(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Usher and Nicki Minaj have led tributes to rapper Heavy D who died yesterday.

The 90s hip-hop icon passed away on Monday afternoon after collapsing at his Beverly Hills home.

Usher tweeted his sympathy to the relatives of the Jamaican-born star.

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

Nicki Minaj re-tweeted the late MC's last message from his social networking page which was, "BE INSPIRED."

"We'll never forget you babe!" the Moment 4 Life singer wrote.

"U will be missed Heavy D so many laughs we've shared but your Music is Timeless and will Always be Around 4ever Love u Heav(sic)" Missy Elliott shared.

Ciara described Heavy as a "really nice man" and sent her condolences to his family.

Nick Cannon, Nas, Timbaland, Boyz II Men and Juelz Santana were among the other performers who shared their grief and shock at Heavy D's death.

Law enforcement have told TMZ that Heavy had just returned from shopping when he had trouble walking up a flight of stairs and was finding it difficult to breathe.

Adam Mills, a resident who lived in the building, found the heavyweight rapper leaning against a railing in distress.

Adam said he cradled Heavy in his lap while other people called for the emergency services.

"I can't breathe, I can't breathe," Heavy apparently said to Adam who was conscious at the time and had a pulse.

The influential rapper, who was known for his hit song Now That We Found Love, was taken to a nearby hospital and died a short time later.

Police say there are no obvious signs of foul play but that his death will be investigated. (C) Cover Media