Dwight Arrington Myers (May 24, 1967 - November 8, 2011), known professionally as Heavy D, was a Jamaican-American rapper, singer, record producer, songwriter, actor, and record executive. Born in Mandeville, Jamaica, he moved with his family to Mount Vernon, New York, where he developed as a performer and formed the group Heavy D & the Boyz. With his relaxed delivery, melodic phrasing, imposing stage presence, and playful personality, Heavy D helped bring a polished, accessible form of hip hop to a broad mainstream audience.
Heavy D & the Boyz became the first act signed to Uptown Records, the influential label founded by Andre Harrell. The group consisted of Heavy D as its frontman, DJ and producer Eddie F, and dancers G-Whiz and Trouble T. Roy. Their debut album, Living Large, appeared in 1987 and introduced Heavy D's upbeat style, which combined rap with soul, funk, R&B, and dance-oriented production. Rather than relying primarily on aggressive posturing, he often presented himself as the "Overweight Lover," creating a charismatic persona built around humor, romance, and confidence.
The group's breakthrough came with Big Tyme in 1989. Produced by figures including Teddy Riley, Marley Marl, and Eddie F, the album reached number one on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and produced several successful singles, including "We Got Our Own Thang," "Somebody for Me," "Gyrlz, They Love Me," and "Big Tyme." Their music videos emphasized choreography, bright styling, group energy, and an inviting visual tone, helping Heavy D become a familiar presence on MTV and BET. His crossover appeal was also evident in guest appearances on Janet Jackson's "Alright" and Michael Jackson's "Jam."
The death of Trouble T. Roy in 1990 deeply affected the group. Heavy D & the Boyz addressed the loss on Peaceful Journey (1991), an album that combined celebration and mourning while extending the group's commercial run. Their subsequent releases, Blue Funk (1993) and Nuttin' but Love (1994), showed Heavy D balancing harder hip hop production with the smoother, radio-friendly sound associated with Uptown Records. Nuttin' but Love became the group's most successful album, reaching number one on the R&B chart and producing the singles "Got Me Waiting," "Nuttin' but Love," "Black Coffee," and "Sex wit You."
Heavy D also became an important behind-the-scenes figure. As an executive at Uptown and later a senior vice president at Universal Music, he helped develop artists including Soul for Real and Monifah. His industry work demonstrated that his influence extended beyond his own recordings and performances.
As a solo artist, Heavy D released Waterbed Hev in 1997, Heavy in 1999, Vibes in 2008, and Love Opus in 2011. "Big Daddy," from Waterbed Hev, became one of his best-known solo songs. He also built a substantial acting career, appearing in films such as The Cider House Rules, Life, Big Trouble, and Step Up, while taking recurring television roles in Boston Public, The Tracy Morgan Show, and Bones.
Heavy D died in Los Angeles on November 8, 2011, at the age of 44. The cause was a pulmonary embolism associated with a blood clot, with cardiovascular disease also reported. His career remains notable for connecting hip hop, R&B, pop, television, and film without losing the warmth and musicality that defined his work.