Honoring Nate Dogg

Death Row Records remembers the life and legacy of the legendary Nate Dogg, who died 10 years ago this month. The Long Beach, California vocal titan stands as a musical icon, a four-time GRAMMY-nominee who broke through in 1994 with partner Warren G on the double-platinum “Regulate” single and collaborated with Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, 50 Cent, Eminem, Ludacris, Xzibit, and dozens of others throughout his illustrious career.

Nate Dogg met Snoop Dogg at Polytechnic High School in 1986. The two became fast friends and future collaborators who, along with Warren G, formed the group 213 and helped popularize the G-Funk musical movement. Nate Dogg’s deep, forceful, and soulful voice stood out among his collaborators at Death Row Records, including Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Kurupt, and Daz Dillinger.

When he appeared on Snoop Dogg’s “Aint No Fun (If The Homies Cant Have None)” song in 1993, Nate sang as if he were a gangster rapper, belting out his lyrics in profane, unapologetic terms that instantly made him a fan favorite. He also celebrated his affinity for marijuana on Mista Grimm’s “Indo Smoke” in 1993, and with “Regulate” the following year, Nate Dogg became a bona fide star and a GRAMMY-nominated artist.

From there, Nate Dogg became The King Of Hooks, the go-to singer for rappers in need of a catchy chorus to help make their song a smash. Over the next few years, Nate Dogg collaborated with 2Pac on Thug Life’s “How Long Will They Mourn Me,” Tha Dogg Pound on “Let’s Play House,” Snoop Dogg on “B Please,” Dr. Dre on “Xxplosive,” Mos Def and Pharoahe Monch on “Oh No,” Eminem on “B**** Please II,” Ludacris on “Area Codes,” and 50 Cent on “21 Questions,” among many others.

Along the way, Nate Dogg also released several acclaimed solo projects. In 1998, his G-Funk Classics Vol. 1 & 2 spawned the hit “Never Leave Me Alone” featuring Snoop Dogg, while 2001’s Music & Me including the single “I Got Love.”

Nate Dogg passed away March 15, 2011 due to complications from multiple strokes. He was 41. Death Row Records is proud to celebrate the life and the music of this crooning legend.

Read the entertaining homage to Nate Dogg in High Times this month: here