Rap godfather Grandmaster Flash broke the news via his twitter about an hour ago saying he was just told that Heavy D passed away.  And just minutes ago, TMZ confirmed the details:

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.

This is so shocking.  Heavy’s last tweets were less than 24 hours ago where he offered his condolences to the now late Joe Frazier saying:

SMOKIN JOE FRAZIER..RIP.. truly one of the best heavyweight champs that ever lived.. GODS SPEED,MR FRAZIER!

And then, “Be Inspired!”

He is the former leader of Heavy D & the Boyz, a hip hop group which included G-Whiz (Glen Parrish), “Trouble” T. Roy (Troy Dixon), and Eddie F (born Edward Ferrell).

The “Now That We Found Love” rapper also performed at last month’s 2011 BET Hip Hop Awards (above).  We have heard some details about the actual cause of death, but none have been confirmed.  We will updated when confirmation is given.