Nate Dogg

August 19, 2025

Fast Facts
Background
Career Timeline
Why We Love
Surprising Facts
FAQs

Nate Dogg, born August 19, 1969, made a name for himself in the rap world as one of the best melodic rap vocalists on the scene. He began singing at a young age, singing in several gospel churches in states across America. After having released his first tape with his first rap group, he got his big break in the rap scene when he was noticed by legendary rapper and rap producer, Dr. Dre. After performing vocals for Dre, Hale began releasing solo studio albums as well as working on music with other iconic rappers. Celebrate the acclaimed vocalist’s birthday here today with us!

Fast Facts

Full Name:

Nathaniel Dwayne Hale

Nickname:

Nate Dogg, King of Hooks

Birth date:

August 19, 1969

Death date:

March 15, 2011 (age 41)

Height:

5' 11"

Net Worth:

$1.5 million

Background

Nate Dog was a charismatic rapper who was best known for providing guest vocals to other rap artists. Hale, whose real name is Nathaniel Dwayne Hale, was born on August 19, 1969, in Long Beach, California. His father was a pastor and during school, he sang at both the Long Beach New Hope Baptist Church and the Life Line Baptist Church in Clarksdale, Mississippi. He dropped out of high school before completing his education.

In 1990, he formed a trio called 213 along with fellow rappers Warren G and Snoop Dogg. They recorded their first demo tape during this time. In 1992, after hearing the tape, producer Dr. Dre invited Hale to provide vocals for his first solo album entitled “The Chronic.” Hale’s vocal talents were well received by fans and critics alike and Hale signed with Dr. Dre’s label, Death Row Records, the following year. In 1993, Hale also provided vocals on Snoop Dogg’s debut solo album called “Doggystyle.” The following year, Hale collaborated with former 213 member Warren G on his song ‘Regulate.’

In 1994, he also featured on rap icon 2pac’s rap group’s album, “Thug Life: Volume 1.” Although Hale left Death Row Records in 1998, the label still released his double album “G-Funk Classics, Vol.1 & 2.” By 2001, Hale had signed with Elektra Records and released his second studio album, “Music & Me,” through the label. In 2003, his collaboration with rapper 50 Cent called ‘21 Questions’ reached the top position on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart.

Career timeline

1990

He Joins the World of Rap

Hale forms the rap trio, 213, with Snoop Dogg and Warren G.

1992

He Collaborates with Dr. Dre

He provides vocals for the rapper/producer’s first solo album.

1993

He Signs His First Record Deal

Hale signs with Dr. Dre’s record label, Death Row Records.

1994

He Collaborates with Warren G

Hale provides vocals for Warren G’s track, ‘Regulate,’ which would become his most famous song.

2001

He Releases His Second Studio Album

Hale releases “Music & Me” through Elektra Records.

2003

He Tops the Charts

Hale’s collaboration with 50 Cent, a single entitled ‘21 Questions,’ reaches the number one spot on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart.

Why We Love Nate Dogg

He inspired his children
Despite troubled relationships with his sons’ mother, Hale was a big inspiration to them. Both Nathaniel Jr. and Naijiel went on to become rappers, with the stage names Lil Nate Dogg and NHale, respectively.
He cared for his community
Hale was passionate about helping friends and family. In that vein, Snoop Dogg created an organization in his name after his death called The Nate Dogg Memorial Trust. All donations are given to Hale’s children to contribute to their financial security.
He influenced other great musicians
Hale served as a source of artistic inspiration and motivation for other budding young rappers. Artists such as Ty Dolla $ign and Blxst.

5 Surprising Facts

He was in the army
He enlisted in the Marines after leaving school and was stationed in Japan.
An album was released without his permission
His eponymous album was released without his authorization in the early 2000s.
He was on a T.V. game show
He appeared on the American adaptation of the British show “Weakest Link” and was eliminated by fellow rappers Xzibit and Young MC.
He was influenced by his church days
He cited gospel music as his primary musical influence along with soul music.
He invented “gangsta singing”
He is credited for having created a blend of soulful vocals with gangsta rap lyrics called ‘gangsta singing.’