Warren G exploded out of the early Long Beach rap scene in 1994 with the smash single "Regulate," a duet with longtime friend Nate Dogg, and its accompanying album, Regulate…G Funk Era. Warren G grew up in Long Beach and was influenced by his parents' extensive collection of funk, soul, and jazz records. He frequently was found at the local V.I.P. record store. As a teenager, he and his friends Nate Dogg and future superstar Snoop Dogg formed a rap group called 213, named after their area code. 