Heavy D will be laid to rest at a very private funeral ceremony in New York next Friday -- and TMZ has learned only a select number of the rapper's famous friends have been invited to attend.
We're told Heavy's family has organized a public viewing on Thursday -- and anyone who wants to pay tribute to the hip hop legend is encouraged to show up.
But the following day, the burial service is V.I.P. only -- and the invite list only includes close members of Heavy's family and dear friends, such as Diddy, Mary J. Blige, a few of the Wayans brothers ... and others.
11.08.11We're told Eddie F and G-Whiz -- former members of Heavy D and the Boyz -- are also on the invite list.
5:12 PM: An associate of Heavy D's just told us the rapper had pneumonia.
4:28 PM: Law enforcement tell TMZ ... Heavy D had just returned from shopping and walked up some stairs when he began having trouble breathing. Adam Mills, a designer who was in the building and knew Heavy D, found him leaning against a railing and clearly in distress. Adam tells us he cradled Heavy D in his lap as others called 911. Adam says Heavy D was conscious and said to him, "I can't breathe, I can't breathe." When paramedics took Heavy D to the hospital he had a pulse. People in the building are saying he died of a heart attack, but we have not been able to confirm that. Law enforcement sources tell us ... no foul play was involved and so far they only know the cause of death was "medical."
