Emotions were flowing on Twitter as celebrities expressed their sadness at the loss of Heavy D, who passed away yesterday at the age of 44. The rap pioneer, who rose to fame in the ’90s with his hits including “Now That We Found Love” and “Nuttin’ But Love,” was remembered by his friends and peers. Ciara and Nick Cannon recalled his kindness, Game and Swizz Beatz remembered the man they called a friend, and Common and Nas saluted his contributions to hip-hop. Read the outpouring of thoughtful messages below.

Monica: I am heart broken, God Bless Hev’s kids & family in this difficult time

Jennifer Lopez: “how would you feel knowing prejudice was obsolete & all mankind danced to the exact beat” – rip heavy d …. You are in my heart 4ever

Lil’ Kim: #RIPHeavyD U will be missed 🙁 but NEVER forgotten!!!!!!! Our memories are special!!! 🙁

Big Sean: #RIP to Heavy D… I just seen him like 3 weeks ago

Nicki Minaj: We’ll never forget you babe! #hiphopelite #RIPHeavyD

Keri Hilson: RIP Heavy D. Glad I had the pleasure of meeting you. In your words,”I got nuthin but love for ya.” Prayers to his family & friends.

Juelz Santana: A! Crazy how shit happens. I was late 2 da BET Awards & Heavy D’s Performance was 1 of da only 2 I got 2 see. Blessed 4 dat opportunity. RIP

Missy Elliott: 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…

Swizz Beatz: Wow life is 2 short i am twisted about my brother The Great Heavy D 🙁 R.I.P this is wack!!!

DJ Clue: R.I.P. To my dude Heavy D. He sat me down & gave me many inspirational talks when i started early in the game. Gon miss you brother. Luv

Nick Cannon: This is crazy. @heavyd such a beautiful person. He did and will continue to inspire me

Keyshia Cole: When I met Heavy D.. He said “believe U have a good soul, Sing with always having Something to say”. This was 1 year Be4 the 1st album RIP

John Legend: I’m so sad about Hev. He really was a wonderful person.

Big Boi: R.I.P Heavy D a true pioneer may god bless your soul

Diggy Simmons: Wooow can’t even believe that. RIP Heavy D and my condolences to his family. A true Hip Hop great

LL Cool J: May GOD embrace the soul of Heavy D and Bless his family. I respected you Heavy and I always will.

Eve: RIP HEAVY D… Sending my prayers and condolences to family and friends

Timbaland: i’m at a lost for words rip heavy d

Ciara: RIP HEAVY D! He was a really nice man! Sending my condolences to him and his family!

Ne-Yo: Man. I was just with Heavy D recently in London. Had I known it’d be the last time I’d see him, I woulda told him he was truly great. RIP…

Tyrese: Live your life to the fullest… Everyday!!! It’s arrogant to believe the next second belongs to you…. @HeavyD a true class act RIP..!!

Fat Joe: R.I.P 2 HEAVY D I LOVE U ALWAYS LOVED U MY IDOL!!!!!!!!

Brandy: 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!

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

Boyz II Men: UGH…heavy d..always cool as hell with us..just a sick feeling….praying for his little daughter and family.

Sean Garrett: God bless @heavyd and his family just saw him a week ago.This is tough!!! A true great.U will be missed dearly!!RIP

Common: Heavy D was…no…is one of Hip-Hops finest. Your art and contribution will live 4ever brother! #RIPHheavyD

?uestlove: Damn man. This is a wake up call like a mofo. Heavy D was a good friend & he’ll be missed. Night I met him is funniest story ever.

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 !!!

Nelly: MAN I CANT EVEN TYPE IM SOO IN SHOCK!!!!!! my blessings and heart go out to the family of my MAN HEAVY D! #RIPHEAVYD!!!WOW WAD A SAD DAY 4SHO

Rev Run: R.I.P to one of the best rappers who ever Did it @HeavyD You will be missed tremendously!

Nas: RIP TO A REAL HIP HOP LEGEND HEAVY D!

Lupe Fiasco: RIP Heavy D…God Bless!!!

Estelle: RIP. Heavy D. i can;t believe that. I can’t. Was just in London w him. WTF.

Sean Kingston: R.I.P Rap legend Heavy D One Of The Most Influential Rappers Of The ’90s Era… Smh Another Sad Day For Music You Will Def Be Missed Man

Teyana Taylor: Oh No! Heavy D really passed away? Really?? Wow I was just in the stu w/ him not to long ago smh 🙁

Christina Milian: RIP Heavy D… Heard the news today and was saddened. 🙁 he was a really nice guy and had such a positive & friendly demeanor. Prayers 2 his family