Following the sad death of rapper Heavy D, tributes have been pouring in, with Mc Hammer and La Toya Jackson leading the way on Twitter. The MC, one of the most distinctive voices of hip-hop during its explosion in the late 80s and early 90s, died yesterday (November 8th 2011) after paramedics turned up to his Beverly Hills Condo; D - birth name Dwight Arrington Myers - had been complaining of breathing problems.
The UK's Daily Mail reports that Mc Hammer led the way on Twitter in paying homage to the late star. Another who made his commercial success during hip-hop's boom time, Hammer wrote "We had a lot of great times touring together. He had a heart of gold. He was a part of what's good about the world." Sean Combs meanwhile, better known as P Diddy, revealed that it was Myers who gave him his first real leg up in the music industry, commenting "He got me my internship at Uptown. He Believed when no one else did. My Heart is Broken. Pls pray for my man Heavy D and his Family. Pls #RipHeavyD love you Boy. 4ever".
The last time the 44 year-old was on stage it was with La Toya Jackson as they performed together at her brother Michael's tribute concert in Cardiff, Wales. She said of his death "My heart goes out to the family and (loved) ones of Heavy D. I am sooo sorry for your (loss). You will be in my prayers." These were just three of dozens of Twitter tributes made by celebrities, ranging from former basketball player Shaquille O'Neal to actress and singer Jennifer Lopez. Myers was front man of Heavy D & The Boyz, who hit their commercial peak with the three platinum selling albums between 1989 and 1994.