Eminem Pays Tribute to Heavy D: “He Was Like Biggie to Me”

When it comes to hip-hop legends, few names carry the same respect as Biggie Smalls. But for Eminem, one underrated artist had just as much impact on him — Heavy D.

In a revealing interview with Zane Lowe on Apple Music, Eminem opened up about the artists who shaped his love for hip-hop. While Zane pressed him to name his top five rappers, Eminem said it was too hard to choose because hip-hop is so diverse across different eras and styles.

Instead, Eminem used the moment to shine a light on rappers who often don’t get the recognition they deserve — and one name stood out: Heavy D.

Why Heavy D Meant So Much to Eminem

“Heavy D. Rest in peace,” Eminem said. “I have nothing but the utmost respect for that dude. He was one of the most underrated rappers to me — a real chameleon. He could do it all. He could hold his own with a hardcore rapper like Treach, and still make commercial hits that you never got tired of.”

Eminem reflected on how revisiting Heavy D’s music reminded him of his greatness. “Sometimes you’ve got to go back and remember just how good these artists really were.”

Heavy D’s Legacy in Hip-Hop

Heavy D was a major force in hip-hop’s golden era during the late ’80s and ’90s. Not only was he a successful artist with radio-friendly hits, but he also played a vital role behind the scenes in the music industry.

He helped launch Diddy’s career by getting him an internship at Uptown Records, and later became a senior vice president at Universal Music. Even after taking nearly a decade away from music, Heavy D returned in 2008 with Vibes, followed by his final album Love Opus, released just weeks before his sudden passing in 2011.

Eminem Compares Heavy D to Biggie

Eminem didn’t hold back when explaining how deep Heavy D’s impact was on him:

“Heavy D was like Biggie to me. He had those kinds of commercial hits that no matter how much you heard them, you never got tired of them.”

While Heavy D may not always be mentioned in the top rapper lists, Eminem’s heartfelt tribute reminds us of just how influential and versatile he was — both on and off the mic.

Final Thoughts: A Legend Worth Remembering

Heavy D may be one of hip-hop’s most underrated legends, but artists like Eminem are keeping his legacy alive. If you want to honor his memory, crank up the volume and revisit tracks like “Big Daddy” — a true reminder of his lasting brilliance.