What was Heavy D's Net Worth?
Heavy D was an influential actor, rapper, and producer, best known as the frontman of the hip hop group Heavy D & the Boyz. At the time of his untimely death in 2011, he had a net worth of $500 thousand. Heavy D, born Dwight Errington Myers, was recognized not only for his musical talents but also for his foray into acting and reggae fusion music.
The hip hop group Heavy D & the Boyz included G-Whiz (Glen Parrish), "Trouble" T. Roy (Troy Dixon), and Eddie F (Edward Ferrell). The group's popularity soared in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Heavy D also ventured into reggae fusion, producing music reminiscent of the genre. As an actor, he appeared in numerous TV shows such as "A Different World" and "Living Single," and films such as the 1999 acclaimed movie "The Cider House Rules" and the 2005 Will Smith film, "Hitch." Heavy D & the Boyz notably performed the theme song for the FOX series "In Living Color." Heavy D passed away on November 8, 2011, at 44 years old.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Heavy D was born on May 24, 1967, in Mandeville, Jamaica, to Eulahlee Lee, a nurse, and Clifford Vincent Myers, a machine technician. Moving to the United States at the age of eight, his family settled in Mount Vernon, New York. Immersed in the growing hip-hop scene, Heavy D took inspiration from artists such as Kurtis Blow and The Sugarhill Gang.
In the mid-1980s, Heavy D formed Heavy D & the Boyz, with himself as the lead vocalist, Eddie F as the DJ and producer, and G-Wiz and Trouble T-Roy as dancers. Capturing the attention of Uptown Records, the group signed their first contract in 1986, marking the beginning of their illustrious music career.
Heavy D & the Boyz
Heavy D & the Boyz's debut album "Living Large" in 1987, which mixed up-tempo party tracks and smooth R&B, became a commercial success, reaching number 92 on the Billboard 200 chart and establishing the group's influence in the hip-hop community.
Their sophomore album "Big Tyme" (1989) solidified their reputation with hit singles like "Somebody for Me" and "We Got Our Own Thang," showcasing Heavy D's charismatic personality. The album reached number 19 on the Billboard 200 and earned platinum certification.
Continuing to enjoy success in the early 1990s, the group released "Peaceful Journey" (1991) and "Blue Funk" (1992). These albums included collaborations with Michael Jackson, Mary J. Blige, and Q-Tip. The "Peaceful Journey" album was dedicated to Trouble T-Roy, who passed away in 1990.
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Solo Career and Acting Ventures
In the mid-1990s, Heavy D launched his solo career, with his first solo album "Waterbed Hev" released in 1997. The album’s lead single "Big Daddy" reached number 18 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Heavy D’s career extended into acting, starting with a role in the TV series "Booker" in 1990. He appeared in numerous films like "New Jersey Drive" (1995), "The Cider House Rules" (1999), "Life" (1999), and "Big Trouble" (2002). His TV roles included recurring parts in shows like "Living Single," "Roc," "Boston Public," and "The Tracy Morgan Show." Heavy D also ventured into voice acting and even served as the president of Uptown Records, guiding emerging artists.
Later Career and Legacy
Heavy D continued to release music, with albums such as "Heavy" (1999), "Vibes" (2008), and "Love Opus" (2011). Although these albums did not match the commercial success of his earlier work, they demonstrated his evolution as an artist.
On November 8, 2011, Heavy D died due to a pulmonary embolism caused by deep vein thrombosis. His untimely death shocked the music industry, and many artists and celebrities paid tribute to his talent and influence.
Personal Life
At the time of his death, Heavy D was in a long-term relationship with celebrity chef Antonia Lofaso. They have a daughter named Xea.
