RIP: Legendary rapper Dwight Arrington Myers — better known as Heavy D — passed away today at the age of 44.

The former frontman of hip hop pioneers Heavy D & the Boyz was rushed to an LA hospital near his Beverly Hills home around noon, and was reportedly awake at the time. However, he was pronounced dead soon after arrival.

Police have launched an investigation, but foul play is not suspected at this time.

D found mainstream success with the 1991 hit single “Now That We Found Love.” The group remained popular throughout the early 90s, peaking with 1994’s Nuttin’ But Love, which hit #1 on Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. The Boyz and D went their separately ways shortly thereafter.

Heavy D, who found some solo success in the late 90s, recently returned to the charts after adding reggae to his repertoire.

[tmz.]