Rapper Heavy D Dies
Dwight Arrington Myers, better known as rapper Heavy D, died on Tuesday. He was 44.
The artist who rose to fame in the mid 1980s with his group Heavy D & The Boyz enjoyed commercial success with their debut album Living Large and its follow-up Peaceful Journey. He could also be heard in songs by Janet Jackson and Michael Jackson and in the theme songs of television programs In Living Color and “MADtv.”
His later career included television and off-Broadway acting parts before he returned to the recording studio. He performed most recently at the 2011 BET Hip Hop Awards last month.
Twitter tributes to Heavy D flooded the social networking site. Lenny Kravitz said, “I am so saddened by the passing of Heavy D. My condolences go out to his family. Rest in peace my friend.” La Toya Jackson tweeted, “My heart goes out to the family and love ones of Heavy D I am sooo sorry for your lost. You will be in my prayers.”
The artist himself last tweeted, “Be inspired!” on the day of his death.
People’s Choice Awards Nominees Announced
The 2012 nominees for the People’s Choice Awards were announced on Wednesday. Top nominees include Katy Perry, Beyoncé, Adele, Maroon 5, and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2.
The 38th annual event announcing the winners who have been chosen via public vote will air live on CBS on Jan. 11 at 9 p.m. EST.
Kelly Ripa Signs Contract to Stick With ‘Live!’
As the popular morning talk show Live! with Regis & Kelly readies to say farewell to its stalwart host Regis Philbin on Nov. 18, Disney-ABC Domestic Television announced on Wednesday that the popular co-host Kelly Ripa has signed on to remain for the next five years, according to Reuters. The program will be inviting guest hosts to join Ripa until a replacement for Philbin is chosen.
Compiled by Barbara Danza
