Autotune is a vocal editing technique that has become extremely popular in the music world, especially in rap and R&B. This technology balances the voice and corrects any off-key singing, which has led many artists to rely on it to achieve a clear tone that fits well with the beat. However, despite autotune’s widespread popularity, there is controversy over its excessive use, some see it as a creative tool, while others view it as a form of cheating that diminishes the value of genuine vocal performance.
Today, over 70% of successful rap songs feature autotune. This is evident among major names like Travis Scott, Future, and Lil Uzi Vert, who have used it to create their unique sound. In contrast, during the 1990s the scene was quite different. Before autotune became as we know it today, Nate Dogg (1969–2011) set the trend, as more than 60% of the hit songs on the charts featured him. Nate Dogg was renowned for being one of the first to seamlessly blend singing with rap without relying on artificial effects.
Before Nate Dogg, it was rare to see a rapper handling the refrain or melody, these roles were typically reserved for female vocalists or singers who weren’t involved in rapping. But when Nate Dogg emerged, he turned the tables by combining gangsta rap lyrics with R&B rhythms, showcasing a distinctive and powerful voice. He developed a unique style that made him highly sought after by top producers like Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg, with even Eminem enlisting his vocals on some tracks.
His voice spanned a wide range, from the nuances of tone to full-bodied sound, enabling him to sing everything from gospel to R&B and soul. This versatility created a balance between melody and the raw edge of rap, earning him the title of the godfather of “gangsta singing.” He became one of the most influential figures in this style, alongside later artists like Chris Brown and R. Kelly, even though the latter came from a different generation with a distinct style.
Nate Dogg was not just an ordinary artist; he was the perfect solution for rappers struggling with weak sales. His choruses added a commercial strength to songs that helped them succeed in the market. Tracks such as “Regulate” with Warren G, “21 Questions” with 50 Cent, and “The Next Episode” with Dr. Dre remain classics, thanks in large part to his signature touch.
From the very beginning, the majority recognized him as one of the best performers of refrains in rap and hip hop, even today. And even after his passing in 2011, his voice remains a strong presence in rap culture, continuing to inspire many of the artists who followed.
