West Coast rapper Nate Dogg died two years ago today. Nathaniel Dwayne Hale passed aged just 41, from complications of multiple strokes, a doctor confirmed at the time.

Born on August 19, 1969 in Clarksdale, Mississippi Nate Dogg's solo career saw him work with some of hip hop's biggest legends, including Dr. Dre, Eminem, Warren G, Tupac Shakur, Westside Connection and Snoop Dogg. But at the age of 16 he dropped out of high school in Long Beach, California, and joined the US Marine Corps, where he served for three years.

It wasn't until 1991 that his rap career blossomed, as he joined rap group 213. Snoop Lion - formerly known as fellow Dogg, Snoop - remembers Nate in 'Reincarnated' - a film documenting his change in life style, Rastafarian switch over and visit to Kingston, Jamaica. When Nate Dogg died, his close friend took to twitter to say some words. "We lost a true legend n hip hop n rnb" Snoop Dogg tweeted. "One of my best friends n a brother to me since 1986 when I was a sophomore at poly high where we met. 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." He also added: "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." Snoop continued. "all doggs go to heaven yo homie n baby brotha bigg snoopdogg!!"

Nate Dogg would release three solo albums in addition to his multiple and successful collaborations: G-Funk Classics, Vol. 1 & 2 in 1998, Music and Me in 2001 and Nate Dogg in 2003.

Nate DoggNate Dogg Is Being Remembered Today, Two Years After His Passing