RIP Heavy D

Dwight Arrington Myers, aka Heavy D, passed away November 8, 2011 at the age of 44. His music varied amongst different genres such as Hip Hop, new jack swing, R&B, and reggae fusion. Heavy D and the Boyz were the first group signed to Uptown Records and eventually their debut, Living Large, was released in 1987. They gained even more fame by singing the theme song for the television program In Living Color and performing the rap for Michael Jackson's Jam. Heavy D began focusing on his acting skills, appearing in television shows before returning to the music charts with Nuttin' But Love. Heavy D performed at the 2011 BET Hip Hop Awards in Oct. 2011, which was his first live performance in 15 years. On November 8, 2011 in Los Angeles, Ca, Heavy D collapsed outside his home due to respiratory distress and that no foul play was involved.

Nas, Common and rap mogul Russell Simmons are among the stars leading the tributes to Heavy D, who has died at the age of 44. His passing has sent shockwaves through the hip-hop world and a host of stars have taken to Twitter to express their grief at the tragic news.

Nas writes, "RIP TO A REAL HIP HOP LEGEND HEAVY D!", while Common tweets, "Heavy D was...no...is one of Hip-Hops (sic) finest. Your art and contribution will live 4ever (sic) brother! RIP Heavy D".

A stunned Q-Tip writes, "This can't be true", and The Roots drummer ?uestlove adds, "Heavy D was a good friend & he'll be missed."

Rap mogul Russell Simmons states, "I am deeply saddened by the sudden loss of Heavy D. A long time friend and a beautiful person", and Sean Kingston calls him "One Of The Most Influential Rappers Of The '90s Era."

Even Hollywood was mourning the loss of the rapper, who made a handful of movie appearances - actor Samuel L. Jackson called him a "dear friend", adding "Fond memories of a truly cool brutha (sic)."

Heavy D had just returned from a trip to London, where he hung out with British singer Estelle and R&B star Ne-Yo.

A shocked Estelle tweets, "RIP. Heavy D. i can't believe that. I can't. Was just in London w (with) him", while Ne-Yo adds, "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 (sic) told him he was truly great."

A slew of other hip-hop stars, including hitmaker/producer Pharrell Williams, veteran hip-hop DJ Grandmaster Flash, R&B singer Brandy and rapper Nelly have also expressed their condolences online.

Meanwhile, Public Enemy star Chuck D insists his friend was "a hip hop god", adding, "He will always be remembered and I'm thankful for what he's done for hip hop culture."

Popular MC Heavy D, whose real name was Dwight Arrington Myers, was admitted to a Los Angeles hospital at around noon local time on November 8th with an unknown ailment. He was pronounced dead at 1 p.m.

The hip-hop star rose to fame in the late 1980s with his group Heavy D & the Boyz after they released their debut album,Living Large, in 1987. They went on to record the theme tune for In Living Color before Heavy D branched out as a solo act.

He released a total of seven studio albums throughout his career and scored hits with singles such as Got Me Waiting, Big Daddy and his cover of The O'Jays' Now That We Found Love, which was released in 1991.

He featured on Michael Jackson's song Jam and was among the stars who paid tribute to the late pop icon at October's Michael Forever event in Wales. The rapper also collaborated with the King of Pop's sister Janet on her hit single Alright.

He returned to the stage for the first time in 15 years for a special performance at last month's 2011 BET Hip Hop Awards.

Heavy D enjoyed film success too, landing roles in films like Eddie Murphy's 1999 comedy Life and 2006 dance movie Step Up. He reunited with Murphy for a cameo in his new film Tower Heist.