Eulahlee and Clifford Myers, parents of the late Jamaican-born hip hop legend Heavy D, recently accepted the Purpose Talk Legacy Honor Award on his behalf. The award, presented posthumously by the Irie Jam Foundation in New York, recognized Dwight Arrington Myers — better known as Heavy D — for his trailblazing contributions. The plaque read: “His voice of the diaspora: from island roots to global impact, vision, and vitality transcended borders.”
For Eulahlee, who migrated from St. Elizabeth in 1968 with five young children, the recognition from the Irie Jam Foundation carries deep personal meaning.
“Dwight has received a whole lot of awards over the years. But this one means a lot because it’s our Jamaican heritage,” Myers told Caribbean National Weekly.
She hopes the award serves as a reminder not only of Heavy D’s achievements but also of the importance of staying grounded in one’s roots, embracing culture, and lifting others.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Syntyche ‘Syn’ Clarke, Co-Chair of Irie Jam Foundation, said, “Heavy D was more than a musician. He was a movement. He carried the rhythm of the Caribbean and the soul of Black Excellence wherever he went. Through hip-hop, film, and his presence in the community, he didn’t just entertain — he uplifted. He created space for those of us searching for our reflection in the world. And in doing so, he reminded us that representation doesn’t just inspire; it affirms our right to be fully seen and celebrated. Mr. and Mrs. Myers, we thank you for raising a son whose light, legacy, and leadership continue to resonate around the world. We are so proud to present this award to him.”
Looking back at her family’s life after migrating to the Bronx, New York, Eulahlee shared that it was far from easy.
“It was very hard,” she recalled, describing years of working nights as a nurse at Einstein Hospital while her husband worked days as a film technician. They eventually purchased their first home in Mount Vernon in 1973 and kept their Jamaican roots alive by taking the children “home” to St. Elizabeth every summer.
Heavy D — her youngest son, who was born in Mandeville, Jamaica — grew up in the Bronx and later Mount Vernon, where he became a pivotal figure in the hip hop genre. His contributions not only shaped the sound of a generation but also built bridges between hip hop and reggae. She confessed he was inspired by his father’s background in film and the family’s work ethic. Initially skeptical of the rap industry, she set firm rules when Heavy D chose to pursue music as a career.
“No profanity and one year to make it, or back to college,” she commanded him.
Just seven months later, his breakthrough hit Mr. Big Stuff was on the airwaves, and phone calls from Jamaica confirmed her son had made it. Heavy D made his mark in hip-hop circles, spitting hits like “Now That We Found Love,” “Black Coffee,” and “Big Daddy,” while earning stripes as a reggae DJ with combination hit songs such as “Big & Broad” (Super Cat & Frankie Paul), “Dem Don’t Worry Me” (Super Cat), and “Hotness” (Buju Banton). He earned four Grammy nominations and won a Soul Train Award in 1990 for Best Rap Album (Big Tyme). He was a featured performer on Michael Jackson’s hit single “Jam,” Janet Jackson’s “Alright,” and made guest appearances on various sitcoms and films, including A Different World, Roc, Living Single, The Tracy Morgan Show, Law & Order, and Tower Heist with Eddie Murphy, Ben Stiller, and Casey Affleck.
Regarding Heavy D’s death, his mom shared that he was asked to perform at a Michael Jackson tribute event in England weeks before his passing. The event, billed as the Michael Forever – The Tribute Concert, was held in the United Kingdom on October 8, 2011. The concert was a benefit dedicated to Michael Jackson and commemorated the 40th anniversary of his solo career. It raised funds for AIDS Project Los Angeles and The Prince’s Trust. This performance was Heavy D’s first live show in 15 years, and sadly, his second and final live performance was just three days later at the BET Hip Hop Awards.
“The ironic thing is, three times he called and said he didn’t want to go because he was scared of flying. I told him, if the spirit tells you that you shouldn’t go, don’t go. The day before he left, he called and told me Janet (Jackson) called. He said, ‘Mommy, I’m going to go,’ and I said, ‘Okay,'” she recalled.
“And while he was over there, I spoke to him a couple of times. When he got back, he called me on a Monday and said he wasn’t feeling well. I told him he needed to go to the doctor because he sounded congested… On Tuesday, he went out to pick up a sandwich and on the way back, a friend of his who lived in the building in Beverly Hills heard him call out. When he ran into the hallway, he couldn’t breathe. They put him in the ambulance. They called me soon after to say he died. It didn’t last more than three hours,” she said.
Eulahlee, reflecting on the journey of a mother who had watched her son rise to fame, navigate the complexities of the music industry, and ultimately leave an indelible mark on the world, remembered him as “very kind” — a man who would give away his last dollar.
“He did what made him happy,” she said. “That, to me, was his greatest accomplishment.”
Tributes poured in after his death from peers and industry insiders celebrating his unique style, lyrical prowess, and ability to bring people together through music.
Timmy Regisford, a former VP of A&R at MCA Records while Heavy D was signed to the label, said about him, “People loved him a lot and he was a great, easy-going guy to work with.”
New Jersey-based media marketing consultant Dave Rodney first met Heavy D in 1990 when he was invited to be part of the hugely successful Motown’s Soul-By-The-Sea television special, which was filmed in Montego Bay.
“He was talented and respectful,” Rodney recalled. “Heavy D was then on the MCA label, but he came along with us as Motown was owned by MCA at the time. I remember Heavy blending right into the very diverse mix of artists that included Stevie Wonder, Boyz II Men, Johnny Gill, and Stacy Lattisaw. He was clearly very happy to have been back home in Jamaica on a major music project.”
“Heavy D was one of the nicest, coolest rappers I have ever met,” was how radio host Dahved “Rocking You” Levy, of urban 107.5 FM WBLS, remembered Heavy D.
Louis Grant, VP of Irie Jam Media, said, “Heavy D was a trusted, supportive friend of Irie Jam Radio for many years. He devoted his entire life to music, and his memory will forever live on with us.”
Heavy D’s music, which often infused themes of love, unity, and resilience, continues to resonate with listeners today, echoing the sentiments of a generation that cherished his work. He released his final album, Love Opus, in September 2011. The rapper died in Los Angeles on November 8, 2011, of pulmonary embolism. He was just 43 years old.
