Nuttin' But Love - A Farewell Tribute To HEAVY D

Thank-you Heavy D, for all that you have brought to this crazy world.  I got Nuttin' but love for ya! R.I. P.

"Be inspired".  "All glory comes from daring to begin".  " I love my life, only because I always have".  "Never stop believing.  Magic is just a science we don't understand.  Every original idea was considered insanity at first". 

What do all these quotes have in common you ask?  Simple.  They were the last few comments uttered by the late, great, Heavy D.

He was a man of many talents.  A master of all trades within the music industry.  He was a rapper, a singer/songwriter, actor and producer - who was on the verge of a major come back to the world he loved so much.  However, God had another plan, and called him home on: Tuesday, November 8, 2011.

At the age of 44, Heavy D had a number of accomplishments under his belt.  But the most important one of all was his daughter, Xea.  Even up to his last breath he expressed his undying love for her and his entire family and always spoke about the importance of family, love and how important it was to keep positive when going after your dream.

In the 1990's, Heavy D was the very first rapper to become the head of a major music label:  President of Uptown Records.  Shortly thereafter, he hired on an intern by the name of:  Sean "Diddy" Combs, or as we know him, "Puff Daddy" / "P Diddy".  Heavy D, was also known for developing the career of one Ms. Mary J. Blige.  This major stepping stone would later result in a position of, senior vice president of none other than:  "Universal Music".  His areas of expertise were:  Reggae, R&B and of course, Hip Hop.

Some of his finest moments would include:  singing the theme song to the hit shows: "In Living Color" and "Mad TV", back in the 90's.  He also did collaborations with B.B. King, as well as, appearing in the  video, "One More Chance" by the late, Notorious B.I.G. Yet, the one most memorable success that Heavy D always looked back on with utter pride, was the fact that he was the first rapper to have the opportunity to work with the late, Michael Jackson.  He performed the rap for a single called "Jam" on Michael's album.  He was truly proud of that moment, as were his fans.  So much so that one of them tweeted Heavy D on November 2, 2011 and praised him on the accomplishment.

Heavy D, born Dwight Arrington Myers, was a true family man.  He was respected for never compromising his values and artistry.  Yesterday (November 14, 2011), during his family's very first statement release since his death, they attested to the world, what an incredible soul this man truly was. 

"Heavy D was a devoted dad with a "heart of gold" who dispensed bear hugs as easily as infectious rhymes.  He 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 never compromised his values and artistry, and encouraged his peers to do the same.  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.”

Dearest D:  Sadly the world has lost another remarkable and inventive soul.  I believe I speak for all your fans when I say that you shall be deeply missed.  Your love and energy, both for your life and love for music is in-measurable.  We feel such a loss with your passing that can barely be described.  I know the world, as well as your fans would have loved a "come-back".  Sadly, now it can never be.  Nevertheless, we will forever dance and smile to the beats and mixes that you did leave us with for all time.  You will never be forgotten.


Today, you find your place in heaven, along side some of the greats:  Michael Jackson, Notorious B.I.G., Tupac, Big Pun, Jam Master Jay and so many others.  Like all these artists, I wish your destiny's could have been altered, so to have you among us for longer.  I would have truly loved to see what else you all would of had in store for us.  Needless to say, I am quite sure it would have been utterly spectacular. 

" Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." ( Psalm 23:4)


 "Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners" (1 Cor. 15:33).


R.I.P. dear friend.  4-ever loved, 4-ever missed, 4-ever shall you live through your music and within the hearts of all those who knew/loved you.  PEACE!

The People's DJ - Danny D

" If you know anything about me, you've gotta know that I am a DIE-HARD Juventus soccer fan, but I think I brag enough about that already! LOL! - DJ, Danny D"

I heard a saying once that said:  Without music life would be a mistake.  Being both an artist and lover of music, I cannot tell you just how much this phrase resonates with me.  Which leads me to pose a question:  "What would music mean without its deliverance?"  Music cannot exist without someone giving it life.  At times it will be a writer.  While other times it can be a composer or a singer that gives it momentum.  Then, there are those rare occasions when it comes to us by a DJ.  However it arrives, only a true talent can make music come alive to those receiving it.


For those of you who live within the city of Toronto, when you make reference to "ultimate music deliverance" only one name should come to mind:  DJ, Danny D. 

Danny has been a DJ in the Toronto club scene for over 10 years, but has always found a home within the radio station, Z103.5 FM.  In the past 9(+) years with them, he has been touching the lives of people everywhere through the station's air-waves.  He has ultimately been crowned:  "The People's DJ" because he devotes his love and passion for music to his fan-base, which spreads far and wide. 


Throughout his career, this DJ sensation has been the toast of many deserving awards.  In 2004, he took home the Eye Weekly's, Reader's Choice Award, for the best DJ in Toronto.  Then, in 2009 he was given the "Radio Personality of the year" award, by torontonightclub.com.  Followed by the Stylus award, in 2010, for the "Club Dance DJ"


However, this man is more than just a DJ, he is truly an artist.  Danny contributes to music by taking rhythms and creating his own unique sound. A talent that he took into production, making him a successful independent artist of our time.  He combines elements of house, trance and progressive sounds, to create his own music.  Sounds which lead to independent tracks like:  Airbreak, Road Rage, I believe in love (featuring vocals of Anya) and Emotions (featuring vocals by Nova), just to name a few.  His artistry took flight and the authenticity of his sound clearly resonated with his fans.  His work cracked the Top 20 on the Canadian National Club Charts and some of those tracks have made appearances on music compilations, selling more than 50,000 copies.  

Whether he is jamming in the clubs, playing live at "Summer Rush", touring North America or simply "doing his thing" through the air-waves on Z103.5 FM, one thing is certain:  Danny's passion is creating and delivering his music to the people/for the people.  During a recent conversation with the "sound sensation", I asked him if there was one thing that I could relay to his listeners, what would it be?  Being the incredible and humble guy we all know and love, he simply replied:  " What I really want my fans to know is that when they tell me that my "music mixes" make them happy, that it truly is the biggest reward I could have.  I couldn't possibly be where I am today, without my people"  Well, There you have it folks, spoken like a true "People's DJ"

If you haven't seen this man in action, you are truly missing greatness at its best.  My advice?  find yourself a computer or radio immediately and keep it locked on Z103.5.  Be one of thousands, who enjoy his artistic genius live daily on: the "Drive @ 5 Streetmix" between: 5-6pm and his ultimate "Wayback Lunch Mix" between: 12-1pm. 

If you're looking for a great club scene, you simply must catch Danny at various venues, in and around the GTA. Here are some, to name a few:


Thursday nights:  "Single In The City" at: The Curve, in Mississauga
Friday nights: Join DJ Danny D at:  The Zu Bar, in Burlington
Saturday nights: Join DJ Danny D at: "The King of all Clubs" - LUXY, in Woodbridge

On a personal note:


I wanted to take this time to personally thank Danny for living his dream and sharing it with us everyday. 


There are days when I get so wrapped up in trying to make my dreams come true, that I kind of feel detached from the one thing I'm trying so hard to create.  I will go through moments where I lose my place.  Where I forget the reason I began running after what I want most within this life-my writing.  It is within those moments that you help me the most.  When I see/hear you creating it gives me the strength to fight for what I want, another day.
 
Danny, you truly are an incredible individual with an undeniable talent in what you do.  No matter what kind of day I'm having, I always know that you are there to make it better, by simply being who you are and doing what you do best.  You are always there to talk, share and laugh with me during the course of the day and I want you to know just how much that means to me.  By you being courageous enough to go after your dream, you make it possible for me to continue the journey in mine.  Your mixes bring me such an incredible energy that simply cannot be described.  However, if I had to choose, I would have to say that what you do makes me "happy to be alive"


On behalf of all your "die-hard" fans, I pay tribute to you here today.  I truly hope that I have done you justice. Your sweet, charismatic, witty and humble nature never goes un-noticed.  Never stop sharing with the world all it is that you do, because if you did, it would truly be an incredible loss.


Thank-you for always being, YOU!