The Next Generation of G-Funk: Nate Dogg’s Children Are Fighting for His Legacy
Nate Dogg left behind a legacy that his children are fighting to protect. They are currently involved in a legal dispute with the rapper’s widow over his estate.
By D.M.March 23 2025, Published 10:10 p.m. ET
The Breakdown: Nate Dogg's kids are keeping his legacy alive. However, there has been a ton of legal drama surrounding the late rapper's estate. His widow and kids are fighting over the right to sell his music catalog.
Few artists have left an impact on hip-hop the way Nate Dogg has. In 1990, Nate co-founded the rap trio 213 alongside his cousin Snoop Dogg and friend Warren G. The group, named after the Long Beach area code, recorded their first demo in the back of a local record store. This demo eventually caught the attention of Dr. Dre, leading to Nate’s feature on Dre's 1992 album, The Chronic.
In 1994 Nate dropped the hit single "Regulate," a collaboration with Warren G that reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100. Along with his hit collabs, Nate also pursued a solo career. He released his debut double album, G-Funk Classics, Vol. 1 & 2, in 1998, followed by Music & Me in 2001, which peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.
Throughout his career, Nate Dogg faced several health challenges. He died in March 2011, leaving behind his children and family. Here’s a look at the rapper’s family and the state of his estate following his death.
Nate Dogg's son NHale and Dr. Dre.
Who are Nate Dogg’s children?
Following Nate Dogg's death, his estate became the center of legal proceedings. Initially believed to have six children, a probate judge later confirmed he fathered nine.
His eldest son, Naijiel Hale, initially pursued a career in football, playing as a cornerback for the University of Washington. He later transitioned to music under the stage name NHale. He released his debut album, Young OG, in 2020, with a style reminiscent of his father's G-funk roots.
Another son, Nathaniel Jr., now goes by Lil Nate Dogg. He ventured into the hip-hop scene with his 2015 album Son of a G, paying homage to his father's legacy. Nate’s daughter, Milana Hale, also appears to be active on Instagram, where she frequently shares photos from her work as a stage manager on Wild ’N Out. Nate’s other children have largely remained out of the spotlight.
Nate’s children and his wife were involved in a messy estate battle.
Upon his passing at the age of 41, Nate’s estate became the subject of extensive legal battles. In January 2024, court documents revealed that his estate, valued at $2.7 million, was to be evenly distributed among his widow, LaToya Calvin, and his nine children. This settlement addressed various claims and ensured that all debts, including a $144,000 IRS obligation, were settled.
Nate’s son, Naijiel, has also been involved in legal drama concerning the management of his the rapper’s music catalog. Disputes have arisen between him and LaToya over the administration of Nate’s music rights, valued at approximately $4 million.
“They want us to [sell] my dad my Dad catalog for a lil 4 million because he decided to marry a b***h who was never there for him from the jump,” Naijiel said on Instagram (via The Root).
Court documents obtained by InTouch Weekly indicate differing opinions on how to best manage these assets.
