Heavy D
Among the most beloved and influential figures in the history of hip-hop, Heavy D was born Dwight Errington Myers in Jamaica. Relocating with his family to Mount Vernon, New York as a small child, Heavy D grew up listening to R&B, and took an interest in the burgeoning rap scene as a teenager. Forming the group Heavy D & the Boyz with DJ Eddie F and dancers T-Roy and G-Wiz, Heavy D began exploring a new sound, fusing rap with the song structures of R&B. Sparking the interest of Rush Management's Andre Harrell, the Heavy D's act became the first group signed to Harrell's new label, Uptown Records-which Heavy D would serve as president of for several years. Heavy D and the Boyz would earn major acclaim for their 1987 debut album Living Large, as well as subsequent efforts like Big Tyme and Blue Funk, which pioneered the New Jack Swing sound. Eventually becoming senior vice president at Universal Music, Heavy D would later enjoy success as a solo artist with records like 1997's Waterbed Hev and 2008's Vibes. He would also showcase a talent for acting, with appearances in films like "The Cider House Rules" (1999) and "The Tower Heist" (2011). Tragically, Heavy D died in 2011. He was 44 years old.