How long will they mourn him? Because the world of hip-hop and R&B won't be the same without him. Nathaniel Hale (better known as Nate Dogg), died Tuesday, at the young age of 41 due to heart failure. This member of rap royalty deserves more recognition then his royalties paid him due. You see from Warren G's 'Regulate' to Ludacris' 'Area Codes', to Dr. Dre's 'The Next Episode' to 50 Cent's '21 Questions' and many, many more, this star has given rappers more hits then most top producers and radio stations combined do. Like a modern day Barry White-Nate-complete with his signature, unique voice was a hook hit-maker, turning ordinary chart songs to classics with his unmistakable croons. He birthed G-Funk with Warren G, Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg and put the West Coast on the hip-hop map with these and the late, legendary Tupac Shakur, all whilst making hit after hit, standing and singing proud next to these greats. Even as some of these legends took breaks, Nate worked on his legacy crafting worldwide smashes with Mark Ronson ('Ooh Wee') and Mos Def and Pharaoh Monch ('Oh No').
The go-to-platinum voice also had a great, but underrated solo career with CD's like 'Ghetto Preacher' (part of the 'G-Funk Classics' volumes) and 'Music & Me'. The song 'Nobody Does It Better' with Warren G is an unheralded classic and sequel to the signature hip-hop foundation of 'Regulate'. Along with Warren and the other Dogg they call Snoop, Nate formed the legendary group 213, and a smash single ('So Fly') to go with a top album. 'Three The Hard Way' lived up to the high, hyped anticipation and long, overdue wait. Nate Dogg had a way with words and a naturally, effortless, rhythmic flow. The hits, like the dedications and praise are endless. One of the hardest and most selfless workers in music gave everything to others, so now it's time we give it up to him as he goes down in rap history as an icon of urban soul. Our thoughts and prayers are with Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Warren G and all Nathaniel Hale's, family and friends. May he meet his old friend Tupac Shakur again, rest in peace. TIM DAVID HARVEY.
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