Wow. I'm still floored. heavy's gone. The Overweight Lover. Hip Hops must humble player. Gone. I haven't heard the details much less read anything about his passing, but I've heard word of mouth as the shock of it took and is still taking hold of the social networks.
Tributes and condolences abound and having had a few personal memories of the times I spent working with him I feel its appropriate to say a few words myself.
As a young engineer traversing the streets of New York I remember the first time I saw Heav. He was decked out in yellow straight profiling beside a criss yellow 4x4 parked outside the new defunct Latin Quarter in Times Square. He was the first hip hop celebrity I recall ever seeing in person and true to form - 'Larger in Life'.
Fast forward to Marathon Recording on 37th St where I had developed a working relationship with the Untouchables Production Team led by Eddie F Ferrel. Eddie was also one of the original members of Heavy D and The Boys. I was doing a lot of work for Uptown records back then and of course, eventually ended up working with Heavy.
Working with new artists/clients is always touch and go and Heavy and I hit it off from the start. he liked the fact that I was a 'Yardie' and being Jamaican himself he always made it a point to bring Ackee and Salt fish with Rice and Peas to the studio whenever he knew I was the session engineer. He was always jovial and in a good mood. I remember him always loudly calling me "Dave" in his distinctive voice as we worked in the studio. Heavy D was a very  gifted, dedicated and talented individual. He is clearly the most humble, honest, loving and genuine person I have met in the game. Truly a sad loss. Rest in Peace Heav, you know you left the world a better place. Wishing you a Peaceful Journey.