Known as the “King of Hooks,” singer and rapper Nate Dogg added his smooth R&B vocals to scores of hip-hop hits in the G-funk ’90s and beyond. • Dogg was born in Long Beach, California, to a father who was a pastor and a mother who served as choir director. Nate grew up singing in the church. • In the late ‘80s, after serving three years in the Marines, Dogg formed the group 213 with his cousin Snoop Dogg and good friend Warren G. • In 1990, Warren G’s stepbrother Dr. Dre heard 213’s demo tape at a bachelor party. Nate Dogg made his first-ever solo appearance on Dr. Dre’s seminal 1992 debut album, The Chronic. • Dogg teamed up with Warren G for the 1994 smash “Regulate,” which peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group. • In 1998, Dogg released his debut album, G-Funk Classics, Vol. 1 & 2. • He earned his first and only No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 by singing on 50 Cent’s 2003 smash “21 Questions.” • Dogg died on March 15, 2011, at the age of 41.