Obama hails Heavy D

ON THE PREZ’S PLAYLIST: It appears that Barack Obama is a Heavy D fan. During the star-studded funeral for the rotund rapper in his Mount Vernon, NY, hometown, the Rev. Al Sharpton asked Heavy D's 11-year-old daughter, Xea, to join him at the pulpit. “I want to read you something and I want you to keep this, Xea,” Sharpton said, before reading it and revealing that it came from the White House. According to the N.Y. Daily News, Obama’s message offered condolences and praised the rapper for his “infectious optimism and many contributions to American music.” The President’s message drew a thunderous ovation from the 1,500 loved ones and friends gathered at Grace Baptist Church for the private service. (11/21a)