Toby Canham / Getty Images

Mourners come together to pay their respects to rapper Nathaniel Dwayne Hale AKA Nate Dogg on March 25.

According to AP: Singer Nate Dogg, whose near monotone crooning anchored some of rap's most seminal songs and helped define the sound of West coast hip-hop, died at age 41.

Nate Dogg, whose real name was Nathaniel D. Hale, died Tuesday of complications from multiple strokes, said Attorney Mark Geragos.

Nate Dogg wasn't a rapper, but he was an integral figure in the genre: His deep voice wasn't particularly melodic, but its tone — at times menacing, at times playful, yet always charming — provided just the right touch on hits including Warren G's "Regulate," 50 Cent's "21 Questions," Dr. Dre's "The Next Episode" and countless others.

Toby Canham / Getty Images

Mourners come together to pay their respects to Rapper Nathaniel Dwayne Hale AKA Nate Dogg on March 25.

While Nate Dogg provided hooks for rappers from coast to coast, the Long Beach, Calif., native is best known for his contributions to the West Coast soundtrack provided by the likes of Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, Tha Dogg Pound and more. Nate Dogg was even part of a "supergroup" featuring Snoop Dogg and Warren G, called 213.

Nate Dogg, who had suffered at least two strokes since 2008, also put out his own solo projects but was best known for his collaborations with others.

Toby Canham / Getty Images

Mourners come together to pay their respects to Rapper Nathaniel Dwayne Hale AKA Nate Dogg on March 25.

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