Nate Dogg, born Nathaniel Dwayne Hale, the Long Beach, CA, rapper-singer who rose to fame in the 1990s after debuting on Dr. Dre’s benchmark The Chronic, died Tuesday night. He was 41.
A cause of death hasn’t been released for the singer, who suffered a stroke in 2008. The story was first reported by Long Beach newspaper the Press Telegram, which confirmed the news with Nate’s family.
Nate got his start in 1991 in the rap group 213 with Snoop Dogg and Warren G, and soon caught the attention of Death Row Records co-owner Dr. Dre at a house party. After debuting on The Chronic, Nate’s smooth-voiced hooks became an integral part of hip-hop’s rising G-funk subgenre. He became famous for 1994’s “Regulate,” his hit with Warren G, and appeared on tracks from Tupac, Snoop Dogg, and Dre, in addition to releasing a number of solo albums, including G-Funk Classics Vol. 1 & 2, Music & Me, and Nate Dogg. He later sang hooks on songs from Ludacris, 50 Cent, Eminem, and others.
As news of Nate’s death hit the world, his fans, friends, and contemporaries posted their tributes on Twitter:
Snoop Dogg:
We lost a true legend n hip hop n rnb. One of my best friends n a brother to me since 1986 when I was a sophomore at poly high where we met.
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
I love u buddy luv. U will always b wit me 4ever n a day u put the g n g funk u put the 1 n 213 n u put yo stamp on evrybdy u ever didit wit
all doggs go to heaven yo homie n baby brotha bigg snoopdogg!!
Ludacris:
There is a certain void in hip hop’s heart that can never be filled. Glad we got to make history together. RT @SnoopDogg: RIP NATE DOGG.
50 Cent:
I just landed nate dog is dead damn. GOD BLESS HIM R.I.P he meant a lot to west coast hiphop. Iv always been a fan of it. 50cent
I wrote the chorus to 21 questions I needed nate to sing it for me. He had a way of making everything feel hard.
Xzibit: We love you Nate Dogg, it’s never going to be the same.We lost a solider, a father, a legend, a homie. My condolences go out to Ms. Ruth and the entire family. Celebrate
WATCH: Warren G, “Regulate” (ft. Nate Dogg)
https://www.youtube.com/embed/1plPyJdXKIY?fs=1
LISTEN: Dr.Dre, “The Next Episode” (ft. Snoop Dogg & Nate Dogg)
https://www.youtube.com/embed/-eoSKbAqXmg?fs=1
