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After battling with a series of problems the West Coast great, Nate Dogg, finally succumbed to poor health yesterday morning and was announced dead by his family.The cause of death is still unknown but it’s likely to have had a lot to do with the stroke he suffered in December 2007, rendering the left side of his body paralysed. He was struck by another stroke in 2008.

This post isn’t intended to make Nate Dogg out to be some kind of super rapper who should be remembered in the same light as someone like Biggie. Although I know to many, it’s tempting to do that after a rapper dies. But Nate was a very unique artist. He helped pioneer the G-Funk era and sound. A West Coast beat just didn’t sound right without the smooth vocals of Nate Dogg laced over it. It wouldn’t be fair to pass comment on his lyrical ineptitude because razor sharp rhymes were not what he was there for. He embodied a sound, a movement. His voice alone encapsulated everything you think about when you think West Coast. White tees, palm trees, lowrider cars and bicycles, synthesizer lines on top of rolling basslines, Compton, Venice Beach, GTA San Andreas, the list is endless!

Even people that don’t like Hip Hop liked Nate Dogg. His voice defined an era which is why he’ll forever be remembered in Hip Hop history.

RIP Nate Dogg.

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