Nate Dogg was one of the most influential singers and rappers in the history of hip hop. He was known for his smooth vocals and catchy hooks that graced many hit songs in the 1990s and 2000s. He was also a part of the legendary trio 213, along with Snoop Dogg and Warren G, who pioneered the G-funk sound. But who is Nate Dogg related to? What is his family background and how did it shape his musical career? In this article, we will explore the family tree of Nate Dogg and learn more about his relatives.
Contents
Early Life and Parents
Nate Dogg was born as Nathaniel Dwayne Hale on August 19, 1969, in Long Beach, California. His father, Warren Griffin Jr., was an airplane mechanic and his mother, Ola, was a dietician. They divorced when Nate was four years old and he lived with his mother and three sisters in East Long Beach until he was about to start middle school
In 1982, Nate moved to live with his father and stepmother, Verna, in North Long Beach. Verna had three children from a previous marriage, one of whom was Andre Young, better known as Dr. Dre. Dre was already a DJ and rapper at the time and he introduced Nate to Snoop Dogg, who became his cousin and lifelong friend
Nate sang at the New Hope Baptist Church in Long Beach, where his father was a pastor. He also sang at the Life Line Baptist Church in Clarksdale, Mississippi. At age 17, he dropped out of high school, left home, and enlisted in the Marines. He served as an ammunition specialist for three years and was stationed in Japan. He later said that he joined the military because he wanted to see if he was a man
Musical Career and Collaborations
After returning from the military, Nate formed a rap group called 213 with Snoop Dogg and Warren G in 1990. They recorded their first demo tape in the back of a record store in Long Beach. The tape caught the attention of Dr. Dre, who signed Snoop Dogg to his label Death Row Records and featured Nate on his debut solo album The Chronic in 1992. Nate’s singing complemented the new gangsta rap sound of G-funk and he gained recognition for providing guest vocals for many hit songs by Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Warren G, Tupac Shakur, Xzibit, Eminem, 50 Cent, Ludacris, Mos Def, Fabolous, and others. He earned the nickname “King of Hooks” for his ability to create memorable choruses
Nate also released three solo albums: G-Funk Classics Vol. 1 & 2 (1998), Music & Me (2001), and Nate Dogg (2003). He had several successful singles of his own, such as “Never Leave Me Alone”, “Nobody Does It Better”, “I Got Love”, “Oh No”, and “Your Woman Has Just Been Sighted”. He also collaborated with other singers such as Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Mary J. Blige, Janet Jackson, Eve, Monica, Tamia, and Akon. He won four Grammy nominations for his work with Eminem, Ludacris, Dr. Dre, and Warren G
Children and Family Issues
Nate had six children from different relationships: Aundrane Hale (born in 1987), Nathaniel Dwayne Hale Jr. (born in 1991), Niajel Hale (born in 1994), Milana Hale (born in 1997), Amani Hale (born in 2000), and Naleah Hale (born in 2006). He also had two stepchildren from his marriage to LaToya Calvin: Whitney Hale (born in 1988) and DeVaughn Hale (born in 1990).
Nate had a troubled relationship with some of his children’s mothers. He was accused of domestic violence by Rhoda Mouton in 1996 and by LaToya Calvin in 2008. He also faced legal battles over child support payments with several women. He was sued by Omena Norris for $339 per month in 1997; by Shereda Williams for $4,000 per month in 2002; by Ruth Holmes for $10,000 per month in 2006; and by Mouton again for $185 per month in 2010.
Nate also had family issues after his death in 2011. He did not leave a will to divide his estate, which was estimated to be worth $200,000. His wife LaToya Calvin took charge of his affairs, but his children contested her authority. They claimed that she had abandoned Nate when he was ill and that she was trying to cut them off from their inheritance. They also argued that Nate’s mother, Ola, should not be involved in the estate, as she had not been in contact with him for years. The family feud was eventually settled in 2013, when a judge ruled that LaToya and Ola would share the administration of the estate and that Nate’s children would receive monthly payments from his music royalties.
Legacy and Influence
Nate Dogg died on March 15, 2011, at the age of 41, due to complications from two strokes he suffered in 2007 and 2008. He had been diagnosed with congestive heart failure and had undergone several surgeries to improve his condition. He was buried at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Long Beach, where a memorial service was held for him on March 26, 2011. Many of his friends and collaborators attended the service, including Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, Warren G, The Game, Kurupt, Daz Dillinger, DJ Quik, Xzibit, Tha Dogg Pound, and others
Nate Dogg is widely regarded as one of the most influential singers and rappers in hip hop history. He is credited with popularizing the G-funk style and creating a distinctive sound that blended rap and R&B. He is also recognized for his versatility and his ability to work with different artists across genres and regions. He has been praised by many musicians and critics for his contribution to hip hop culture and music. He has been honored with several awards and tributes, such as the I Am Hip Hop Icon Award at the BET Hip Hop Awards in 2011; the Lifetime Achievement Award at the West Coast Hip Hop Hall of Fame in 2012; and the induction into the Long Beach Music Walk of Fame in 2015.
Nate Dogg’s music has also influenced many artists who came after him, such as T-Pain, Akon, Ty Dolla Sign, Jeremih, The Weeknd, Frank Ocean, Drake, Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, Wiz Khalifa, and others. His songs have been sampled and covered by many musicians, such as Jay-Z, Kanye West, Lil Wayne, Rick Ross, Nicki Minaj, Bruno Mars, Ed Sheeran, Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande, and others. His legacy lives on through his music and his family.
Conclusion
Nate Dogg was more than just a singer and rapper. He was a family man who loved his children and his relatives. He was also a musical innovator who shaped the sound of hip hop and influenced generations of artists. He was a legend who left an indelible mark on the world of music and culture. He was Nate Dogg: the King of Hooks.
