Rapper Heavy D dead: Stars tweet reactions

By Anthony Venutolo/The Star-Ledger

Dwight Arrington Meyers -- better known in the world of pop culture and Hip-Hop as Heavy D -- died unexpectedly Tuesday at 44 after collapsing. No cause of death has yet been given. As the news spread of his shocking and untimely death, fellow musicians and celebrities turned to twitter to pay their respects for the rapper.

Diddy: "My Heart is Broken. Pls pray for my man Heavy D and his Family." and "Heavy D is the person who gave me my 1st chance in the music industry. He got me my internship at Uptown. He Believed when no one else did." Alyssa Milano: "Heavy D gave me advice when I was pregnant. He said, 'Cherish every single moment. It goes by way too fast'. Rest in peace, Heavy D."

Usher: "This is too heavy, I can't believe it. HEAVY D was just here. Truly gone too soon. My heart and support goes out to his family. R.I.P HEAVY."

Russell Simmons: "I am deeply saddened by the sudden loss of Heavy D. A long time friend and a beautiful person." LL Cool J: "May GOD embrace the soul of Heavy D and Bless his family. I respected you Heavy and I always will." MC Hammer: "We had a lot of great times touring together. He had a Heart of Gold. He was a part of what's good about the world."

Samuel L. Jackson: "Ahhh man! Heavy D?! Dwight wz a dear friend. Fond memories of a truly cool brutha." Will.I.Am.: "Heavy D inspired me to be me." Nicki Minaj: "We'll never forget you babe!" Dwayne Johnson aka The Rock quoting the rapper: "Once you're hip hop, you're hip hop. It's in my blood - it's not going anywhere."

Carson Daly: "So sad to hear about heavy d. His music was my upbringing. I'm so glad I got to tell him when I saw him at the voice live shows in june." John Legend: "I'm so sad about Hev. He really was a wonderful person." Khloe Kardashian: "Wow Heavy D passed away.... How? He was so young... My prayers and love go out to all of his loved ones... So sad.. May God bless."

Common: Heavy D was...no...is one of Hip-Hops finest. Your art and contribution will live 4ever brother! #RIPHheavyD." The Game: "Last tweet of the day: Rest In Paradise to a GOOD FRIEND & legendary hip hop icon Dwight Arrington "Heavy D" Myers. Damn life sometimes !!!"

Brandy: "@4everBrandy: I am shocked, overwhelmed, and all of the above at the death of @heavyd ! May you rest in peace!! I love you and I promise to live INSPIRED!"