As I wrote here earlier, before Akon and T-Pain were all over every record on the radio and before rappers cut out the middle man and just sang their own hooks a la 50cent or Drake, the go to guy for a funky chorus was Nate Dogg, who sadly passed away last night at 41. Specializing in choruses about gangster things (he was a huge part of the G funk movement), Nate blessed scores of huge (and not so huge) records through out his career. Let's take a look at my top 5:
5. My Name-Xzibit feat. Eminem and Nate Dogg
This all but forgotten Xzibit song (actually a Jermaine Dupri diss record) is a good example of late era Nate, when he might have lost a little off his fastball, resulting in the doubled up vocals that were used on most of his choruses in his later years. I actually like the sound of it though, almost sounds like a gangsta robot. Also gotta love "hurt you so long you'll be addicted to pain".
4. Till I Collapse-Eminem feat. Nate Dogg
This one is probably best known for being in a Call of Duty commercial now, but at the time, this was a highlight of Marshall's lackluster third album, in no small part because of the "We Will Rock You" drums and Nate's inspirational chorus (I like the double duty he pulls on the background vocals during his hook). This song is also a staple of ESPN highlight packages and sports arenas everywhere.
3. Ain't No Fun-Snoop Doggy Dogg feat. The Dogg Pound
Maybe the greatest sung intro to any rap song ever. "Just lay back and open your mouth".
2. The Next Episode-Dr.Dre feat. Snoop Dogg and Nate Dogg
In the discussion for the most famous last words to any rap song (which unfortunately was edited for the video and radio versions), but still might be the most tweeted and Facebook statused Nate lyric today: "Smoke weed every day".
1. Regulate- Warren G feat. Nate Dogg
Nate's shining moment, "16 in the clip and one in the hole, Nate Dogg is about to make some bodies turn cold". Smooth. RIP.
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