The family of legendary rapper Heavy D, has issued their first official statement regarding his sudden death.

The rapper, whose real name is Dwight Myers, will be laid to rest on Friday, November 18th, following an open memorial service on Thursday afternoon that will allow fans to pay their final respects to the late rapper/actor in his hometown Mount Vernon.

Grieving relatives of the fallen star released their first official statement regarding his death on Monday:

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:

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

R.I.P. Heavy D

(May 24, 1967 – November 8, 2011)

(source)