Even though late Hip Hop veteran Heavy D was best known for his relatable rhymes, his music reached those in R&B/soul music as well. Celebrating the life, now legacy, of Heavy D singers including Ashanti, Tyrese, John Legend and Usher paid tribute to the "Now That We Found Love" talent Wednesday.

"Many Prayers & Blessings 2 Heavy D's Family. Such a Huge impact on Music, Always Positive & all around Lovable guy! #RapLegendRIP HEV," Ashanti wrote on her Twitter page, echoing the sentiment of many who recognize Heavy D's accomplishments.

"I was just on stage with him. Now he's gone," "Open Invitation' singer Tyrese wrote Wednesday. "His last tweet 16 hours reads.. "Be inspired" @HeavyD ? I can't believe I'm writing RI-HEAVEN!"

The following R&B singers also paid tribute to Heavy D:

John Legend: "I'm so sad about Hev. He really was a wonderful person."

Usher: "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. R.I.P HEAVY."

Keri Hilson: "RIP Heavy D. Glad I had the pleasure of meeting you. In your words,"I got nuthin but love for ya." Prayers to his family & friends."

Monica: RIP @heavyd your sweet spirit, smooth moves & pleasant demeanor towards all will be GREATLY missed, God Bless your grieving family & fans

Brandy: "I am shocked, overwhelmed, and all of the above at the death of @heavyd ! May you rest in peace!! I love you and I promise to live INSPIRED!"

Ne-Yo: "Man. I was just with Heavy D recently in London. Had I known it'd be the last time I'd see him, I woulda told him he was truly great. RIP..."

Heavy D died Tuesday, November 8. He was 44. He had been on tour earlier this fall, appearing at the BET Hip Hop Awards and Michael Jackson tribute in Cardiff.

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After reports emerged that Fergie of the Black Eyed Peas would be leaving the group, there was talk that the band had already found someone to replace her. Rumor had it that R&B singer Ashanti would be the new addition to BEP. Truthfully, it did seem like quite the odd match up.

Some unknown source told MediaTakeOut, “The group had been looking for a replacement for some time. Ashanti was reportedly brought onto the group's world tour - as sort of an audition, to see if she could work with the band - and it worked out perfectly."

However Ashanti’s reps have addressed the rumor and told Entertainment Weekly, that the news was false. So, now that the rumor has been laid to rest, I wonder if they intend on replacing Fergie or if they’ll leave the band as it is.

During an interview with band member Taboo, it appears as though Fergie’s departure is centered around wanting to focus on starting a family with her actor husband, Josh Duhamel. Taboo said in a recent interview, "We have to respect Ferg. Ferg is our sister. She definitely wants to have a family, and we're happy for her. You can't not respect people's wishes. As our sister, we have to give her space."

Though the Peas had been working on music since 1988, they only really started to gain popularity and recognition after they added Fergie to the mix and released their 2003 album Elephunk, their first international hit single being “Where is the Love?”. Since then, they have sold over 56 million records worldwide. I’m sure it must be sad for them to move on without her. It’ll be interesting to see if the group can keep up its success after the departure of their leading lady. Good luck to Fergie in starting her family.

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R&B belle Ashanti raised many eye-brow last week when she took crack at a number of Whitney Houston classics as part of a tribute to the man penned them – David Foster.

And, almost as if a challenge, the ‘Rock With U’ singer this week performed the iconic ballad medley once again (despite these being songs even the most gifted of voices daren’t touch).

Her showing, this time, was in Manila as part of the ‘David Foster & Friends Asian Tour’.

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Ashanti has been showing up in and out of performances, on red carpets and even on movie soundtracks, too. Though she is prepping for her comeback album in 2012, Ashanti is still keeping her vocal chords in tact and reminding her fans and naysayers that this girl has got talent.

Ashanti took to the stage most recently with David Foster to perform covers of Whitney Houston‘s famous ballads, “I Have Nothing” and “I Will Always Love You,” both tracks being off of the Bodyguard soundtrack back in the 90′s. This all went down over the weekend while Ashanti was in Malaysia on a small tour.

Shan and David Foster performed at the Perbadanan Stadium National Sports Complex Kuala Lumpur, where the R&B singer belted out some of Whitney’s most memorable songs.

While Ashanti sparkled in her long sleeved silver and blush mini dress, do you think she did the tunes justice?

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