Posthumous Nate Dogg album in the works
Nearly two years after his death, the first posthumous release from G-funk singer Nate Dogg is on the way.
Billed as the final album from the hip-hop crooner, “Nate Dogg: It’s A Wonderful Life” is expected to be released next year through a joint venture between Seven Arts Music and United Media & Music Group, according to a release from the label Wednesday.
The album will feature previously unreleased and re-mastered performances from the late singer including collaborations with Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige and Jay-Z.
Nate Dogg, who along with Snoop Dogg and Warren G is credited with crafting the blend of singing and rapping now known as G-funk died in March 2011 after complications from multiple strokes. He was 41.
By lending his gruff baritone vocals to ubiquitous hooks on hits by Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Tupac and Warren G -- including the Grammy nominated anthem “Regulate” -- he rose to prominence along with the West Coast rap scene that was brewing in the early 1990s.
He first gained attention for two tracks on Dr. Dre’s 1992 multi-platinum debut, “The Chronic,” and quickly became the go-to crooner for hooks on rap albums from 50 Cent, Eminem, Ludacris and Fabolous.
After signing with Death Row Records, the singer released his double-disc solo debut, “G-Funk Classics Volume 1 & 2” in 1998.
His solo career never matched the success he experienced as a collaborator. Label and legal drama at Death Row Records marred his debut effort, and his album was subject to numerous delays. The release was a Top 20 R&B; and hip-hop album. It contained the singles “Never Leave Me Alone” and “Nobody Does It Better,” a Warren G-assisted hit.
Nate Dogg remained optimistic about his solo career, telling The Times in 1998 that he did not plan to compromise his slow, deep-voiced R&B; crooning. He released two more albums, 2001’s “Music & Me” and a self-titled disc in 2003.
“I don’t know how to do nothing else,” he said. “If it’s not broke, I’m not going to try to fix it.”
Seven Arts Music and United Media & Music Group expect to issue the album in the late spring or early summer.
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