Rapper Heavy D Dead at 44

Update on Nov. 8, 6:26 p.m. ET — The death of Dwight Arrington Myers, better known as Heavy D, was confirmed, according to People magazine. " 'I can confirm that he died today,' L.A. Coroner Chief Craig Harvey tells People. 'He was transported from a residence in Beverly Hills and was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead in the emergency room. The cause of death is yet to be determined; we're investigating it now. We do know that he last saw his doctor two weeks ago.' "

Earlier:

The "We Got Our Own Thang" rapper, known for his large size and smooth dance moves, died earlier today at the age of 44, according to TMZ and the tweets of several of his colleagues in the music biz, including Grandmaster Flash, Russell Simmons and journalist dream hampton.

Born Dwight Arrington Miles, the rapper found fame in the late '80s and early '90s, but a rousing performance at the 2011 BET Hip Hop Awards suggested that he was as beloved as ever. Right now there are no details about the cause of death, and there has not been an official confirmation.

Read more at TMZ.

In other news: Jewish Author Was Behind Black Children's Books.

Lauren is a former Deputy Editor of The Root.