Hip-hop legend Heavy D dead at 44, cause still unknown

New York-born rapper Heavy D died Tuesday at age 44 of unknown causes.

Born Dwight Arrington Meyers in Mt. Vernon, the hip-hop legend - who had a string of hits in the '90s - was rushed to a Los Angeles hospital after a 911 call was placed from his Beverly Hills home.

He was reportedly conscious and speaking when paramedics arrived, and was pronounced dead at 1 p.m.

Cops are investigating, but there are no signs of foul play, according to TMZ.com.