LONG BEACH, Calif., March 27 (UPI) -- Musicians and community leaders eulogized rapper Nate Dogg as a positive person who brought joy to the world during his memorial service in Southern California.
Nate Dogg, whose real name was Nathaniel Hale, was honored Saturday in his hometown of Long Beach by a star-studded crowd of more than 1,500.
Hale died March 15 after suffering a massive stroke at the relatively young age of 41. The ex-Marine had battled health issues for years.
The Long Beach (Calif.) Press-Telegram said Sunday the cream of the rap world that turned out at the Long Beach waterfront included legends such as Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, the Game and members of the Dogg Pound, a loosely knit group he collaborated with.
"People may have an image of hip-hop sending out mixed messages, but Nate was about positivity, uplifting people, making them feel joy," said Long Beach City Councilman Dee Andrews, a friend of the Hale family. "That's ultimately how he'll be remembered."
The Press-Telegram said Snoop Dogg announced the formation of a memorial trust fund for Hale's six children. Details can be found on Snoop's Web site.
