Tom Petty's Death Mourned By Hip-Hop Artists, Music World

More tragedy struck the music world today after the sudden passing of Tom Petty this afternoon (October 2nd). TMZ first broke the story that the rock and roll icon had been rushed to the hospital after being found unconscious and not breathing, reportedly suffering from cardiac arrest. After showing no signs of brain activity, the decision was made to pull Petty off of life support. He was 66.

A highly influential musician and singer who was the man behind hit songs like "Free Fallin'," "Refugee" and "Breakdown," the Florida native had quietly become one of the most respected and admired men in the rock and roll firmament. Rising to prominence in the 1970's with his band The Heartbreakers, Petty was known as a tireless touring artists as well, with hundreds of thousands of fans getting to see him play live year after year. With a Super Bowl halftime show appearance under his belt and millions of records sold over the course of his career, few would argue that he is a music legend. Members of the hip-hop community and other celebrities from the music industry were quick to share their words of reverence for Petty on social media, as well as sending their condolences to his friends and family. 

RIP Tom Petty.