Warren Griffin III (born November 10, 1971 in Long Beach, California[3]) better known by his stage name Warren G, is an American West Coast rapper and hip hop producer. He is Dr. Dre's step brother. His biggest hit to date was the single "Regulate" with Nate Dogg released in 1994. The Grammy nominated song reached number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.Contents [hide] 1 Music career 2 Discography 3 Awards 3.1 Grammy Award nominations 4 Filmography 5 References 6 External links
[edit] Music career
In 1990, Warren G formed the group 213 with Nate Dogg and Snoop Dogg. In 1992, Warren G introduced the group to his brother Dr. Dre. Dr. Dre was impressed and signed Snoop Dogg to his and Suge Knight's record company, Death Row Records. Thus, 213 broke up for a while before releasing any group records, and the three artists pursued separate careers in the same style. Even though Death Row Records did not sign Warren G, his career began with some contributions to Dr. Dre's album The Chronic, released 1992. Warren G was a regular contributor to many Death Row albums.
In 1993, Warren G produced the track Indo Smoke featuring himself, Nate Dogg, and Mista Grimm. He also produced and rapped on Snoop Dogg's debut album Doggystyle.
Warren G's debut album Regulate... G Funk Era was released in 1994 on Def Jam, featured the hit song "Regulate" featuring Nate Dogg, which samples Michael McDonald's classic hit, "I Keep Forgettin' (Every Time You're Near)." Also on that disc was "This D.J.," a popular track and hit video on MTV, and also a chart hit, peaking at #9 on the Billboard Hot 100.
He followed up with Take a Look Over Your Shoulder (Reality) in 1997, which took his mellow approach and brought it even further into the mainstream. Scoring a hit with a rap remake of "I Shot the Sheriff," the album was a commercial success.
Together with Sissel_Kyrkjebø they had a #1 hit across Europe in 1998 with Prince Igor, on the concept album The Rapsody Overture which combined American rappers with European opera singers. Sissel sang an aria from Borodin's opera Prince Igor during the chorus, while Warren G rapped.
I Want It All, released in 1999, represented a substantive if not commercial comeback for Warren G. Widely regarded as his most consistent record, this offered a jazz-rock fusion style and a host of guests including Mack 10, Snoop Dogg, Kurupt, and Eve. The first single, "I Want It All," sampled the song "I Like It" performed by DeBarge, which had a hit video that entered into heavy rotation on MTV and VH1, which helped the song to its peak of #13 on the Hot 100. Warren G fully embraced his less-gangsta image at this time.
The Return of the Regulator was released in 2001, but Universal did not promote the album and it flopped in sales. In 2003 Warren G, Snoop Dogg, and Nate Dogg reunited 213 and recorded the album The Hard Way with the single "Groupie Luv." The album was released in 2004 and entered at #4 on the Billboard charts.
The week of August 1 to August 6, 2005, was dedicated as the "Warren G Week" by the Mayor of Long Beach.[4]
Warren G released a new album on October 11, 2005, called In the Mid-Nite Hour on an independent label. In December 2005, he signed with UniqueInc LTD (UK) for the UK & Éire, Craze Productions of London is doing the digital distribution and sales on Mobile and online and Hawino Records for the North America release. Warren G is also working on an album with a young producer by the alias of Classic. Warren G stated he will get into this album once he is finished with Celebrity Fit Club (U.S. TV series).
In 2006, Warren G produced the theme song for Ice Cube's TV show, Black. White.. in March 22, Warren G has made a song called "Mr. President," addressing the 2008 presidential candidate race and encourages everyone to vote.
He also appeared in Celebrity Rap Superstar as a mentor.
On June 7, 2008, Warren G was arrested for possession of marijuana with intent to sell. The car he was riding in was pulled over on suspicion of running a red light near Hollywood Boulevard and Wilcox Avenue. He was released on $20,000 bail,[5] all charges were dropped due to insufficient evidence.[6]
Each of his albums since I Want It All has featured a track by 213: "Game Don't Wait" appeared on I Want It All, "Yo' Sassy Ways" on The Return of the Regulator, and "PYT" on In the Mid-Nite Hour. It is not known whether they will or have contribute(d) a track to The G Files, which has yet to be released. Here is a recent performance in 2009 from Warren G from the Underground in Reno: http://app.synclive.com?show/31515.
[edit] Discography Main article: Warren G discography 1994: Regulate...G Funk Era 1997: Take a Look Over Your Shoulder 1999: I Want It All 2001: The Return of the Regulator 2004: The Hard Way (with 213) 2005: In the Mid-Nite Hour 2009: The G Files
