Diddy, Jay-Z, Usher & More Pay Respect At Heavy D Funeral

Rucuss staffNovember 19, 2011

Legendary rapper Heavy D was laid to rest in Mount Vernon, New York on Friday.

His funeral came just one week after he died of pneumonia at the age of 44. Family, friends and fans filled Grace Baptist Church for the two-and-half-hour service. Will Smith, Diddy, Jay-Z, Usher, Salt, Queen Latifah, Don King, Q-Tip, John Legend and Rosie Perez were all in attendance.

Rev. Al Sharpton delivered a message from President Obama at the service. He was instructed to read the letter directly to Heavy D’s 11-year old daughter Xea Myers, which said:

“We extend our heartfelt condolences at this difficult time. He will be remembered for his infectious optimism and many contributions to American music. Please know that you and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.”

Xea had the courage to speak about her father. She said she believed her dad “was still here, not in the flesh, but in the spirit.” Johnny Gill, Salt (of Salt-N-Pepa), Usher and Diddy spoke. Diddy reminisced of the days when he got his start in the music industry.

He became my friend. He became my brother, and I’m not talking about friend-brother like we cavalierly use the word, I’m talking about a real friend, a real brother. Somebody I shared my dreams and my secrets with, somebody that’s been there for me at my lowest point, my darkest hour when nobody wanted to be beside me.

Rest in Peace.