R.I.P. Nate Dogg

CHART REWIND. The death of Nate Dogg earlier this week saddened the hip hop community worldwide. Née Nathaniel Dwayne Hale in Long Beach, California 41 years ago Nate Dogg began his career in a local Baptist church.

He signed his first record deal with Death Row Records in 1993 upon being discovered by Dr. Dre at a house party.

Nate Dogg’s breakthrough was unquestionably “Regulate,” the 1994 track recorded with rapper Warren G. Taken off the set Regulate…G Funk Era. WelcheMusic also notes that is was included on the soundtrack to Above the Rim. The track became a worldwide hit, peaking at No.2 in the US and No.4 in Sweden.

The track samples Michael McDonald’s hit “I Keep Forgettin’” as well as dialogue from the 1988 film Young Guns. Above the Rim features the late 2Pac in a leading role.

Nate Dogg’s biggest hit was the 2003 chart-topper “21 Questions” as a featured vocalist on 50 Cent’s single. Featured on the classic album Get Rich or Die Tryin’ the track also made the top ten in the UK.