The hip-hop star, who was most famous in Britain for his 1991 hit 'Now That We've Found Love', passed away at 1pm yesterday after being found unconscious at his LA home.
The Jamaican-born musician was rushed to hospital but pronounced dead shortly after arriving there.
Heavy D (real Name Dwight Arrington Myers) appeared on Michael Jackson's song 'Jam' and recently performed at the tribute concert for the late star in Wales.
Michael's sister La Toya tweeted: "My heart goes out to the family and [loved] ones of Heavy D."
Heavy D had often referred to himself as the "overweight lover of hip-hop".
Three of his albums - 'Big Tyme' (1989), 'Peaceful Journey' (1991) and 'Nuttin' but Love' (1994) - went platinum in the US.
In the early 1990s, he duetted with the likes of Notorious BIG and Janet Jackson.
According to Lt Mark Rosen of the Beverly Hills police, the rapper experienced breathing difficulties while returning home from shopping.
After collapsing in an exterior hallway, he was transported to Cedars Sinai Medical Center where he later died.