusing on his acting, appearing in various television shows before returning the music charts with Nuttin' But Love
. After appearing in the off-Broadway
play
Riff Raff
at Circle Repertory Company
, Heavy D returned to recording with the hit Waterbed Hev
. In 1997, Heavy D collaborated with B.B. King on his duets album Deuces Wild
rapping in the song "Keep It Coming." Heavy D was referred to in the song "Juicy
" by the Notorious B.I.G., and appeared in his music video for "One More Chance".
In the mid-1990s,djj Myers became the first rapper to head a major music label, when he became the president of Uptown Records. Myers helped to develop rhythm-and-blues singer Mary J. Blige
's career and hired Sean “Diddy” Combs
as an intern. During this time, Myers also developed the sensational R&B boy band Soul for Real, and was the executive producer and principal writer of several songs on the group's breakout album, 'Candy Rain'. He later became the senior vice president at Universal Music.
Heavy D performed at the 2011 BET Hip Hop Awards
in October 2011. Although it was his first live performance in 15 years, it was also his final live performance. Myers died on November 8, 2011, in Los Angeles
, California
, at the age of 44. He collapsed outside his Beverly Hills
home and was taken to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
. It has been reported that his death was due to pneumonia
. .
Films
Trouble T Roy
Troy Dixon , better known as Trouble T Roy, was a hip-hop dancer with the successful group Heavy D and the Boyz from 1987 until 1990....
(Troy Dixon), and Eddie F
Eddie F
Edward "DJ Eddie F" Ferrell is the co-founder, partner, and DJ of the Uptown Records rap group Heavy D & the Boyz. Ferrell is a producer, arranger, songwriter, executive and entrepreneur serving as CEO and President of Untouchables Entertainment Group, the parent company of his Closter, New Jersey...
(born Edward Ferrell). The group maintained a sizable audience in the United States through most of the 1990s. The five albums the group released were produced by Teddy Riley, Marley Marl
Marley Marl
Marlon Williams , better known as Marley Marl, is an American DJ and record producer, who is considered one of the most important and influential hip-hop producers in the history of hip hop.-Biography:...
, his cousin Pete Rock
Pete Rock
Peter Phillips , better known by his stage name Pete Rock, is an American record producer, DJ and rapper. He rose to prominence in the early 1990s as one half of the critically acclaimed group Pete Rock & CL Smooth...
and Eddie F.
Biography
Myers was born on May 24, 1967 in Mandeville, JamaicaMandeville, Jamaica
Mandeville is the capital and largest town in the parish of Manchester in the county of Middlesex, Jamaica. In 2005, the town had an estimated population of 50,000, and including the immediate suburbs within a radius of the total population is about 72,000. It is located on an inland plateau at an...
, the son of Eulahlee Lee, a nurse, and Clifford Vincent Myers, a machine technician. His family moved to Mount Vernon, New York
Mount Vernon, New York
Mount Vernon is a city in Westchester County, New York, United States. It lies on the border of the New York City borough of The Bronx.-Overview:...
, in the early 1970s, where he was raised.
Heavy D & the Boyz were the first group signed to Uptown Records
Uptown Records
Uptown Records was an American record label, founded by Andre Harrell in 1986. It went on to become one of the most popular Hip-Hop and R&B labels of the late 1980's and early 1990s. Featured on the roster were such luminaries as Guy, Heavy D & The Boyz, Jodeci, Mary J. Blige, and Soul for Real...
; their debut, Living Large
Living Large
-Reception:The album was released in 1987 for Uptown Records and was produced by names such as DJ Eddie F , Teddy Riley , and Marley Marl . The album was a success for the group making it to #92 on the Billboard 200 and #10 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart...
, was released in 1987. The album was a commercial success, though Big Tyme
Big Tyme
-Reception:The album was released in 1989 for Uptown Records and was produced by DJ Eddie F, Teddy Riley, Marley Marl, and Pete Rock. The album was considerably more successful than the group's last album, making it to #19 on the Billboard 200 and #1 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart...
was a breakthrough that included four hits. Trouble T. Roy died at age 22 in a fall on July 15, 1990, in Indianapolis
Indianapolis
Indianapolis is the capital of the U.S. state of Indiana, and the county seat of Marion County, Indiana. As of the 2010 United States Census, the city's population is 839,489. It is by far Indiana's largest city and, as of the 2010 U.S...
. Dixon's death led to a tribute on the follow-up platinum album, Peaceful Journey
Peaceful Journey
-Reception:The album was released on July 2, 1991, for Uptown Records and was produced by Pete Rock, DJ Eddie F, Teddy Riley, Marley Marl and Howie Tee. This marked the group's first album since the death of member, Trouble T Roy, who died almost a year before the album's release, and several on...
. Pete Rock & CL Smooth
Pete Rock & CL Smooth
Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth are a hip-hop duo from Mount Vernon, New York. They made their debut with their 1991 EP, All Souled Out and followed with 1992's Mecca and the Soul Brother LP.-The Golden Age :...
created a tribute to Trouble T. Roy called "They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.)
They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.)
"They Reminisce Over You " is a song by Pete Rock and CL Smooth, inspired by the death of their close friend Troy Dixon in 1990. The song was the lead single off their debut album, Mecca and the Soul Brother, released in 1992, and later became a staple of classic early 90s hip hop...
" which is regarded as a hip-hop classic.
Heavy D & the Boyz gained even more fame by singing the theme song for the television program
Television program
A television program , also called television show, is a segment of content which is intended to be broadcast on television. It may be a one-time production or part of a periodically recurring series...
In Living Color
In Living Color
In Living Color is an American sketch comedy television series, which originally ran on the Fox Network from April 15, 1990 to May 19, 1994. Brothers Keenen and Damon Wayans created, wrote, and starred in the program. The show was produced by Ivory Way Productions in association with 20th Century...
and also MADtv
MADtv
MADtv is an American sketch comedy television series. It licensed the name and logo of Mad, but otherwise had no connection with the humor magazine outside the animated Spy vs. Spy and Don Martin cartoon shorts and images of Alfred E. Neuman that the show featured during the late 1990s. Its first...
, and Heavy D performed the rap
Rapping
Rapping refers to "spoken or chanted rhyming lyrics". The art form can be broken down into different components, as in the book How to Rap where it is separated into “content”, “flow” , and “delivery”...
on Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson
Michael Joseph Jackson was an American recording artist, entertainer, and businessman. Referred to as the King of Pop, or by his initials MJ, Jackson is recognized as the most successful entertainer of all time by Guinness World Records...
's hit single "Jam" as well as sister Janet Jackson's hit single "Alright
Alright
Alright may refer to:In music:* Alright! * "Alright!" * "Alright" * "Alright" * "Alright" * "Alright" * "Alright"...
". Heavy D then began focusing on his acting, appearing in various television shows before returning the music charts with Nuttin' But Love
Nuttin' But Love
Nuttin' But Love is the fifth and final studio album by rap group, Heavy D & the Boyz.-Reception:The album was released on May 24, 1994 by Uptown Records and was produced by DJ Eddie F, Teddy Riley, Marley Marl, Erick Sermon, Kid Capri, Easy Mo Bee, The Trackmasters, and Pete Rock...
. After appearing in the off-Broadway
Off-Broadway
Off-Broadway theater is a term for a professional venue in New York City with a seating capacity between 100 and 499, and for a specific production of a play, musical or revue that appears in such a venue, and which adheres to related trade union and other contracts...
play
Play (theatre)
A play is a form of literature written by a playwright, usually consisting of scripted dialogue between characters, intended for theatrical performance rather than just reading. There are rare dramatists, notably George Bernard Shaw, who have had little preference whether their plays were performed...
Riff Raff
Riff Raff
Riffraff is a term for the common people or hoi polloi, but with negative connotations. The term is derived from Old French 'rif et raf' meaning 'one and all, every bit'Riff Raff, Riff-Raff, or Riffraff may also refer to:-In music:...
at Circle Repertory Company
Circle Repertory Company
The Circle Repertory Company, originally named the Circle Theater Company, was a theatre company in New York City that ran from 1969 to 1996. It was founded on July 14, 1969, in Manhattan, in a second floor loft at Broadway and 83rd Street by director Marshall W...
, Heavy D returned to recording with the hit Waterbed Hev
Waterbed Hev
Waterbed Hev is the first solo album and sixth album overall by rapper Heavy D. The album was released on April 22, 1997 for Uptown Records and was produced by Heavy D, DJ Battle Cat and Tony Dofat. This marked Heavy D's first album without "The Boyz", DJ Eddie F and G-Wiz. Waterbed Hev made it...
. In 1997, Heavy D collaborated with B.B. King on his duets album Deuces Wild
Deuces Wild (album)
Deuces Wild is a celebrity duet album by B. B. King, released on November 4, 1997.- Track listing :#"If You Love Me" - 5:48#"The Thrill Is Gone" - 5:00#"Rock Me Baby" - 6:38...
rapping in the song "Keep It Coming." Heavy D was referred to in the song "Juicy
Juicy (The Notorious B.I.G. song)
"Juicy" is a song by hip hop artist The Notorious B.I.G. and his solo debut single from his 1994 debut album Ready to Die. It was produced by Poke of Trackmasters & Sean "Puffy" Combs. Its melody is sampled from Mtume's "Juicy Fruit", and has an alternative chorus sung by R&B girl group Total...
" by the Notorious B.I.G., and appeared in his music video for "One More Chance".
In the mid-1990s,djj Myers became the first rapper to head a major music label, when he became the president of Uptown Records. Myers helped to develop rhythm-and-blues singer Mary J. Blige
Mary J. Blige
Mary Jane Blige is an American singer-songwriter, record producer and occasional actress. She is a recipient of nine Grammy Awards and four American Music Awards, and has recorded eight multi-platinum albums. She is the only artist with Grammy Award wins in Pop, Rap, Gospel, and R&B. Blige has...
's career and hired Sean “Diddy” Combs
Sean Combs
Sean John Combs , also known by his stage names Diddy and P. Diddy, is an American rapper, singer, record producer, actor, and entrepreneur. He has won three Grammy Awards and two MTV Video Music Awards, and his clothing line earned a Council of Fashion Designers of America award. He was originally...
as an intern. During this time, Myers also developed the sensational R&B boy band Soul for Real, and was the executive producer and principal writer of several songs on the group's breakout album, 'Candy Rain'. He later became the senior vice president at Universal Music.
Heavy D performed at the 2011 BET Hip Hop Awards
BET Hip Hop Awards
The BET Hip Hop Awards are an annual awards show, airing on BET, showcasing hip hop performers, producers and music video directors. The awards ceremony began in 2006, was held on November 12, 2006 at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia, was first aired November 15 and was hosted by comedian Katt...
in October 2011. Although it was his first live performance in 15 years, it was also his final live performance. Myers died on November 8, 2011, in Los Angeles
Los Ángeles
Los Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...
, California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
, at the age of 44. He collapsed outside his Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills, California
Beverly Hills is an affluent city located in Los Angeles County, California, United States. With a population of 34,109 at the 2010 census, up from 33,784 as of the 2000 census, it is home to numerous Hollywood celebrities. Beverly Hills and the neighboring city of West Hollywood are together...
home and was taken to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Originally established as Kaspare Cohn Hospital in 1902, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center is a non-profit, tertiary 958-bed hospital and multi-specialty academic health science centre located in Los Angeles, California, US. Part of the Cedars-Sinai Health System, the hospital employs a staff of over...
. It has been reported that his death was due to pneumonia
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is an inflammatory condition of the lung—especially affecting the microscopic air sacs —associated with fever, chest symptoms, and a lack of air space on a chest X-ray. Pneumonia is typically caused by an infection but there are a number of other causes...
. .
Discography
- Living LargeLiving Large-Reception:The album was released in 1987 for Uptown Records and was produced by names such as DJ Eddie F , Teddy Riley , and Marley Marl . The album was a success for the group making it to #92 on the Billboard 200 and #10 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart...
(1987) - Big TymeBig Tyme-Reception:The album was released in 1989 for Uptown Records and was produced by DJ Eddie F, Teddy Riley, Marley Marl, and Pete Rock. The album was considerably more successful than the group's last album, making it to #19 on the Billboard 200 and #1 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart...
(1989) - Peaceful JourneyPeaceful Journey-Reception:The album was released on July 2, 1991, for Uptown Records and was produced by Pete Rock, DJ Eddie F, Teddy Riley, Marley Marl and Howie Tee. This marked the group's first album since the death of member, Trouble T Roy, who died almost a year before the album's release, and several on...
(1991) - Blue FunkBlue Funk-Reception:The album was released on January 12, 1993 for Uptown Records and was produced by DJ Eddie F, DJ Premier, Pete Rock, Jesse West aka 3rd Eye and Tony Dofat. Blue Funk made it to #40 on the Billboard 200 and #7 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, and was certified gold. The album...
(1993) - Nuttin' But LoveNuttin' But LoveNuttin' But Love is the fifth and final studio album by rap group, Heavy D & the Boyz.-Reception:The album was released on May 24, 1994 by Uptown Records and was produced by DJ Eddie F, Teddy Riley, Marley Marl, Erick Sermon, Kid Capri, Easy Mo Bee, The Trackmasters, and Pete Rock...
(1994) - Waterbed HevWaterbed HevWaterbed Hev is the first solo album and sixth album overall by rapper Heavy D. The album was released on April 22, 1997 for Uptown Records and was produced by Heavy D, DJ Battle Cat and Tony Dofat. This marked Heavy D's first album without "The Boyz", DJ Eddie F and G-Wiz. Waterbed Hev made it...
(1997) - HeavyHeavy (Heavy D album)Heavy is the seventh album by rapper, Heavy D, THe album was released on June 15, 1999 for Uptown Records and was produced by Heavy D, Tony Dofat, Erick Sermon, and The Ummah. The album was a mild success, making it to #60 on the Billboard 200 and #10 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. It is...
(1999) - VibesVibes (Heavy D album)Vibes is the eighth and final studio album by Heavy D. It is a reggae album, and does not contain any rapping. - Track listing :#Long Distance Girlfriend - Dofat, Longe, Myers 4:18#No Matter What - Brown, Myers, Winans 4:12...
(2008) - Love OpusLove Opus (Heavy D album)Love Opus is the 9th and final release from Heavy D. It was released on September 27, 2011 on Stride Entertainment, almost two months before Heavy D's death....
(2011)
Filmography
Television- A Different World episode "Delusions of Daddyhood"
- Roc (recurring)
- Living SingleLiving SingleLiving Single is an American television sitcom which aired for five seasons on the Fox network from August 29, 1993 to January 1, 1998. The show centered on the lives of six friends who share personal and professional experiences while living in a Brooklyn brownstone.Throughout its run, Living...
(recurring) - Boston PublicBoston PublicBoston Public is an American drama television series created by David E. Kelley and broadcast on Fox. It centered on Winslow High School, a fictional public high school located in Boston, Massachusetts. The show was named for the real public school district in which it takes place...
- The Tracy Morgan ShowThe Tracy Morgan ShowThe Tracy Morgan Show is an American sitcom that aired from December 2, 2003 to March 20, 2004 on NBC. The series stars Tracy Morgan and Tamala Jones. The show was canceled in its first season after 18 episodes .-Synopsis:...
- BonesBones (TV series)Bones is an American crime drama television series that premiered on the Fox Network on September 13, 2005. The show is based on forensic anthropology and forensic archaeology, with each episode focusing on an FBI case file concerning the mystery behind human remains brought by FBI Special Agent...
- Tyler Perry's House of PayneTyler Perry's House of PayneTyler Perry's House of Payne is an American comedy-drama television series created and produced by playwright, director, and producer Tyler Perry. The show revolves around a multi-generational family living under one roof in Atlanta, Georgia led by patriarch Curtis Payne and his wife Ella...
episode "Dream Girls" - Law & Order: Special Victims UnitLaw & Order: Special Victims UnitLaw & Order: Special Victims Unit is an American police procedural television drama series set in New York City, where it is also primarily produced...
episode "Personal Fouls"
Films
- 1995: New Jersey DriveNew Jersey DriveNew Jersey Drive is a 1995 film about black youths in Newark, New Jersey, the official "car theft capital of the world". Their favorite pastime is that of everybody in their neighborhood: stealing cars and joyriding. The trouble starts when they steal a police car and the cops launch a violent...
- 1997: B*A*P*S
- 1999: The Cider House RulesThe Cider House Rules (film)The Cider House Rules is a 1999 American drama film directed by Lasse Hallström, based on John Irving's novel of the same name. The film won two Academy Awards, and was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture, along with four other nominations at the 72nd Academy Awards...
- 1999: LifeLife (film)Life is a 1999 American comedy-drama film directed by Ted Demme, and starring Eddie Murphy and Martin Lawrence. The supporting cast includes Obba Babatundé, Bernie Mac, Anthony Anderson, Miguel A. Núñez Jr. and Bokeem Woodbine...
- 2002: Big Trouble
- 2004: LarcenyLarceny (film)Larceny is a comedy film starring Andy Dick, Joshua Leonard, and Tyra Banks....
- 2006: Step UpStep Up (film)Step Up is a 2006 American dance/romance film directed by Anne Fletcher starring Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan.Set in Baltimore, Maryland, the film follows the tale of the disadvantaged Tyler Gage and the privileged modern dancer Nora Clark , who find themselves paired up in a showcase that...
- 2011: Tower HeistTower HeistTower Heist is a 2011 crime comedy film directed by Brett Ratner and written by Ted Griffin and Jeff Nathanson based on a story by Bill Collage, Adam Cooper, and Griffin. It was released on November 2, 2011 in the United Kingdom, with a United States release following two days later...
Awards/Nominations
- Grammy Awards
- 2009, Best Reggae Album: Vibes (nominated)
- 1997, Best Rap Solo Performance:"Rock With You" (nominated)
- 1995, Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group: "Nuttin But Love" (nominated)
- 1992, Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group: "Now That We Found Love" (nominated)
- Soul Train Awards
- 1992, Best Rap Album: Peaceful Journey (nominated)
- 1990, Best Duo or Group Album: Big Time (nominated)
- 1990, Best Rap Album: Big Tyme (winner)
- 1988, Best Rap Album: Living Large (winner)