That's Hip Hop
We're 3 high school friends who share a common passion for Hip Hop. Each of us have created our own albums, performed or started our own channels, but this time, we are collaborating together to share our common bond over our love for hip hop. We are taking a journey into the music. Going album by album to dissect and share our experiences with the tracks. We release a new episode every Monday. Check us out and let us know what albums we should review next!
That's Hip Hop
#84 Peaceful Journey Album Review - Heavy D and the Boyz
This episode dives into the rich legacy of Heavy D and the Boyz’s album Peaceful Journey, dissecting its iconic tracks, poignant messages, and Heavy D’s massive impact on hip-hop and beyond. Hosts Mark, Ali, and Isaiah honor the late Dwight Arrington Meyers—better known as Heavy D—by examining his journey from a hip-hop pioneer with unmatchable charisma to a cultural bridge-builder connecting artists, genres, and movements. Known for his versatility, Heavy D managed to make hip-hop accessible to the mainstream without compromising the genre’s core, and the hosts highlight how tracks like “Don’t Curse” pushed boundaries by promoting skillful, curse-free lyricism. Heavy D's collaborations with big names like Big Daddy Kane and Q-Tip showcase his role as a unifying figure, and the hosts marvel at how he merged genres and talents to create timeless music.
The conversation becomes personal as the hosts reflect on Heavy D’s significance beyond music. Heavy D, a crossover star who was as comfortable rapping as he was dancing, broke stereotypes and inspired artists across genres. The album Peaceful Journey—created in the wake of group member Trouble T-Roy’s passing—becomes a focal point for discussing how artists channel grief into art, much like Bone Thugs-n-Harmony did after their own loss. From Heavy D's mentorship of industry icons like Puff Daddy to his legendary collaborations with Michael and Janet Jackson, the hosts paint a picture of Heavy D as a multifaceted, deeply influential figure whose impact is still felt today.