On this day in 2011, the Hip-Hop world lost one of its most iconic voices. Nathaniel Hale, known to fans as Nate Dogg, passed away at 41 years old in Long Beach, California, due to complications from multiple strokes.
One of the pioneers of the rap/R&B fusion, Nate Dogg’s smooth, melodic hooks became a defining sound of West Coast Hip-Hop. His journey began with Snoop Dogg and Warren G as part of the trio 213, the group that helped bring him into the industry under Dr. Dre. His collaborations with artists like Fabolous, Mobb Deep, Mos Def, Ludacris, and many more solidified his status as a Hip-Hop staple, earning him four Grammy nominations throughout his career.
Salute to Nate Dogg, a true legend who left an unforgettable mark on Hip-Hop. The Source Magazine/Northstar Media Group honor his legacy today. He was more than an artist—he was an essential part of the culture and will always be missed.