He ruled the airwaves of the ‘90s with his smooth, soulful sound, infectious ballads and authentic West Coast swagger. His numerous collaborations with some of Hip Hop’s elite may never be forgotten or duplicated. Nathaniel Hale, better known by his stage name, “Nate Dogg,” died early Tuesday afternoon due to complications from a massive stroke he suffered in 2007, his family was reported as saying.

The stroke left Hale partially paralyzed, and preceded at least two other strokes the following year, ending his career prematurely. Still, Rod McGrew, his close friend and manager, reportedly said that the vocalist had been making significant progress in his recovery, regaining his memory, motor ability and sense of awareness.

McGrew told the Hollywood Reporter: “We appreciate the enormous outpouring of response from all over the world. We greatly appreciate that and thank everyone for their prayers and support. We know that Nate will be hanging out with his good friends 2Pac and Biggie.”

Early Wednesday morning, Hale’s brother, Samuel, called Los Angeles-based radio station KDAY and expressed his gratitude to fans for their support and condolences, also mentioning the family’s intent to release a statement.

Hale began singing as a child in Long Beach’s New Hope Baptist Church, where his grandmother, a devoted member, was recently buried. He later moved to Clarksdale, Miss., with his father (former pastor of Life Line Baptist Church), but returned to Long Beach in the years that followed.

At 16, Hale dropped out of high school and left home to join the U.S. Marine Corps, serving for three years. In 1991, the then-aspiring rapper formed a trio with longtime friends Calvin “Snoop Dogg” Broadus and Warren “Warren G” Griffin, also Long Beach natives.

Under the name 213, the group recorded their first demo in the back room of the city’s famed V.I.P record store. After hearing their music at house party in nearby Los Angeles, Andre Young, popularly known as “Dr. Dre,” arranged to have them signed to label.

Hale’s illustrious body of work, which spanned three decades, includes his role with Broadus and Griffin as part of the so-called “G Funk era,” a sub-genre of Hip Hop, characterized by the fusion of ‘70s funk and soul music. His services were also employed on Young’s best-selling album, “The Chronic,” as well as on the classic Hip Hop single, “Regulators.” In total, he contributed to 40 chart-topping singles.

Broadus posted this on Twitter: “We lost a true legend n hip hop n r&b. One of my best friends n a brother to me…I miss u cuzz. I am so sad but so happy I got to grow up wit u and I will c u again n heaven….”  

Several other prominent entertainers also posted tweets in response to Hale’s passing, including comedian Dave Chappelle, singer Erykah Badu and rappers Christopher “Ludacris” Bridges and Alvin “Xzbit” Joiner.   

Funeral plans were not immediately announced.