Warren Griffin III (born November 10, 1970), known professionally as Warren G, is an American rapper, songwriter, record producer and DJ from Long Beach, California. He emerged in the 1990s as a leading voice of West Coast hip hop and G-funk, combining laid-back vocal delivery with funk-influenced production. His work spans recording, production for other artists, and live DJing.

Career and breakthrough

Warren G first gained widespread attention in the mid-1990s. He was a member of the Long Beach trio 213 alongside Nate Dogg and Snoop Dogg before achieving solo commercial success. His debut solo album, Regulate... G Funk Era, brought him national recognition. The album's best-known single, "Regulate" (featuring Nate Dogg), became a major radio staple; the track famously incorporates a prominent sample of Michael McDonald’s "I Keep Forgettin' (Every Time You're Near)."

Style and production

Musically, Warren G is associated with the smoother, groove-oriented sound often called G-funk, a subgenre of hip hop that emphasizes melodic synthesizers, deep basslines and funk samples. As a producer and DJ he favored relaxed tempos and sung hooks, frequently collaborating with vocalists such as Nate Dogg to create memorable choruses. His approach helped define a West Coast sound that contrasted with the harder-edged East Coast styles of the same era.

Awards and recognition

Warren G received industry recognition for his early work. He earned nominations for major awards, including two Grammy nominations: one for "Regulate" with Nate Dogg (for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group) and another for "This D.J." (for Best Rap Solo Performance) in the mid-1990s. These nominations are recorded in various award listings and music databases, and the Grammys maintain entries for those years here.

Notable recordings

  • Regulate... G Funk Era (debut album)
  • "Regulate" (single, featuring Nate Dogg)
  • "This D.J." (single)

Beyond chart success, Warren G is acknowledged for his role in popularizing a melodic, sample-forward style of West Coast rap. He has continued to record, produce and perform, and his early collaborations—particularly with Nate Dogg and other Long Beach artists—remain influential touchstones in contemporary hip hop. For further reading on his discography and career milestones, consult artist profiles and music histories available through general music reference sources about "Regulate" and archived industry summaries covering Long Beach artists. Additional background on the genre and its context can be found via broader hip hop resources and consolidated award records here or the Grammy index here.