Snoop Dogg, The Game and Warren G joined 2,000 mourners at Nate Dogg's funeral on Saturday (March 26).

The ceremony, held at Long Beach, was attended by family, friends and fans, reports MTV.

Snoop Dogg, who spoke at the funeral, said: "1986, Poly High School, that's where we connected for the first time. We didn't know each other, but the music connected us. We built a brotherhood, a friendship."

"He was a loving caring individual. If you listen to his music, he took church melodies and flipped it with hip-hop. I'm so honoured, so happy that you gave me the opportunity, God, to know Nate Dogg. I want to stand here and cry, but I have to have the strength for you Nate Dogg. It's 213, DPG for life."

Warren G also said: "It hurts me so much to see this. We been through a whole lot and that was my dog. He stayed down with me from the bottom to the top. I didn't ever think I would have to sit at a funeral for one of my dogs."

"All I can say is that was my friend, me him and Snoop was 213 from the balls to the walls. The music industry lost an incredible artist."

Nate Dogg - real name Nathaniel D. Hale - died on March 15. A cause of death is not yet known.

(by Holly Frith)