The Nocturnal Times Exclusive Interview: Lil Nate Dogg

Lil Nate Dogg shares his vision with The Nocturnal Times in this exclusive interview

Finding a way to stand out among a sea of similarity can be a difficult talk, but not for electronic dance music (EDM) rising star, Lil Nate Dogg. Breakout talent Nathaniel Hale—the son of iconic rapper and entertainer Nate Dogg—has done a fine job of making sure his different sound is heard. Lil Nate Dogg’s father (the late Nate Dogg) is the legendary multi-platinum-selling American rap icon best known for his collaborations with Dr. Dre, Eminem, Snoop Dogg, Warren G. and more. Passionate and distinguishable, Lil Nate Dogg’s blend of hip-hop and rap with EDM possesses signs of futurism and evolution within the realm of popular music.

Experimenting with different sounds can be one of the beauties of electronic music. Not having a definitive methodology or limitation to your creativity is vital in terms of true artistry, which is why Lil Nate Dogg’s fresh approach at tackling dance is refreshing. Culminating elements of electronic, mainstream dance, and rap, with hip-hop influences, the Los Angeles native is slated to release his latest single via Hood And Associates, “Move” featuring Mariana. Lil Nate Dogg is also working on putting together an album, Son Of A G, which will feature Baby Bash, Kurupt, and more.

The Nocturnal Times sat down with Lil Nate Dogg to share his vision and discuss his biggest inspirations, his long-term and short-term goals, and much more in our exclusive interview.

THE NOCTURNAL TIMES: In what ways would you say your upbringing influenced your decision to work in the music industry?
LIL NATE DOGG: Well, my entire family has worked in the music industry. This started out from my grandma when she would sing in the church with the choir. After that, she put my dad into choir, and my dad put me into choir. So, that’s definitely how I first got my start.

That’s great that your family instilled music in you from a young age. What would you say your father (Nate Dogg) taught you or passed along to you?
LIL NATE DOGG: Yeah, he taught me how to be a man, how to show respect, and how to be humble.

You have a different and unique sound. How and when did you decide that this was the style of music you wanted to create?
LIL NATE DOGG: I think it’s because now I work with different styles of music. I like to work with EDM (electronic dance music) and rap. I always thought the two genres sounded good together, but I started out first rapping and singing. After that, I started becoming interested in EDM and realized when the two came together that it really sounded good.

From who and where do you find the most musical inspiration?
LIL NATE DOGG: My main inspiration is my father. When I hear someone like Lil Wayne killing it on some new stuff it’ll inspire me to get back into the studio to work on some stuff myself. With dance music I like going in there and playing around with the different beats and getting pumped up a little bit. I love playing around with sounds and figuring out which will make the people move.

What input do you have in the production process?
LIL NATE DOGG: Yeah, I have input in the production process. I like to make sure everything is on point and sounding right. I also write all of my own stuff, too.

What’s a normal day in the studio like for Lil Nate Dogg:
LIL NATE DOGG: It starts with a bottle of Hennessy and some legal, medicinal marijuana; and then it’s straight to the beat, right to the music.

You just released “Move” featuring Mariana. How did this track come together and what can you tell us about it?
LIL NATE DOGG: I was actually in San Francisco when I made “Move.” We laid it down, brought it back here, and everybody really started digging it. Then my label and I added Mariana to the track and that’s how the finished product came to be.

Listen to Lil Nate Dogg feat. Mariana – “Move” [Hood And Associates]

Who are some of your favorite non-dance music acts?
LIL NATE DOGG: Of course, my father Nate Dogg; Snoop Dogg; Lil Wayne; old school Drake; and Kendrick Lamar really has the smooth stuff coming out right now too.

Which of your tracks would you say mean the most to you and why?
LIL NATE DOGG: I have a song that I did a year or so after my father passed, it’s called “Head Up High.” That’s definitely the one that means the most to me for sure.

Do you also DJ? If not, do you have any interest in learning how to DJ?
LIL NATE DOGG: Right now, I actually don’t DJ, but I do want to learn how to DJ. We’re here at EDC New York right now and it’s pretty inspiring to be surrounded by all of these talented DJs.

Have you done any live shows with DJs before in the past?
LIL NATE DOGG: Actually we did a live show at Avalon Hollywood with DJ Serafin.

What are some of your short-term and long-term goals? What’s next for you?
LIL NATE DOGG: My short-term goal right now is to get out there on tour and really get my name out there. My long-term goal is to keep my name out there and continue to make good music that the people love.

Where do you see yourself five years from now?
LIL NATE DOGG: I hope to be sitting with my legs up somewhere with my baby girl, comfortable, and having whatever she wants. Keep an ear out for new songs from Lil Nate Dogg with Kurupt coming out.

For more information on Lil Nate Dogg, visit his official website, HERE.