R.I.P. Nate Dogg, August 1969 - March 2011

​It's a sad day for hip-hop. For anyone who was bumping gangsta rap in the early '90s, the loss of Nathanial Hale, aka Nate Dogg, is profoundly sad. Largely considered the best hook executioner in the genre, the G-Funk crooner paved the way for artists like Trey Songz, Drake and others who dominate the radio airwaves.

Having suffered two strokes over the past three years, Nate was in debilitating health, and there were numerous rumors of his death floating around the Internet periodically. Last night on Twitter, however, Daz Dillinger (of the legendary Dogg Pound) confirmed it was indeed true, prompting hip-hop heads everywhere to usher in remembrances.