Rapper Nate Dogg dead at 41

LOS ANGELES, (Reuters Life!) – Rap artist Nate  Dogg, known for his collaborations with such hip-hop stars as  Dr. Dre, Warren G and longtime friend Snoop Dog, has died at  age 41.

The cause of death was not immediately known, but Nate  Dogg, born Nathaniel D. Hale, had suffered from recurrent  health problems, including strokes in 2007 and 2008, The  Hollywood Reporter said.

News of his death on Tuesday was first reported in the Long  Beach Press-Telegram, his hometown newspaper, and Snoop Dogg  send out a Twitter message on his friend’s passing a short time  later.

“We lost a true legend n hip hop n rnb. One of my best  friends n a brother to me since 1986 … 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 all doggs go to heaven,” he tweeted.

Other entertainers posting tweets included comedian Dave  Chappelle and singer Erykah Badu.

A contemporary of Snoop and the late Tupac Shakur (aka  2Pac), Nate Dogg made his recording debut with the single  “Deeez Nuuuts” on Dr. Dre’s landmark 1992 album “The Chronic,”  and appeared on 2Pac’s seminal double-disc set “All Eyes on  Me.”

Other collaborators included Eminem, 50 Cent and Ludacris.

Described by AllMusic.com as “the soul man of G-funk,” Nate  also teamed up with Warren G for one of the biggest hip-hop  hits of the 1990s, “Regulate,” which reached No. 2 on the  Billboard Hot 100 singles chart in 1994.