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When news of Nathaniel “Nate Dogg” Hale’s death hit the airwaves and the Web, all of the famed collaborators who worked alongside the G-Funk hook singer offered kind words of respect for the longtime crooner.

So it was expected that during a weekend of music and festivities that Nate Dogg’s legacy would be highlighted at some of the events of this past weekend’s SXSW music festival in Austin.

Snoop Dogg, Warren G, Daz Dillinger and Kurupt all took the stage at Venue 222 during the “Respect The West” showcase and properly memorialized their fallen friend this past Saturday (March 19). MTV News captured some of the celebratory tribute on video which was a huge contrast to the somber tweets and condolences from those who knew Nate Dogg well.

Snoop Dogg and the rest of the D.P.G.C. seemed to put all of their energy into their performances, including a touching moment of silence – capped with Snoop inhaling a certain substance during the pause to show his respects.

Although the show was festive, Warren G admitted to MTV News that while he and his west coast brethren gave their best that the crew deeply misses their long-time colleague. "It means a lot, you know, because this is something that's being done for a person that we really love. It's deeper than music, that's a brother to us, to me and Kurupt and Snoop and Daz ... it's really deeper than that," said Warren G. "I mean, like, I'm not a psychic or a genie or a gypsy or anything, but I know deep down in my heart he's around us, he's with us ... he's with us in spirit. Everything we do, he's a part of it."

A few fans on Twitter happened to see the event, in which Snoop’s appearance was supposed to be a surprise. One excited fan tweeted, “Snoop Dogg & Warren G, the entire DPG IS ON STAGE @ VENUE 222! #OMGEEEEE.” Another added that, “Snoop Dogg shut Venue 222 down.”

What are some of your memories of rapper Nate Dogg? Tweet to us at @MTVRapFix or tell us in a comment below.