By Malice Intended
Nate Dogg, the official crooner of the G-funk era, passed on yesterday at the age of 41. As of this writing, the cause of death has yet to be determined. It may have been the result of ongoing health issues, as Nate had suffered two strokes in recent years (The first in 2007 and the second in 2008). Though he never spit a single rhyme, Nate Dogg’s voice is easily one of the most identifiable in hip-hop history. He helped set the mood for a renaissance that forever altered the musicality of hip-hop.
Nathaniel Dwayne Hale was born and raised in Long Beach, California. He was reared in a religious household, and that upbringing helped to shape his love of music. His talent began to manifest itself during childhood. He sang his very first notes in the New Hope Baptist Church in Long Beach and the lifeline Baptist church In Clarksdale, Mississippi. After a three year stint in the Marines, he returned home to make Hip-Hop history.
In 1991, Nate formed the super group 213 along with fellow Long Beach natives Snoop Dogg and Warren G. They recorded a demo in the back of a V.I.P record store. The demo caught the attention of Warren’s stepbrother Dr. Dre when it was played at a house party and 213 soon found themselves making substantial contributions to Death Row’s inaugural release, The Chronic. The Death Row roster included a number of rappers that instantly garnered the attention of audiences worldwide, but Nate still managed make a considerable impression with his contributions.
It was during the genesis of Warren G’s solo career that Nate Dogg got a chance to really shine. “Regulate,” the classic lead single from Warren’s groundbreaking Def Jam debut Regulate…G Funk Era, showcased Nate’s vocals in a way that instantly endeared him to rap fans everywhere. Atop a melodic sample from Michael McDonald’s “I Keep Forgettin’ (Every Time You’re Near),” Nates off-key crooning complemented the song’s sedate smoothness. It was the perfect marriage. The track became an instant hit, propelling both Warren’s debut and the soundtrack to the film Above the Rim (on which it appeared) to multi-platinum status. Still, Nate’s solo career at Death Row languished.
Despite the inevitable implosion of Death Row, Nate remained relevant. As the G-Funk era transitioned into the shiny suit era, he continued to be an ambassador for the official sound of the left coast while collaborating with a wider range of artists, such as Ludacris, Fabulous, Xzibit, and Mos Def to name a few. He was constantly featured on early Aftermath releases, making his vocals synonymous with rap dynasties in two different eras. By the early 2000’s, he was regarded as Hip-Hop’s official “go to” guy for hooks.
Nate wasn’t the most accomplished singer in the world, but what he lacked in technical proficiency he more than made up for with personality and presence. There was an undeniable earnestness in his vocal performance. As he sang odes to smoking marijuana and living the g life, he maintained a poker-faced demeanor. He took his job seriously, never once breaking character. He successfully communicated the G-Funk gospel to his audience, turning them into willing converts. That transference of energy is the mark of a true artist.
Nate Dogg was a standard bearer. Just as T.J. Swan was an indelible part of Biz Markie’s early hits, Nate Dogg made himself an indelible part of a sound and an era. He established a successful brand, paving the way for the likes of Akon and T-Pain. Lest anyone try to trivialize his contributions to gangsta funk, just imagine “Regulate” or “21 Questions” without his vocals. Sans Nate Dogg, both songs lose the power that made them hits. Nate Dogg was indispensable. He may not have fit the “according to Hoyle” definition of a great singer, but he managed to move people nonetheless. May he have a peaceful journey into the next life.
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