Nate Dogg. Photo / Getty Images

Hip hop star Nate Dogg, real name Nathaniel D. Hale, has died, American media report.

The rapper, from Long Beach, California, was 41. He found fame in the early nineties in a trio with fellow rappers Snoop Dogg and Warren G.

The Long Beach Press-Telegram reports the cause of death is not known, but Hale had suffered two strokes, one in 2007 and another in 2008.

Snoop Dogg tonight tweeted: "RIP NATE DOGG... I miss u cuzz I am so sad but so happy I got to grow up wit u and I will c u again n heaven."

- NZ Herald staff