One of the 90s' most influential rappers Heavy D has died at the age of 44.
The rapper, whose real name is Dwight Arrington Meyers, was found struggling to breathe in a hallway of the building in Beverley Hills where he lives, TMZ reported.
Adam Mills, who lived in the same building and knew the rapper, found him in a state of distress leaning against a rail just after 11am on Tuesday local time.
Mr Mills told TMZ that Heavy D said to him, "I can't breathe, I can't breathe".
He said he cradled the 44-year-old and called police.
The rapper was taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead a short time later.
TMZ reported that police have ruled out foul play.
The 44-year-old had performed as recently as October where he sung "Jam" at a Michael Jackson tribute concert.
He achieved fame in rap group Heavy D and the Boyz, who released their debut album in 1987.
They enjoyed several hits including Now That We Found Love and Who's the Man.
In the mid-1990s, Heavy D became president of Uptown Records, the label that released most of his albums and was also the home to acts like Mary J Blige and Jodeci.
He released a new album, Love Opus, in September.
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