NEWS: Hip-Hop Star Nate Dogg Dies At 41

Rapper Nate Dogg, the longtime friend and collaborator of Snoop Dogg, has died, He was 41.

An official cause of his death is yet to be confirmed, however the rapper's health issue's have been well documented in the past having suffered two strokes in 2007 and 2008. 

A native of Long Beach, California, Nate Dogg got his start with 1991 in rap group 213, with Snoop Dogg and Warren G. After debuting on Dr Dre's seminal 1992 album The Chronic, Nate's smooth-voiced hooks set the benchmark for hip-hop's rising G-funk subgenre. He became famous for his work on Warren G's 1994 hit 'Regulate', and also appeared on tracks for the likes of Tupac, Snoop Dogg, and Dre. In addition to collaborating with some of hip-hops biggest names Nate Dogg released a number of solo albums, including G-Funk Classics Vol. 1 & 2 (1998), Music & Me (2001), and Nate Dogg (2003). In recent years Nate Dogg has worked with some of hip-hops next wave of artists, including Ludacris, 50 Cent, Eminem, to name a few.

As news of Nate's death spreads around world, friends of the rapper have posted their tributes to the hip-hop star on Twitter:

Snoop Dogg:
"We lost a true legend n hip hop n rnb. One of my best friends n a brother to me since 1986 when I was a sophomore at poly high where we met. I miss u cuzz I am so sad but so happy I got to grow up wit u and I will c u again n heaven cuz u know d slogan. I love u buddy luv. U will always b wit me 4ever n a day u put the g n g funk u put the 1 n 213 n u put yo stamp on evrybdy u ever didit wit. all doggs go to heaven yo homie n baby brotha bigg snoopdogg!!"

Ludacris:
"There is a certain void in hip hop's heart that can never be filled. Glad we got to make history together. RT @SnoopDogg: RIP NATE DOGG."

50 Cent:
I just landed nate dog is dead damn. GOD BLESS HIM R.I.P he meant a lot to west coast hiphop".

Xzibit
"We love you Nate Dogg, it's never going to be the same.We lost a solider, a father, a legend, a homie. My condolences go out to Ms. Ruth and the entire family. Celebrate"