R.I.P Infamous hook singer and former Death Row artist Nathaniel D. Hale, better known as Nate Dogg has passed away his family announced last night. According to TMZ, the cause of death is unknown as of press time. Nate Dogg has been suffering serious health issues the past years after he suffered a massive stroke in 2007 followed by another in 2008. Nate Dogg made his debut in the rap game alongside Warren G on the smash record "Regulate" followed by a breakout appearance on Dr. Dre’s classic album The Chronic. Nate went on to release numerous solo albums including G-Funk Classics Vol. 1 & 2 followed up in late 2001 with Music & Me and the latest self-titled solo album Nate Dogg released in 2004. Nate also made a show stealing appearance on producer Mark Ronson’s "Ooh Wee" that also featured Ghostface Killah. Following his stroke back in 1998 a rep for Nate told MTV News the singer was on the mend and recovering. "On behalf of Nate, he would like to thank all of the well wishers, both friends and fans," Rod McGrew said. "He appreciates it deeply, and he plans on fully recuperating and getting back in the studio." "Time will tell everything, obviously. The doctor can only guess what the outcome will be," McGrew said. "But based on situations with similar people his age, and based on his health, the prognosis is good right now." The rap star, born and raised in Long Beach, Calif. was 41.
http://www.factmag.com/2011/03/16/r-i-p-nate-dogg-and-smiley-culture/# Sadly, today we have to say rest in peace to two legendary musicians. California rap crooner Nathanial ‘Nate Dogg’ Hale, the inimitable voice behind countless West Coast anthems including ‘Regulate’, ‘Ain’t No Fun (If the Homies Can’t Have None)’, ‘The Next Episode’ and ‘Where I Wanna Be’, had been suffering health problems for a while, including two strokes in December 2007 and September 2008 that were believed to have damaged his ability to sing as well as his more general health. He died yesterday, in Long Beach. Meanwhile reggae star Smiley Culture, real name David Emmanuel, died in stranger circumstances, yesterday, during a police raid on his home. The official line appears to be that he died of self-inflicted stab wounds; fans of Culture however, have been asking questions since the news broke yesterday afternoon. Culture cut his teeth as a DJ on the renowned Saxon Soundsystem, but is best known for his 1984 hit ‘Police Officer’, which charted in the UK top 20.