Sad news today… rap legend Heavy D, who performed in Atlanta for the BET Hip-Hop awards, has passed away at age 44.

Heavy D, born Dwight Arrington Myers on May 24, 1967, was one of the most influential rappers of the ’90s and news of his sudden death has touched many hip-hop fans to the core.

Details about Heavy D‘s unexpected death PLUS his final message…

The rap star was transported to an L.A. hospital around noon today (November 8, 2011) and was pronounced dead at the hospital at 1 PM.

He was only 44 years old.

TMZ revealed that a 911 call was placed from Heavy’s Beverly Hills home around 11:25 AM to report an unconscious male on the walkway.

Heavy D was reportedly conscious and speaking when paramedics arrived and was transported to a nearby hospital, where he died a short time later.

No word yet on a specific cause of death, but authorities do not suspect foul play.

The rap icon recently released a new album called “Love Opus” (Available HERE on iTunes), which he promoted heavily on Twitter and his performance on BET’s hip-hop awards gained him a younger generation of fans.

VIDEO: Heavy D. BET Hip Hop Awards

D’s poignant final message, sent just hours before he passed? “Be inspired!”

View recent photos of Heavy D from Tip’s Welcome Home Brunch held during hip-hop awards weekend HERE.

?R.I.P. Dwight Arrington Myers

(May 24, 1967 – November 8, 2011)

VIDEO: Now That We Found Love ~ Heavy D ft. Aaron Hall

VIDEO: Nuttin But Love ~ Heavy D (Chris Tucker Cameo)

Update #1 (11/8/11 ~ 7:45pm) ~ According to TMZ, Heavy D had just returned from shopping and walked up some stairs when he began having trouble breathing.? He was spotted by designer Adam Mills, who found him leaning against a railing, clearly in distress.

Mills says he cradled Heavy D in his lap as others called 911 and that D was conscious and said to him, “I can’t breathe, I can’t breathe.”

When paramedics took Heavy D to the hospital he had a pulse.? Although the cause of death is till unconfirmed, many people in the building suspect that Heavy D died of a heart attack. Law enforcement officials say no foul play was involved and so far they are listing the cause of death as “medical.”