Nathaniel Dwayne Hale (August 19, 1969), better known by his stage name Nate Dogg, is a Grammy-nominated American R&B/hip-hop artist and singer born in Long Beach, California. He is known for his smooth voice and hooks.
He began singing as a child in the New Hope Trinity Baptist Church choir in Clarksdale, Mississippi where his father (Daniel Lee Hale) was pastor. At the age of 16 he dropped out of high school in Long Beach, California and left home to join the United States Marine Corps, serving for three years. In 1991 Nate Dogg, his cousin Snoop Dogg, and their friend Warren G, formed a rap trio called 213. The group would not release an album until 2004. Lil' ½ Dead is also Nate Dogg's cousin.
Nate Dogg made his debut on Dr. Dre's 1992 album, The Chronic. Singing in what would later become his trademark style, he was well-received by fans and critics alike, and would go on to sign with Death Row Records in 1993. Nate Dogg was also featured on Mista Grimm's "Indosmoke" with Warren G. Then in 1994 he produced his first hit single "Regulate" with Warren G. Nate Dogg was also featured in many Tupac releases. Then in 1998 after a tumultuous time at Death Row Records he released another album. The double album was titled G-Funk Classics Vol. 1 & 2 and was followed up in late 2001 with Music & Me on Elektra Records. Music & Me peaked at number three on the Billboard hip-hop charts in 2001.
In 2002, Nate Dogg appeared on a celebrity episode of the Weakest Link making it to the last three players before being eliminated by Xzibit and Young MC.
Nate has found his greatest success not in solo projects, but in collaborations with other hip-hop artists. As of 2004, Nate Dogg has featured in and contributed to over 60 chart singles.
After a number of delays and an original release date of April 2004, his self-titled album Nate Dogg is set to be released on Affiliated Entertainment Group on June 3rd 2008. Nate Dogg has already begun work on a new project.
He is also credited with being the spokesman of a blunt wrap company called "Da Bomb Blunts."
On December 19, 2007, he suffered a stroke, according to a coordinator for his recently formed gospel choir, Innate Praise. Reports had circulated that Nate Dogg had been admitted to Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center in Pomona, California after suffering a heart attack. Erica Beckwith, however, confirmed to MTV News that Nate Dogg was released on December 26 after being treated for a stroke and is currently in a medical-rehab facility to assist him in his recovery. On January 18, 2008, it was officially reported that the stroke had rendered the left side of his body paralyzed. Doctors believe there will be a full recovery, and his voice was not affected.
Nate Dogg has been nominated for four Grammy Awards, but has yet to win one.
