RAPPER-NATE DOGG DIES AT 41

Fans and celebrities alike are pausing with reflection as word spreads that hip-hop artist and vocalist Nate Dogg passed away on Tuesday. His longtime manager, Rod McGrew, confirmed to CNN that Nate Dogg, born Nathaniel Hale, died at the age of  41.

Hale – who was the legendary master of the rap hook -  famously appeared on Dr. Dre’s seminal album “The Chronic,” and provided vocals for a number of rappers, in addition to releasing his own solo work with albums such as “G-Funk Classics Vol. 1 & 2" and “Music & Me.

As of Wednesday, McGrew told CNN that the family has yet to receive an official cause of death, although McGrew believes the artist died of natural causes. Complications from the two strokes Hale suffered in the past few years could have been a factor as well.
According to McGrew, Hale had recovered 95 percent from his first stroke, but the second stroke was "deeper and more severe" and left him in a "challenging physical state."
Hale’s manager added that the second stroke left the artist partially paralyzed and for the most part bedridden, although he could be moved to a wheelchair for outings.
McGrew, who along with Hale’s mother, sister and stepfather, was at Hale’s side in the hospital, called the death sudden.
Of course, the loss of Nate Dogg has reverberated throughout the hip-hop community and beyond.