Diddy to Honor Heavy D at Private Funeral, Family Makes Statement

Rap mogul Diddy will give the eulogy for late rapper / actor Heavy D at his private funeral, which will take place at the historic Grace Baptist Church in Mount Vernon, N.Y., on Friday (Nov. 18). Rev. Al Sharpton is also scheduled to speak at the memorial, according to a report from the Washington Post.

Heavy D was very instrumental in Diddy's career as a rapper and entrepreneur. Heavy D was the guy who encouraged Andre Herrell to hire him as an intern at Uptown Records. He also gave Diddy's flagship artist, the late Notorious B.I.G., his first rap shine on the posse track 'Buncha N---as' from his 1993 album 'Blue Funk.' "He was a wonderful human being, who inspired and paved the way for a Hip Hop generation," said Diddy in a statement. "We were like brothers -- I will miss him more than words can express."

BET also announced that they would honor Heavy D at the Soul Train Music Awards, which will be taped on Nov. 17 in Atlanta.

Meanwhile, Heavy D's family have issued an official statement in memory of the late rapper. It reads:

Hev had great love for his family and friends; he was a kind and giving spirit who extended and shared himself with everyone who crossed his path. He had a heart of gold, was approachable, very personable and gave of himself willingly and unconditionally. Though Hev will most notably be remembered for his work both behind-the-scenes and in the forefront, he will always be remembered by us as a generous soul who remained humble and unselfish till his final days.

Out of all Hev's successes and accomplishments, in his eyes, his most important triumph was that of becoming a father. Hev's love for his daughter Xea was profound--she was the center of his life, his heart, his soul. He often said "I cannot live without her and that she embodied every phenomenal attribute that he brought to this world". The name and the success of Heavy D will always be synonymous with music forever. He never compromised his values and artistry, and encouraged his peers to do the same. To us, Hev was the one who made us laugh, cry, sing, dance and turn a frown upside down. As a family, we are devastated by Hev's passing but through our faith in God and support from family, friends and fans-we are comforted, blessed and will remain strong. His "bear hugs" are going to be deeply missed." -- The Myers Family

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to the Heavy D and Xea Myers Fund. Here's more information for those who are interested in donating:

Heavy D and Xea Myers Fund
C/O JP Morgan Chase 726 Madison Avenue New York, NY 10085
Make checks payable to: The Heavy D and Xea Myers Fund.
Heavy D Information Line: 212-381-2037
Heavy D Memorial Website: http://www.rememberheavyd.com