It Aint A Hit Unless Nate Dogg Spit: RIP Nate Dogg

Last night the music world lost Nathaniel Dwayne Hale (August 19, 1969 – March 15, 2011).  Best known as Nate Dogg, he first graced us with his talent and trademark vocals on Dr. Dre's The Chronic in 1992 and later made a name for himself as a surefire hitmaker on tracks like Indosmoke, Regulate and Aint No Fun.  Songs like these displayed his knack for infectious hooks and bridges that always left the listener wanting more.  He got his start early on as 1/3 of the Long Beach Hip Hop trio 213, which also included Warrren G and Snoop Dogg and later released his first solo album G-Funk Classics Vol.1 in 1996  

Further guest appearances on songs like The Next Episode, Area Codes, and 21 Questions clearly exemplified an artist that could literally breathe on a track and make it come to life.  There was something so dynamic about his voice and vocal delivery.  No one did it better when it came to making tailor-made chorus' that perfected the various Hip Hop beats and lyrics that his vocals accompanied.  Nate Dogg is known for his numerous guest appearances on songs with 2 Pac, Warren G, Ice Cube, The Dogg Pound, The Game, Ludacris, Mos Def, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, and 50 Cent, just to name a few.

After much success in the music biz with 3 solo albums, 4 Grammy nominations, and several movie appearances, Nate Dogg seemed to almost fall into obscurity leaving many wondering about his whereabouts and when they would hear his music again.  It was announced that he suffered a stroke in December of 2007 which later contributed to the paralysis of the left side of his body.  In September 2008, Nate Dogg suffered another stroke and left many fans wondering if they would ever hear him sing again.

When I hear new songs like Dr. Dre's Kush off of his upcoming Detox album, I think back to the era when the West Coast ruled the world.  Back when iconic artists like Dr. Dre, Ice Cube and Snoop Dogg were the undeniable heavyweights of the game.  Well, there Nate Dogg stood.  Always there, in their corner, waiting to lend his talented hand to the blockbuster boxing ring called West Coast Hip Hop.  He will live on through his music and will forever be known as one of the greatest to come out of Long Beach, CA.

Some of Nate Dogg's most noteworthy videos:

Warren G feat. Nate Dogg - Regulate
Snoop Doggy Dogg ft Dr. Dre, Nate Dogg - Lay Low
50 Cent ft. Nate Dogg - 21 Questions 
Mos Def feat. Pharoahe Monch & Nate Dogg - Oh No
Nate Dogg & Snoop Dogg - Never Leave Me Alone

What are your favorite Nate Dogg tracks and guest appearances?