West Coast gangsta rap legend Nate Dogg is dead. The Long Beach, California, rap star - who’s real name is Nathaniel D Hale - passed away yesterday. The cause of death isn’t known as yet, but the artist has been plagued by health problems and suffered strokes in 2007 and 2008.
Known as the soul man of the G-Funk rap era explosion, Nate Dogg began his music career singing at the Life Line Baptist Church in Mississippi, where his father was a pastor. He dropped out of high school at the age of 16 and left home to join the US Marine Corps where he served for three years. In 1991, he joined up with rappers Snoop Dogg and Warren G to form the trio 213.
When gangsta rap pioneer Dr Dre heard a 213 demo at a house party, he was apparently instantly hooked on Nate Dogg’s soulful melodies. Nate’s voice subsequently came to be associated with the signature West Coast sound crafted by Dr Dre, and was used extensively by the most prominent rap stars of that period.
He made his debut on Dr Dre’s ‘The Chronic’ and would later sign with the infamous Death Row Records in 1993. In 1994, he produced his first hit single "Regulate" with Warren G. Though he released a few solo projects, Nate Dogg found his greatest successes in collaboration with other hip-hop artists.
Rapper and reality TV star Snoop posted this tweet in memory of his friend: “I miss u cuzz I am so sad but so happy I got to grow up wit u and I will c u again n heaven cuz u know d slogan”.
Even reality TV princess Kim Kardashian paid tribute. “RIP Nate Dogg...West Coast LEGEND! My fav songs are-"Ain't no fun if the homies can't have none" and "Regulator"!!!!”