Hip Hop Legend Heavy D, dead at 44
Rap legend Heavy D — one of the most influential rappers of the ’90s — died earlier today … TMZ has learned.
Heavy D — real name Dwight Arrington Myers — was rushed to an L.A. hospital around noon today … and was pronounced dead at the hospital at 1 PM. He was 44 years old.
We’ve learned a 911 call was placed from Heavy’s Beverly Hills home around 11:25 AM to report an unconscious male on the walkway .
When help arrived, we’re told Heavy D was conscious and speaking — and was transported to a nearby hospital.
He died a short time later.
Cops are investigating the death — and so far, there are no obvious signs of foul play.
In addition, reports show that Heavy D got a checkup not long before he died.
That’s the word from Los Angeles County Assistant Chief Coroner Ed Winter, who tells E! News that the “Big Tyme” rapper had recently visited a doctor before his untimely death Tuesday, had possibly been taking some medicine and was sick.
As to whether the ailment contributed to Heavy D’s passing, fans of the MC will have to wait awhile for the answer.
Autopsy results for Heavy D, real name Dwight Arrington Myers, will not be available for at least a month.
Winter added that because the hip-hop icon was “only 44,” the Coroner’s Office will definitely run toxicology tests, with the results not expected for several weeks.
Per the Los Angeles Times, after a recent trip to London, Heavy D visited a doctor for a persistent cough and obtained a prescription for some medicine to treat it.
No word what drug was prescribed to him, but shortly before he collapsed Monday afternoon at his Beverly Hills pad he experienced breathing problems. He was also reported to be overweight, tipping the scales at 300 pounds.
Funeral plans have yet to be announced.
Heavy D had several massive hits — including “Now That We Found Love, “Mr. Big Stuff”, “Peaceful Journey” and “Girlz The Love Me”.” He also wrote and performed the theme song for “In Living Color” … and appeared as an actor in the movie “Life and “Cider House Rules”.”
Heavy just performed at the BET Awards in October — and appeared to be fine. He leaves behind one daughter.
