November 8, 2011

Google Logo Add Us On GoogleAdd SciAm

A Hip Hop Maven Mourns – MC Heavy D dead at age 44

MC Heavy D May 24, 1967 – November 8, 2011 The Hip Hop maven is definitely sad about the passing of MC Heavy D. Yes, the loveable, huggable, and cuddly Overweight Lover Himself.

By DNLee

Join Our Community of Science Lovers!

This article was published in Scientific American’s former blog network and reflects the views of the author, not necessarily those of Scientific American

MC Heavy D May 24, 1967 - November 8, 2011

The Hip Hop maven is definitely sad about the passing of MC Heavy D. Yes, the loveable, huggable, and cuddly Overweight Lover Himself.

On supporting science journalism

If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.

He hit the Hip Hop scene in the late 1980's and early 1990's and was one of the pioneers of the hybrid music style known as New Jack Swing. Much of his early work was produced by Teddy Riley (Founder of New Jack Swing). His voice and rap style was provided easy to understand rap lyrics over smooth R&B and grooving horn music. For my generation - Generation X and Y - his music was family friendly. He was one of the few artists whose music could be played at family reunions and everyone from Granny, to the teens, and toddlers would dance and sing-along. Maybe its because he also sampled such familiar songs, but at the same time he made it his own. Plus, he rapped about universal themes like love and self-actualization.

His last tweet was: "@HeavyD: BE INSPIRED!"

I am, Heavy. I am. Here's to you...Diddly, Diddly,Diddly, Diddly,Diddly,Diddly,D!

DNLee is a biologist and she studies animal behavior, mammalogy, and ecology . She uses social media, informal experiential science experiences, and draws from hip hop culture to share science with general audiences, particularly under-served groups.

More by DNLee

It’s Time to Stand Up for Science

If you enjoyed this article, I’d like to ask for your support. Scientific American has served as an advocate for science and industry for 180 years, and right now may be the most critical moment in that two-century history.

I’ve been a Scientific American subscriber since I was 12 years old, and it helped shape the way I look at the world. SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe. I hope it does that for you, too.

If you subscribe to Scientific American, you help ensure that our coverage is centered on meaningful research and discovery; that we have the resources to report on the decisions that threaten labs across the U.S.; and that we support both budding and working scientists at a time when the value of science itself too often goes unrecognized.

In return, you get essential news, captivating podcasts, brilliant infographics, can't-miss newsletters, must-watch videos, challenging games, and the science world's best writing and reporting. You can even gift someone a subscription.

There has never been a more important time for us to stand up and show why science matters. I hope you’ll support us in that mission.

Thank you,

David M. Ewalt, Editor in Chief, Scientific American

Subscribe