Snoop Dogg, Warren G, Dogg Pound & More Attend Nate Dogg's Funeral

On March 26, rap Legend Nate Dogg was laid to rest at the Long Beach Cruise terminal. nside the funeral home lights shined down on the wooden coffin, while two jumbo screens on opposite sides of his casket radiated with memories of Nate Dogg.

The hip-hop singer passed away earlier this month after suffering multiple health setbacks in the past several years, stemming from two separate strokes.

"1986, Poly High School, that's where we connected for the first time," an emotionally distraught Snoop reflected on his friend. "We didn't know each other, but the music connected us. We built a brotherhood, a friendship."

Snoop first met long time friend Nate in high school with his best friend Warren G, were they went on to form the group ‘213’. Warren G spoke briefly on his relationship with Nate.

"It hurts me so much to see this," Warren G said somberly while looking down at the casket. "We been through a whole lot and that was my dog. He stayed down with me from the bottom to the top. I didn't ever think I would have to sit at a funeral for one of my dogs. All I can say is that was my friend, me him and Snoop was 213 from the balls to the walls. The music industry lost an incredible artist."

Many West Coast rap arists came out to support the passing of Nate. Dr. Dre, Game, DJ Quik, Mack-10 and WC, DJ Pooh, Battlecat and others were on hand to pay their respects to the singer.

Several of Nate's closest friends, relatives and colleagues including Xzibit, Daz and Kurupt, Butch Cassidy, Los Angeles radio station personality Big Boy from Power 106, and producer FredWreck all shared memorable stories of their friend, who they said made an important impact on their lives. A teary-eyed Kurupt said Nate was the father figure who raised him.

Nates’ manager, McGrew said that with Nate's passing, the singer's three wishes will now be granted. "He wanted to go to heaven and hang with his boys," McGrew said. "He loved Tupac. He recorded with him. He wanted to hang with Biggie. But the most important thing is that he can walk around heaven with his favorite artist of all time, Michael Jackson."

The choir that sang during Nate's home-going was handpicked by the singer himself. One of its members, Jacob Lusk, is currently a contestant on "American Idol."

"He was a loving caring individual," said Snoop. "If you listen to his music, he took church melodies and flipped it with hip-hop. I'm so honored, so happy that you gave me the opportunity, God, to know Nate Dogg. I want to stand here and cry, but I have to have the strength for you Nate Dogg. It's 213, DPG for life." —Nyvia Weathersby

(via MTVNews)