Warren G - Warren G Denies Turning Back On Nate Dogg

Producer David Michery claims Nate Dogg, real name Nathaniel Dwayne Hale, was in desperate need of financial assistance after suffering a series of strokes before his death last March (11), but none of his "so-called rapper friends" offered support.

Michery, who has since been ordered to pay Hale's unpaid medical fees, admits he promised hospital staff he would help cover the bill because no one else would.

He tells Tmz.com, "I was the only person who would come forward because I didn't want him to die. Me and Nate have 20 years' history together and I did what everyone should have done and tried to save his life... not let him get kicked out in the streets and die."

But Warren G is adamant he did everything he could to care for his Regulate collaborator, and admits he even handed over money.

He says, "I rode with Nate 'til the end... I did what I could do for him with other things financially.

"If I was able to pay for his hospital bill, I would have. I made several calls to numerous people for help. I love Nate... he's my brother."

Michery and the executors of Hale's estate are being sued for a $293,512 (£183,445) medical bill from CareMeridian in Orange County, California.

Michery plans to release an album of never-before-heard Nate Dogg tracks to help cover the costs.