Overview

"Regulate" is a 1994 single performed by Warren G featuring Nate Dogg. Released in the summer of 1994, the track first appeared on the soundtrack for the film Above the Rim and was later included on Warren G's debut album Regulate...G Funk Era. The song is commonly classified as part of the West Coast hip hop and G-funk movement and is noted for the contrast between Warren G’s narrative rap verses and Nate Dogg’s melodic, sung choruses.

Musical characteristics and production

Produced by Warren G, "Regulate" relies on the smooth, funk-derived textures associated with G-funk: laid-back drum programming, warm synth pads, and melodic bass lines. A prominent element of the track is its recognizable sample of Michael McDonald’s "I Keep Forgettin' (Every Time You're Near)," which supplies the track’s main melodic motif and contributes to the song’s soulful atmosphere. Nate Dogg’s baritone hooks and harmonies became a defining feature, illustrating the growing role of sung refrains in 1990s rap.

Lyrics and narrative

The lyrics present a first-person street narrative: Warren G recounts an evening that turns tense, describing encounters with strangers, a scuffle, and how he and his friends handle the situation. The storytelling approach reads like a short cinematic scene, pairing conversational verses with Nate Dogg’s memorable, sung responses. That interplay helped the song cross over from urban radio to mainstream audiences.

Release, charts and reception

After its release, "Regulate" became one of the era’s most successful rap singles. It climbed the charts and reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, while also performing strongly on R&B and rap charts. Critics and listeners praised its production, the chemistry between Warren G and Nate Dogg, and its catchy hook. The music video intercuts performance footage with scenes tied to the film soundtrack and the song’s street-story themes.

Legacy and influence

"Regulate" is widely regarded as a classic of 1990s West Coast hip hop, often cited for helping bring G-funk sounds into mainstream radio. Nate Dogg’s melodic contribution influenced the frequent use of sung hooks in later rap and R&B collaborations. The track has appeared on various compilations and continues to be referenced, sampled, and covered in popular culture.

Notable facts

  • Features a prominent sample from Michael McDonald’s "I Keep Forgettin' (Every Time You're Near)."
  • Performed by Warren G with vocals by Nate Dogg and credited to Warren G.
  • Originally released on the Above the Rim soundtrack before appearing on Regulate...G Funk Era.
  • Reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became one of the decade’s best-known rap songs.