Heavy D -- Diddy, Wayans Bros. Invited to Private Funeral

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.

We're told Eddie F and G-Whiz -- former members of Heavy D and the Boyz -- are also on the invite list.

TMZ broke the story, Heavy D passed away on Tuesday at his home in Beverly Hills. He was 44-years-old.