# Nate Dogg: You WON’T Believe What Happened to Him

Nate Dogg, born Nathaniel Dwayne Hale on August 19, 1969, in Long Beach, California, was the soulful voice behind some of hip-hop’s most iconic hooks.

Known for his deep, melodic tones, he transformed choruses into anthems, collaborating with legends like Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, and 50 Cent. His story, however, is a rollercoaster of triumphs, legal battles, health struggles, and a tragic end that left an indelible mark on the music world.

Raised in a religious household with his father as a pastor, Nate started singing gospel at New Hope Baptist Church. At 17, he dropped out of high school, left home, and joined the U.S. Marines, serving in Okinawa, Japan, for three years to prove his manhood. Returning in 1989, he teamed up with cousin Snoop Dogg and friend Warren G to form the rap group 213, named after their Long Beach area code.

Their DIY demo, recorded in the back of VIP Records, caught Dr. Dre’s attention at a bachelor party. This led to Nate’s breakthrough on Dre’s debut album, cementing his place in the Death Row Records family. His vocals shone on Snoop’s *Doggystyle*, particularly on “Ain’t No Fun,” and he reached global fame with Warren G’s 1994 hit “Regulate,” a Billboard Awards performance that became a classic.

Nate’s career soared as the go-to hook man, blessing tracks like Tupac’s “How Long Will They Mourn Me?,” Eminem’s collaborations, and 50 Cent’s chart-topping “21 Questions.” Despite label drama with Death Row attempting to release his double album without consent, he countered with hits like “Nobody Does It Better.”

Yet, behind the music, chaos loomed. Legal troubles plagued him from the early ‘90s—acquitted in robbery cases in 1991 and 1994, convicted of drug offenses in 1996, and facing severe charges in 2000 for allegedly assaulting an ex-girlfriend and arson. Dr. Dre posted a $1 million bond, and though major charges dropped, Nate pleaded no contest to a firearm possession charge, receiving probation. Further arrests followed in 2002 for weapons and drugs, and in 2006-2008 for trespassing, battery, and stalking allegations, most of which resolved with probation or dropped charges.

Tragedy struck in 2007 with a stroke that weakened his left side, though his voice remained intact. A second stroke in 2008 devastated him further. On March 15, 2011, Nate passed away at 41 in Long Beach from complications of multiple strokes and congestive heart failure. Despite a net worth of just $500,000 at his death, his legacy endures.

His sons, Nigio (NN Nate) and Nathaniel Jr. (Lil Nate Dogg), carry on his musical torch. Snoop Dogg established the Nate Dogg Memorial Trust to support his family, with tributes and merch proceeds ensuring his impact lives on. Nate wasn’t just the king of hooks; his heart and hustle made him a hip-hop icon.