The US rapper - real name Nathaniel D. Hale - died on Tuesday (March 15). He was 41.

A cause of death is unknown, according to celebrity website TMZ. His family has confirmed the death, which was first reported by The Press Telegram.

Nate Dogg had been battling health issues since suffering two major strokes: a first in 2007 followed by another in 2008.

Born in Long Beach, California, the rapper exploded onto the hip-hop scene with his appearance alongside Warren G on 1994's 'Regulate'.

He released three studio albums and made a number of guest appearances, including on Mark Ronson's 'Ooh Wee' in 2004.

(by Jason Gregory)