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I was a huge fan of Heavy D. My father was a fan and since he was the one buying the music in the nineties, it was his taste we were exposed to. My dad played a wide variety of music but Heavy D always stood out. One, because he was one of the only rappers my father could play that didn’t have my mother kissing her teeth at the profanity-laden of misogynistic lyrics. The other day, I watched his episode of “Unsung” and realized all over again, how special he was, outside of his musical abilities. Everyone who spoke about him, remarked on his kindness. During his life, Heavy D was particularly interested in helping and nurturing new talent. As a result, here are some of the artists he worked with either writing or producing their songs.
She’s Gone- Anthony Hamilton
“She’s Gone” was featured as a bonus track for Anthony Hamilton’s The Point of It All 2008 album. It wouldn’t be the last time the two would work together. Hamilton provided vocals for Heavy D’s 2011 single “I Can’t.”
Summer Rain – Carl Thomas
This is my jam! Heavy D produced this song which featured an interpolation of Stevie Wonder’s “Summer Soft.”
The Don- Nas
The story behind this collaboration for Nas’ Life is Good album is a very nice one. The song began with Heavy D. He originally presented the reggae song “Dance in New York” by Super Cat to Nas’ frequent producing partner Salaam Remi. Heavy D., who had already done some editing to the song, believed Remi could choose an appropriate point to sample. He reportedly explained the concept he had in mind. Remi began production on the song. During his work, he learned of Heavy D.’s passing, which gave him the push to finish producing. The final lyrics for the song, Nas says, “Heavy D gave this beat to Salaam for me to rap to.” In the video, as he delivers the line, he brings his hands together in prayer motion and looks toward the sky.
Call Me – Fabolous
Heavy D. served as both a writer and producers for the third song on Fabolous’ 2003 Street Dreams album.
I Keep Callin’ – Babyface
Babyface was on that new-new when he released his Face2Face album. Released in 2001, it was his first studio album in five years. He tapped people like Snoop Dogg, Pharrell and Heavy D. to be a part of the project. Heavy D worked on this song along with Brion James, Anthony Nance and Babyface himself.
The Most Beautiful – Total
Given Heavy D’s close relationship to Puff Daddy, it’s not really that much of a surprise that he would work with this female group signed to Bad Boy. While the Kima, Keisha, and Pam album included production from Missy and Timbaland, Mario Winans, and Stevie J., Heavy D. wrote and produced this song.
I Still Love You – Monifah
We all know that Monifah was Heavy D.’s protegee. He produced her first album, Moods…Moments, which featured “I Miss You (Come Back Home),” and her second project Mo’hogany with the single Touch It. Still, I didn’t know that he produced this song that would appear on the Sprung soundtrack.
Candy Rain- Soul For Real
Another group that Heavy took under his wing to give them an opportunity. He along with Tribe Called Quest’s Ali Shaheed Muhammad, along with Hamish Stuart, Malik Taylor, Owen McIntyre, Samuel Barnes, Jean-Claude Olivier, Terri Robinson helped to pen the song. Heavy D. also produced what would become known as the group’s signature song.
Baby Your Love- Changing Faces
While this group is known more for their connection with R. Kelly, Heavy D managed to sneak onto their debut album.
