Nate Dogg, an R&B singer whose vocals graced a long list of rap hits during the late ’90s and early 2000s, suffered a mild stroke over the holidays that resulted in partial paralysis. Fortunately, according to reports by MTV News, there is reasonable hope for a full recovery. The paralysis is on the left side of his body, affecting his sense of touch and his ability to walk. His voice, however, is reportedly unaffected, and thankfully there was no brain damage. The stroke has returned Nate Dogg to the media spotlight — thanks in part to celebrity gossip website TMZ.com, who created a stir by posting an audio clip of the 911 call (”Chillest 911 Call Ever”) — after several years of diminishing musical activity.

Beginning in 1992, when he debuted on Dr. Dre’s landmark album The Chronic, singing the outro of “Deeez Nuuuts,” Nate Dogg maintained a steady presence on the West Coast rap scene. He was featured on most albums released by Death Row Records, including such platinum-sellers as Snoop Dogg’s Doggystyle (1993), Tha Dogg Pound’s Dogg Food (1995), and 2Pac’s All Eyez on Me (1997). His greatest success came in 1994 with “Regulate,” a number two hit by Warren G that featured him prominently. During his tenure at Death Row, Nate Dogg did manage to record a debut solo album, G-Funk Classics; unfortunately, its release was held up because of upheaval of the legally troubled label, and it ultimately became an afterthought in 1998, released as a double-disc hodgepodge that spawned no hits and sold poorly.

Nate Dogg’s career was revived upon his departure from Death Row. In 1999, he was featured on albums by Dr. Dre (The Chronic 2001), Snoop Dogg (No Limit Top Dogg), and Kurupt (Tha Streetz Iz a Mutha); most notably, he was featured on Dr. Dre’s classic hit “The Next Episode” (also featuring Snoop), on which he sang the final verse, including the memorable coda, “Smoke weed everyday!” For the next several years, Nate Dogg was the rap industry’s go-to featured guest, singing the hooks on such hits as Ludacris’ “Area Codes,” Fabolous’ “Can’t Deny It,” E-40’s “Nah, Nah,” Snoop Dogg’s “Lay Low,” Eminem’s “‘Till I Collapse,” and 50 Cent’s “21 Questions.”

Amid this successful run, Nate Dogg penned a solo deal with Elektra, resulting in the albums Music & Me (2001) and Nate Dogg (2003). The former spawned only a minor hit, “I Got Love,” and sold relatively poorly; the latter was scheduled for release yet was ultimately shelved. In subsequent years, Nate Dogg continued to be featured on rap songs, though with less frequency and to less success. By the time of his stroke in December 2007, he’d become more or less inactive; for example, he only made one featured appearance during the year, on Redman’s “Merry Jane.” Meanwhile, his solo discography has become a mess of cut-rate compilations repackaging his Death Row-era material.

Nate Dogg may have receded from the spotlight in recent years, yet he remains highly recognizable and is beloved by fans of West Coast rap, particularly fans of the Death Row era. Hopefully his recovery goes well and he’s able to mount a comeback. Best wishes to Nate Dogg and his family.

Here’s a quick sampling of eight of his most memorable guest features:

Snoop Dogg - “Ain’t No Fun (If the Homies Can’t Have None)”
Warren G - “Regulate”
Dr. Dre - “The Next Episode”
E-40 - “Nah, Nah”
Mos Def/Pharoah Monch - “Oh No”
Ludacris - “Area Codes”
50 Cent - “21 Questions”
Eminem - “Till I Collapse”