Rapper Nate Dogg Dead At 41

According to the Long Beach Press-Telegram, rapper Nate Dogg is dead at age 41 on Tuesday.

The rapper, whose real name is Nathaniel Hale, had suffered two strokes, one in 2007 and another in 2008.

Snoop Dogg, a close friend, tweeted, "We lost a true legend n hip hop n rnb. One of my best friends n a brother to me since 1986 when I was a sophomore at poly high where we met."

Several other entertainers also posted tweets to express sadness at the rapper's passing, including comedian Dave Chappelle, singer Erykah Badu and rappers Ludacris and Xzibit.

Nate Dogg's cause of death is unknown.

Nate Dogg began singing in Long Beach's New Hope Baptist Church choir, but his rap career, which spanned three decades, started when he joined cousin Snoop Dogg in the trio 213 with Warren G.

Nate Dogg made a name for himself on Dr. Dre's classic album The Chronic, followed by a breakthrough performance alongside Warren G on the smash record "Regulate," MTV reported on its website. He later released several solo albums, including G-Funk Classics Vol. 1 & 2.