Outline · [ Standard ] · Linear+ Nate Dogg Dead at 41;, Sad Day for Hip Hop Music

By Tim MolloyNate Dogg, the deep-voiced hip-hop crooner who sang hooks for Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, and Eminem and was best known for "Regulate," his classic collaboration with Warren G, has died at 41.

The artist, whose real name was Nathaniel D. Hale, died from complications of two recent strokes, attorney Mark Geragos told the Associated Press. His death was first reported by the Long Beach Press-Telegram.

Also read: Nate Dogg, Warren G, and the Robbery That Wasn't

Snoop tweeted of his friend's death, "All doggs go to heaven yo homie n baby brotha bigg snoopdogg!!" adding, "RIP NATE DOGG."

Nate Dogg, Warren G and Snoop Dogg collaborated in a group called 213, a reference to both the Los Angeles area code and 21st Street in Long Beach, the city where the three grew up. Warren G introduced the group to his stepbrother, Dr. Dre, who enlisted all three to work on his seminal album "The Chronic" in 1992.

Snoop Dogg was the first of the trio to break out as a solo artist, and the three performed together on his debut album, "Doggystyle" in 1993.

But Nate Dogg and Warren G dropped their own hit, "Regulate" the next year. Together they pushed a style of music they called "G-Funk" -- a smooth, bass-heavy blend of hip-hop and R&B.

"Regulate," the story of a night out in Long Beach that includes Warren G being attacked in a dice game, Nate Dogg coming to his aid, and the eventual rescue of some stranded women the pair whisk off to the East Side Motel, perfectly represents the smooth mix of fun, violence, wit, sex and street cred in what the artists called "The G-Funk Era" of the early 90s.

But not all of his crime stories were fictional: He was arrested by a SWAT team in 2000 on charges of terrorist threats, arson, and domestic violence after he was accused of holding an ex-girlfriend against her will, assaulting her, and setting her mother's car on fire. He was arrested again and charged with making terrorist threats and driving with a suspended license in 2008. He was accused at the time of a car chase after his estranged wife on the 405 freeway.

In 1996 he was acquitted of robbing a Taco Bell.

Though his biggest hits were collaborations, his solo albums included "G-Funk Classics Vol. 1 & 2" and "Music & Me." Successful singles included "Never Leave Me Alone," featuring Snoop Dogg.

He also collaborated with Dr. Dre protogee Eminem on tracks including "Till I Collapse" and "Shake That," a darkly whimsical update on the G-Funk sound.

One of the best, It is a sad Day!

agreed Tonight I will develope a play list to sleep to in this man's honor. Being in my 30's well i am 30, i remember a lot of the hip hop west coast movement of the 90s and his Smooth G Funk style was one of the best...

j

Loved regulator it was a great song

Regulate is one of my favorites, but i also like 21 questions with 50 Cent. probably one of my all time favorite collab efforts, as far as individual nate dog songs, "whos playin games" off of his disc 2 of the G Funk Classics 1 and 2.

J

I was listening to 21 questions when I found out about this the other night...so sad

Indeed. being 30, it makes me really think. thats why i go to the gym 5 days a week and spend at least 2 hours, i do not smoke, i no longer drink (been 5 years), quit chewing and using snus, i try to live the cleanest life i can..
i also eat a lot better than i used to..

j

he has ms, that what is what killed him

brought on heart attacks

true and sad sir
j