Thousands of Nate Dogg’s family, friends, and fans gathered to say goodbye to the G-Funk trailblazer, born Nathaniel Hale, in his hometown of Long Beach, Calif., on Saturday morning (March 26). His West Coast peers including Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, Game, DJ Quik, Kurupt, Xzibit, and more made their way into the Queen Mary Dome on a cloudy day as the hip-hop icon was laid to rest.
A wooden coffin covered with red and white flowers sat before the mourners as they shared tears, laughter, and testimonials from the Grammy-nominated crooner’s storied life, closing the ceremony with a choir.
“He was a loving, caring individual,” said an emotional Snoop, who got a tattoo of his friend’s face the day before. “I’m so honored, so happy that you gave me the opportunity, God, to know Nate Dogg. I want to stand here and cry, but I have to have the strength for you Nate Dogg. It’s 213, DPG for life.”
His “Regulate” collaborator Warren G also offered some heartfelt words. “It hurts me so much to see this,” he added. “We been through a whole lot and that was my dog. He stayed down with me from the bottom to the top. I didn’t ever think I would have to sit at a funeral for one of my dogs. All I can say is that was my friend, me, him, and Snoop was 213 from the balls to the walls. The music industry lost an incredible artist.”
