Heavy D is Dead. Long Live Heavy D.

According to reports from Rolling Stone, TMZ and several other news outlets, 90's rap icon Heavy D is dead, and it's not entirely clear how or why.

TMZ reported minutes ago that "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."

Perez Hilton is reporting that "Heavy D was rushed to an L.A. hospital around noon, after he was found unconscious on a walkway near his home in Beverly Hills. After 911 was called, Heavy was conscious and speaking, but was transported to the hospital for further testing. An hour later, he had passed."

According to Rolling Stone, "police are investigating his death but there are no signs of foul play."

We'll keep you updated as further details emerge.

Heavy D was the lead rapper in the seminal 90's rap act Heavy D & the Boyz. He was known for the theme song to the soon-to-be-revived "In Living Color" ("How you livin'? Large!"), "Now That We Found Love" and "Gyrlz They Love Me," with the infamous lyrics "I'm the overweight lover Heavy D."

In recent years, he had acting roles on "Law and Order: SVU" and "Tyler Perry's House of Payne." He also had a small part in "Cider House Rules" and a cameo appearance in the recently released Eddie Murphy vehicle "Tower Heist."

While his acting career had been relatively active, Heavy D will always be known for his overweight loving skills and his serious rapping talent.

In "Gyrlz They Love Me," Heavy D says:

"Take my hand, walk with me
I'm the imperial, Overweight Lover MC Heavy D.
Now that I've introduced myself correctly
Do you have a moment to spend some time with me?"

It wasn't nearly enough time, Heavy. Not anywhere near enough. RIP, D.

Watch Heavy D's last televised appearance, at the 2011 BET Music Awards:

Watch Heavy D's "Got Me Waiting":