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March 11. 2015 9:49AM Warren G. performs at the Historic Ashland Armory Warren G. West Coast rapper Warren G. has hit the road for a short tour, The G-Funk Experience. The tour launched March 7 at the Harbour Event Centre in Vancouver, British Columbia, and will make a stop Friday, March 13, at the Historic Ashland Armory. Warren Griffin III — known in the hip-hop world as Warren G — is the younger stepbrother of hip-hop artist Dr. Dre. Griffin emerged on the international scene with his 1994 single, "Regulate." Warren G. will take the stage at 8:30 p.m. at the armory, 208 Oak St., followed by local DJs Gemineye and True playing more beats for dancing. Tickets cost $25 in advance and can be purchased online at liveatthearmory.com or Music Coop, 268 E. Main St. Tickets will cost $30 the day of the show. Griffin grew up in Long Beach, Calif., with Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre and Nate Dogg. Rapping was something Griffin picked up because it was an integral part of the boys' local culture. The crew would drive around neighborhoods and get into rap battles. In 1990, Griffin, Snoop Dogg and Nate Dogg formed 213, named after the original Long Beach area code, which has since changed. The trio dissolved when the other members signed with Death Row Records. Griffin declined the same offer, splitting off in his own direction. The three friends reunited in 2003 to make "So Fly," and again in 2004 for their project “The Hard Way.” Griffin’s big break came when he collaborated with Mista Grimm on “Indo Smoke,” a song used in the soundtrack of the 1993 film "Poetic Justice," starring Janet Jackson and Tupac Shakur. Griffin’s rapping skills led to a collaboration with Dr. Dre and an appearance on Dre's 1992 album "The Chronic." But it was Griffin's album "Regulate ... G Funk Era" that really made his career. The album went platinum three times and reached No. 2 on the rap music charts. The title cut, featuring Nate Dogg, became a hip-hop classic. Its airplay was constant at radio stations, and its music video was a hit on MTV. Griffin went on to enjoy a well-rounded career in the entertainment industry — writing, producing and acting. During that time, he's sold millions of records. Most recently, he lends support to young gay rappers who want to come out publicly. When Nate Dogg passed away in March of 2011, Griffin released “This is Dedicated to You,” a song honoring his close childhood friend and music collaborator throughout his career. The song is inspired by the mournful melody of the Eagles’ “Hotel California” and features LaToiya Williams. Before setting off on his The G-Funk Experience tour, Griffin and saxophonist Kenny G teamed up to play a rendition of the rapper's "Regulate" on "Jimmy Kimmel Live" for the show's Mashup Monday, a segment that is given to two artists of different genres. The G-Funk Experience tour commemorates the 20th anniversary of "Regulate" and is a tribute to Nate Dogg. http://www.mailtribune.com/article/20150311/ENTERTAINMENT/150319899 © 2015 Copyright © 1995-2011 Crain Communications Inc. All Rights Reserved. Terms of Use Privacy Statement -->