[Iceman]

Hip-hop star Nathaniel Dwayne Hale, known by his stage name Nate Dogg, has died aged 41. The cause of his death is unclear but the Californian rapper had been recovering from two strokes he suffered in recent years.

Hale began singing as a child in baptist churches under the care of his father, who was a pastor. At the age of 16 he dropped out of high school in Long Beach, California, and joined the US marine corps, where he served for three years. In 1991, he formed a rap trio with Snoop Dogg and Warren G, and first found fame as a guest on Dr Dre's classic album The Chronic. With Warren G, he had a huge hit with Regulate, which reached No 5 in the UK charts in 1994. In total, he featured on four UK hits and also collaborated with Eminem, Ludacris, Tupac Shakur and Mark Ronson.

"We lost a true legend n hip hop n rnb" Snoop Dogg tweeted. "One of my best friends n a brother to me since 1986 when I was a sophomore at poly high where we met. 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."

"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." Snoop continued. "all doggs go to heaven yo homie n baby brotha bigg snoopdogg!!"

Singer Erykah Badu also tweeted: "Nate Dogg ... freshness period. rest in beats".

Comedian Dave Chappelle similarly wrote: "Moment of silence for a hip-hop legend; RIP Nate Dogg. You will be missed, G Funk Era forever. #natedogg."

Hale was left paralysed on one side of his body following a massive stroke in December 2007 and was struck by a second stroke in September 2008.

Nate released three solo albums, 1998's G-Funk Classics, Vol 1 & 2, 2001's Music And Me, and a self-titled LP in 2004. He was Grammy-nominated four times, most recently in 2007 for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for his contributions to the Eminem track, Shake That.

[Ramsay]

Sad day RIP

[Iceman]

Listening to his classics now so young too....

[Josy]

RIP Nate

[Iceman]

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[Iceman]

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[Shaun]

R.I.P.

[Locke.]

Knew this was gonna happen a few months ago when I read what state he was in.

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[Z]

Christ... R.I.P., what a tragedy!

[KG.]

Sad news, always loved Nate Dogg RIP.

[Locke.]

Following Nate Dogg’s untimely death, those close to him are shedding light on what led to his sudden passing. According to his attorney Mark Geragos, the hip-hop crooner died at the age of 41 from complications from multiple strokes.


His manager Rod McGrew tells TMZ that Nate Dogg’s life came to an unexpected end despite the progress he had made from the dual strokes he suffered over the past few years.

The West Coast native was “95% recovered from the first stroke in 2007” when a second stroke struck in 2008, rendering him partially paralyzed and causing partial memory loss. Up until his death, he had “cognitively fully recovered,” meaning that he had become completely aware and got his memory back.

McGrew spoke on behalf of Nate Dogg’s family and thanked fans for the overwhelming support. “We appreciate the enormous outpouring of response from all over the world. We greatly appreciate that and thank everyone for their prayers and support,” read the statement. “We know that Nate will be hanging out with his good friends 2Pac and Biggie.”

[KG.]

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One of my favourite songs ever.

[GiRTh]

Very sad news.

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[Kerry]

Regulate. Oh the memories that song brings

RIP fella x

[Jords]

Too young, R.I.P

[Iceman]

Eminem is paying his full respects to a master of hip-hop.

In the wake of Nate Dogg's untimely death today, the real Slim Shady praised the late MC for a career that influenced a generation of artists.

Here's what he had to say:

"Nate's voice in music will never be replaced. He helped create the blueprint for West Coast hip-hop, and I was one of the lucky people who had the privilege to work with him and the honor to have him as a friend

"Nate will be sorely missed. My condolences and prayers go out to his family and loved ones."