Rapper Heavy D Passed Away Today at 44 (11-8-11 Report)

Rapper Heavy D, a highly influential artist of the 1990s, died suddenly on Tuesday, Nov. 8. He was 44-years-old.

TMZ reports that the rap legend, born Dwight Arrington Myers, was rushed to a Los Angeles hospital around 11:25 am. According to reports, Heavy D was found conscious on a walkway near his Beverly Hills home when a 911 call was placed.

The rapper was then rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 1 p.m. PST. Foul play is not suspected, though police are investigating.

Born May 24, 1967, the Jamaican-American actor, rapper and record producer formed the group Heavy D & the Boyz, releasing their first album via Uptown Records in 1987. The group was perhaps best known for singing the theme song for In Living Color, as well as their hit single "Now That We Found Love."

He recently performed at the 2011 BET Awards, marking his first live show in 15 years, as well as the Michael Jackson tribute concert in Wales on Oct. 8. His final album was released on Sept. 27, 2011 -- a digital only record titled Love Opus via Stride Entertainment.

Among Heavy D's acting credits are roles in The Cider House Rules, The Tracy Morgan Show, Bones, Law & Order: SVU and most recently, Brett Ratner's Tower Heist.

An active Twitter user, Heavy D's final post came the day before his death: "BE INSPIRED!" Prior to that, he expressed sadness over the death of heavyweight champion, Joe Frazier.

R.I.P. Dwight Arrington Myers aka "Heavy D"