Nate Dogg was crowned KING of the Hooks, years ago and he appeared on songs by everyone from Mariah Carey to Tamia to Snoop Dogg to Mos Def to Ludacris. Nate had an uncanny ability to create the most perfect sing-songy hooks and verses that music fans all over the world couldn’t help but sing along to.
Here are my TOP 5 Nate Dogg guest appearances on a song.
Note: “Regulate” did not make this list as Warren G & Nate Dogg shared equal billing on the track. These are all “featuring Nate Dogg” songs.
5. Fabolous “Can’t Deny It” (2001)
Fab and Nate Dogg gave a nod to 2Pac on Loso’s debut single, “Can’t Deny It” from way back in 2001. Nate’s sing-songy hook sold this record and helped launch Fab’s career.
4. Ludacris “Area Codes” (2001)
Hands down our favorite non-Dre/Snoop/Death Row related Nate Dogg hook. We’ve had this hook stuck in our head for days on end before. Seriously. And we weren’t mad at all…
“I got hoes… in different area codes…”
3. Snoop Dogg St. Ides Commercial (1994)
It was only a minute long, but Nate Dogg’s intro to this commercial for St. Ides malt liquor is a bonafide classic. Walk into a room full of knowledgable hip-hop fans and sing “Just hit the corner store…” and we guarantee you 90% of the room will finish the line for you.
2. Dr. Dre “The Next Episode” (1999)
Dr. Dre saved Nate Dogg for the end of this track from 2001. Just as you think the song is about to end Nate announces “Hold up! Wait!” and proceeds to put his stamp on the track. Another guaranteed sing-a-long in the club!
“Hey-hey-hey-hey! Smoke weed every day!”
1. Snoop Dogg “Ain’t No Fun (If The Homies Can’t Have None)” (1993)
Hands down, this is the greatest thing Nate Dogg ever recorded. Despite it’s overly vulgar and misogynistic sentiment, it’s hard to find anyone that hasn’t sang along to this song at least once. This song cemented Nate Dogg’s place in hip-hop and in our hearts. We’re gonna miss you Nate!
