Edd’s MANtra: RIP Heavy D

It’s not often I’m left speechless. From TMZ.com:

Rap legend Heavy D —  one of the most influential rappers of the ’90s — died earlier today … TMZ has learned.

Heavy D — real name Dwight Arrington Myers — was rushed to an L.A. hospital around noon today … and was pronounced dead at the hospital at 1 PM. He was 44 years old.

We’ve learned a 911 call was placed from Heavy’s Beverly Hills home around 11:25 AM to report an unconscious male on the walkway.

When help arrived, we’re told Heavy D was conscious and speaking — and was transported to a nearby hospital.

He died a short time later.

Less than a month ago we were all talking about how awesome Heavy D looked on the BET Hip Hop Awards. The guy hadn’t lost a step since 1990. The Overweight Lover might be remembered by younger fans for his TV and movie roles (a recurring guest on Living Single, among many others, including the recently released “Tower Heist”) and quotes from classic Biggie songs (“Salt N Pepa and Heavy D up in the limousine”).

But Waterbed Hev’s biggest contribution was that he wasn’t afraid to be himself. A gigantic rapper dancing around and putting the moves on the ladies sounds absurd in today’s climate, but Hev had the ladies swooning because he was authentic. He wasn’t a manufactured gimmick, he was being himself. And we loved him for it – that’s why he transitioned so well into acting. An engaging personality and immense talent made a superstar.

And if there was any doubt before, today he becomes legend. RIP Hev, we’ve got Nuttin’ But Love for you.