Eminem Hails "Irreplaceable" Nate Dogg

Eminem is paying his full respects to a master of hip-hop.

In the wake of Nate Dogg's untimely death today, the real Slim Shady praised the late MC for a career that influenced a generation of artists.

Here's what he had to say:

"Nate's voice in music will never be replaced. He helped create the blueprint for West Coast hip-hop, and I was one of the lucky people who had the privilege to work with him and the honor to have him as a friend.

Lupe Fiasco's Lasers Blasts To Top Of Billboard 200

Avril Lavigne's long-awaited Goodbye Lullaby debuts at #4.

Sometimes the hardest, bumpiest rides are the ones that get you to the sweetest destination. That's the lesson Chicago MC Lupe Fiasco is basking in this week as he celebrates the #1 debut of his third album, Lasers.

After a difficult, oft-delayed birth, the record will make its mark on the Billboard 200 next week when it takes over the top spot thanks to sales of more than 204,000, according to figures provided by Nielsen SoundScan. That's more than enough to end the two-week #1 reign of British soul singer Adele, whose 21 drops a spot to #2 as sales dipped to 133,000, giving her an impressive three-week total of more than 653,000.

Nate Dogg Dead: Rapper Nathaniel D. Hale Reportedly Dies At 41

Nate Dogg is dead, according to a report in his hometown Long Beach Press Telegram, which cited a family announcement.

Friend and collaborator Snoop Dogg appeared to confirm the news by tweeting, "RIP NATE DOGG" and later "We lost a true legend n hip hop n rnb. One of my best friends n a brother to me since 1986 when I was a sophomore at poly high where we met."

TMZ says they have confirmed the report but did not indicate how.

The legendary musician, whose real name was Nathaniel D. Hale, was part of the west coast rap scene and collaborated on hit songs with many top recording artists including Warren G, 50 Cent and Eminem, who most of them paid their tributes to the legend's death.

He was 41 and had battled health complications. On Sunday, Warren G tweeted, "For those that dont know awhile back nate had 2 strokes he is in therapy thanks again for your support."