A Star-Studded Send-Off for Heavy D

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Hamilton, who sang "A Change Is Gonna Come" as a tribute to Heavy D at his funeral, arrives at the Grace Baptist Church in Mount Vernon, N.Y., for the Nov. 18 service. The two collaborated on Heavy's single "I Can't," released earlier this year.

Queen Latifah went on her first national tour with Heavy D. She arrived at the church solo. On Nov. 9, the day after he died, she called into BET's 106 & Park to talk about her fallen friend. "He was one of the few people in this business that really made you want to stay in hip-hop," she said.

Boxing promoter King arrives in all his regalia.

Legend walks into the church with girlfriend Chrissy Teigan.

Perez and Heavy D were friends for 20 years. In a statement, she shared her memories of Heavy and the sorrow she felt when she heard the news: "I couldn't say anything, I was just quiet, I was stunned and shocked. I had to pull over because it was very, very sad and very, very shocking because he was a great person, a very lovable person."

Lee, Heavy D's mother, arrives at the church. His family said in a statement, "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."

Sharpton gave a moving yet lighthearted eulogy to the Overweight Lover, reminding attendees that while James Brown "made us black and proud, [Heavy] made us fat and proud."

Diddy, who credits Heavy D with launching his career, delivered a funny but emotional eulogy to his friend, telling mourners that he stalked Heavy D — former president of Uptown Records — for weeks in hopes of securing an internship. "Heavy was the first person to believe in me," he said. 

Pallbearers — including Heavy D's cousin Peter "Pete Rock" Phillips — exit the church with the casket.

Fresh, another hip-hop pioneer, waves to fans as he exits the ceremony.

Smith, who shared real estate on the Billboard charts with Heavy D in the late '80s, exits the church with Jada soon behind him.

Smith solemnly exits the church after the ceremony, just after her husband.

Jackson came to pay respects to a man he admired and knew on a first-name basis. On the day of Heavy's death, he tweeted, "Dwight wz a dear friend. Fond memories of a truly cool brutha."

Usher watches as pallbearers carry Heavy D. Upon hearing the news of his death, Usher tweeted, "This is too heavy, I can't believe it. HEAVY D was just here. Truly gone too soon. My heart and support goes out to his family."