Jamaican Rap star "Heavy D" honored

NEW YORK, NY: May 2009 - Rap star Heavy D was recently honored at the 28th Annual International Reggae and World Music Awards, which took place at the York College Performing Arts Center in Queens, New York on May 3, 2009. Presented by the IRAWMA and Martin's Interculture & Associates, the awards honored the best in reggae and world beat music, with Heavy D receiving the special "Award of Appreciation" for his contributions to the music industry.

Heavy D, a Jamaican immigrant, has successfully embraced rap and rose to become a legend in the foundation of hip-hop music. "I'm really feeling fulfilled these days, being able to come full circle, like I have my brand new reggae album out right now, which is called Vibes and is Grammy-nominated," reveals the acclaimed musician. "I just want to send much love to all the Caribbean people them who kind of fought for me to receive this award and believed in me and never gave up on me."

Other awardees in the same category include Owen Dalhouse, Brigadier Jerry, and sound system Road International. Click on the image below to view Heavy D's full acceptance speech for his 2009 IRAWMA. Learn more about the IRAWMA and see the entire list of winners at http://www.irawma.com/.