It's a sad but true fact of the music industry that the performers with most talent are not always the ones who receive the most attention from the purchasing public. When we look back at the short but frenzied history of the gangsta rap genre, certain names are prominent in our memories: Dr Dre, Snoop Doggy Dogg, and Tupac Shakur. A string of best-selling albums from the Death Row record label, and a huge wave of media attention keep these artists in the spotlight even after their recent albums fail to capture the public imagination in the same manner as their earlier efforts.

Unfortunately, one of the most hard-working, but under-appreciated artists of the g-funk era will not have the chance to enjoy the commercial success of his colleagues. Despite appearing on nearly every album produced by Death Row, and receiving a brief moment in the spotlight with the success of Warren G's 1994 single "Regulate", Nate Dogg remains the underdogg of the hip-hop world. If anyone from the old Death Row camp deserves some attention, it's Nate. Unfortunately, his first solo album lacks the publicity and distribution power necessary to infiltrate the radio market, and reintroduce this reformed gangsta crooner to the public.

Nate has been in the center of the g-funk phenomenon from day one. As a teenager, Nate joined his best friends Calvin Broadus (Snoop Doggy Dogg) and Warren Griffin (Warren G) to form the rap group "213". The trio split soon after Warren introduced Snoop and Nate to his older brother, Dr Dre, who invited them to appear on his multi-platinum album "The Chronic."

As the gangsta genre took off, Nate assumed a non-starring role on his friends' albums, contributing background vocals and choruses for Dre, Snoop, Warren, Tha Dogg Pound and other Death Row artists. Although his contributions were rarely acknowledged by audiences and critics, Nate became the preferred vocalist at Death Row, and his soaring soulful crooning became synonymous with the g-funk sound.

"G-Funk Classics" is a stunning look at the aftermath of the gangsta genre--a telling portrait of the disillusionment facing a group of artists that feel cheated and abused by the very record company that pushed them into commercial success. On 31 tracks split between two CDs, Nate's silky soulful melodies explore the meaning of friendship, the trials and tribulations of love, and the struggles of the conscience. In fact, if you're expecting classic gangsta material, you'll be disappointed. It's not here. No drive-bys, no gin and juice, no bitches and hoes, and less vulgarity than LLCoolJ.

This is not to say that Nate has turned his back on his roots. "G-Funk Classics" is actually the perfect extension of the gangsta era, as former Death Row inmates come to terms with their own humanity and try to dechiper their own emotions. From that perspective, it's very pleasing to finally hear these former gangstas approaching life from a realistic adult perspective.

The stand-out track from the entire double album is "Friends", featuring Nate's boyhood partners, Snoop Dogg and Warren G. The song is in essence a return to the values of trust, honesty and devotion that they seem to have forsaken during the Death Row years. Nate's chorus condemns the wheeling and dealing of the past, and celebrates his true friendships.

I've been pondering lately
A lot of different things on my mind
It seems lately that my friends list
Took a slight decline
And if you wanna know the truth, man
They weren't no friends of mine
Friends--how many of us have them?

Nate's lyrics throughout the entire album are surprisingly mature, covering a wide range of emotions, including joy (Me and My Homies), discouragement (I Don't Wanna Hurt No More), inadequacy (Scared of Love), insecurity (Never Leave Me Alone), and rejection (Almost in Love). As evidence of Nate's commitment to intelligent lyrics, the CD booklet includes a complete transcript of all the lyrics. Adding to the musical variety are plentiful guest artists including Tupac, Snoop, Warren G, Kurupt, Daz Dillinger and Danny "Butch" Means. Not bad, considering this is Nate's first album, and that it's released by an independent label (Breakaway/Dogg Foundation). It all goes to prove that his musical sentiments about friends are actually true.

If you've always enjoyed the classic soul influences found in gangsta rap, but take moral issue with the street-centered themes, "G-Funk Classics" provides true emotion and irresistible groove with a PG-13 rating. Add a terrific cast of all-star rappers with some unexpectedly poignant lyrics, and you've got a rare glimpse into the private side of the gangsta genre. Or, if you're not in the mood for deep thoughts, just chill out to Nate's luscious grooves. Whichever way you like it, it works.