Heavy D made his debut in 1986, thirteen years after the rap genre was created.

“Rap is as diverse as people are,” he told the Daily News in 1997.

“You can not take one part of it and lump everyone else in with it. Gangsta rap is real, and so am I. There are several ways to get to the same place. I prefer being a living example that success can come this way, too.”

That year, he released his first solo album (his sixth overall), Waterbed Hev. It reached No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 200, No. 3 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, and was certified gold.

Despite Heavy’s success, I noticed his name wasn’t mentioned in various Hip-Hop 50 honors/celebrations in 2023. Although he died in 2011, I still believe in giving legends their flowers, so let’s highlight his career.

Heavy D & the Boyz were the first group signed to Uptown Records

Uptown was founded in 1986, the same year Heavy D & the Boyz debuted. It consisted of the rapper, Eddie F (the DJ), and T-Roy and G-Wiz (dancers). They were the first group to sign with the label and released several certified gold and platinum albums, including Living Large, Big Tyme, Peaceful Journey, and more.

He created a verse for Janet Jackson’s pop single “Alright.”

One of the earliest rap and pop music crossover records was Janet Jackson’s hit “Alright.” Heavy provided a verse on the record, becoming his highest-peaking Hot 100 song. He was also featured on Michael Jackson’s “Jam.”

The rapper also created the theme song for In Living Color and MadTV

“You can do what you wanna do… in living color.” Did you know Heavy D & the Boyz are responsible for In Living Color and MadTV’s classic theme songs? Both comedy shows were hits, and so was the opening music.

He also played recurring characters on classic ’90s shows

Heavy D wasn’t just a phenomenal rapper, singer, and producer. He was also an actor; many remember him as Darryl on Living Single and Calvin on Roc. He also had a recurring role in Boston Public.

Photo credit: SCREENSHOT/YouTube/@HeavyDandTheBoyz