After forming the group 213 with cousin Snoop Dogg and long-time friend Warren G, their demo fell in the hands of Dr. Dre. We all know how Snoop blew up, but there is no denying that Nate Dogg's ability to blend melody with a gangsta twist helped shape and create so many songs during the explosion of the West Coast hip hop scene. He was initially introduced to the world on Dr. Dre's classic album The Chronic and ever since then, he has been featured on one hit after another. Nate Dogg has really formed a lane of his own and although he has dropped a couple solo albums, he has made a name for himself on other people's tracks. Nate isn't quite a rapper, but he's not an R&B artist. There really isn't a category to put him in and he blends so perfectly with the West Coast sound specifically, but he has proved that he can be placed on many different tracks and sound just as good. I think it is fair to say that hip hop would be quite different without Nate in the picture. He is truly one-of-a-kind and if we do ever find another like him, it will be a while from now. I wish Nate Dogg the best and hope that he can make a full recovery. So, in recognition of his sound and influence on hip hop, we say to Nate Dogg...Respect Due.

What are your thoughts on Nate Dogg? Is there anybody that really compares to him? How would the game be without him? Let me hear it. As always, you can e-mail at straightouttahiphop@gmail.com.

Peace.