TMZ just broke the news a few mintues ago deat at 44 years old

SDMJ77

Rap legend Heavy D one of the most influential rappers of the '90s died earlier today .

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.

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, 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.

Heavy just performed at the BET Awards in October -- and appeared to be fine.

Story developing ...

See http://prince.org/msg/8/370358