President Obama honors Heavy D in statement read at the rapper’s star-studded Mount Vernon funeral
Entertainment On-line November 18th. 2011, 1:57pmPresident Obama honors Heavy D in statement read at the rapper’s star-studded Mount Vernon funeral
The coffin of rapper Heavy D is taken from at Grace Baptist Church in Mount Vernon.
Richard Harbus for New York Daily News Queen latifah at the funeral for Rapper Heavy D at the Grace Baptist Church in Mount Vernon.
Richard Harbus for New York Daily News Actor Samuel L. Jackson at the funeral for Rapper Heavy D at the Grace Baptist Church in Mount Vernon.
Richard Harbus for New York Daily News Jay-Z at the funeral for Rapper Heavy D at the Grace Baptist Church in Mount Vernon.
Richard Harbus for New York Daily News Will Smith and Wife Jada at the funeral for Rapper Heavy D at the Grace Baptist Church in Mount Vernon.
Richard Harbus for New York Daily News Usher at the funeral for Rapper Heavy D at the Grace Baptist Church in Mount Vernon.
Even President Obama had nothing but love for Heavy D, the respected New York-bred rapper who was laid to rest Friday after a star-studded funeral in his Mount Vernon hometown.
The Rev. Al Sharpton, speaking during the service, invited the late rapper’s daughter, Xea, to the pulpit and read a statement to the 11-year-old.
“I want to read you something and I want you to keep this, Xea,” Sharpton said, before reading it and revealing that it came from the White House.
Obama’s message offered condolences and praised the rapper for his “infectious optimism and many contributions to American music.”
The message drew a thunderous ovation from the 1,500 loved ones and friends — which included numerous stars — gathered at Grace Baptist Church for the private service.
A poised Xea told the crowd her father is “still here, not in flesh, but in spirit and love.”
The emotional service was filled with thoughtful remarks and soulful performances from Heavy D’s famous friends.
Johnny Gill, Yolanda Adams, Anthony Hamilton and Kim Burrell were among the performers.
An emotional Gill, wearing dark sunglasses, related his memories of the rapper, who was born Dwight Errington Myers, before giving a moving performance of “Never Would Have Made It,” during which he was backed up by Burrell and a choir.
Heavy D was remembered by loved ones as a kind-hearted man who remained modest after making it big as the frontman for the group Heavy D and the Boyz.