Warren G, full name is Warren Griffin III, is an American rapper, record producer, and DJ, renowned as a pioneer of G-funk, a subgenre of West Coast hip-hop.

His 1994 hit “Regulate” with Nate Dogg brought him global fame, and his role in connecting Snoop Dogg with Dr. Dre shaped the 1990s hip-hop landscape.

Early Life and Education

Warren Griffin III was born on November 10, 1970, in Long Beach, California, to Ola Mae, a dietitian, and Warren Griffin Jr., an airplane mechanic and former U.S. Navy cook.

His parents divorced when he was four, and he lived with his mother and three sisters—Felicia, Traci, and Mitzi—in East Long Beach until age 12.

In 1982, he moved to North Long Beach to live with his father and stepmother, Verna, whose son from a previous marriage, Andre Young (Dr. Dre), became his stepbrother.

Growing up, Warren was immersed in his parents’ jazz, funk, and soul records, sparking his musical interest.

He attended Jordan High School, where he played football and ran track, but faced challenges, including a brief jail stint at 17 for gun possession.

Career

Warren G’s career began in 1990 when he formed the rap trio 213 with friends Nate Dogg and Snoop Dogg, named after Long Beach’s area code.

The group practiced at V.I.P. Records, but disbanded after Warren introduced Snoop Dogg to Dr. Dre, leading to Snoop’s success on The Chronic (1992).

Warren contributed to The Chronic, including the intro to “Deeez Nuuuts.”

In 1993, Dr. Dre connected him with director John Singleton, and Warren produced and rapped on “Indo Smoke” for the Poetic Justice soundtrack, securing a deal with Def Jam Recordings.

His debut album, Regulate… G Funk Era (1994), was a landmark, selling 1 million copies in three days and peaking at #2 on the Billboard 200.

The single “Regulate” with Nate Dogg hit #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #1 on MTV charts, while “This D.J.” reached #9.

The album went triple platinum.

His second album, Take a Look Over Your Shoulder (1997), featured hits like “I Shot the Sheriff” and “What’s Love Got to Do with It” (with Adina Howard), earning gold certification.

I Want It All (1999) also went gold, with its title track charting at #23.

Later albums like The Return of the Regulator (2001), In the Mid-Nite Hour (2005), and The G Files (2009) were less commercially successful but maintained his G-funk style.

In 2015, he released the EP Regulate… G Funk Era, Part II, featuring unreleased Nate Dogg vocals.

Warren produced for artists like MC Breed, 2Pac, Twinz, and The Dove Shack, and appeared on Snoop Dogg’s Tha Doggfather (1996).

His acting credits include Speedway Junky (1999), Old School (2003), and Big Momma’s House (2000).

In 2019, he launched Sniffin Griffin’s BBQ, a line of barbecue sauces and rubs inspired by his father.

He remains active, performing and supporting community initiatives in Long Beach.

Awards and Nominations

NME Award for Best Rap Artist (1995)

Grammy Award Nomination for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group (1995) for “Regulate”

Grammy Award Nomination for Best Rap Solo Performance (1995) for “This D.J.”

MTV Movie Award Nomination (1995) for “Regulate”

Honored with Warren G Week (August 1–6, 2005) by the Mayor of Long Beach

Personal Life

Warren G grew up in a musical household, influenced by his parents’ record collection and his stepbrother Dr. Dre’s early career with World Class Wreckin’ Cru and N.W.A.

Married to Tennille Griffin since 1998, he has four children, including Olaijah Griffin, a former USC Trojans cornerback who signed with the Buffalo Bills in 2021.

Warren faced legal issues, including arrests for gun possession (1988), drug-related charges, and a 2015 questioning regarding a 20-year-old shooting.

A food enthusiast, he launched Sniffin Griffin’s BBQ in 2019, inspired by his father’s Navy cooking background.

Discography

Regulate… G Funk Era (1994) – 3x Platinum

Take a Look Over Your Shoulder (1997) – Gold

I Want It All (1999) – Gold

The Return of the Regulator (2001)

In the Mid-Nite Hour (2005)

The G Files (2009)

Regulate… G Funk Era, Part II (EP, 2015)

Key Singles

“Regulate” (with Nate Dogg, 1994)

“This D.J.” (1994)

“I Shot the Sheriff” (1997)

“What’s Love Got to Do with It” (with Adina Howard, 1997)

“I Want It All” (1999)

“My House” (2015)

Filmography

The Show (1995) – Himself (documentary)

Speedway Junky (1999) – Brent

Little Richard (2000) – Studio Musician

Big Momma’s House (2000) – Soundtrack Contributor

Old School (2003) – Himself

All of Us (2005) – Guest Role

Newsreaders (2013) – Guest Role

Watsky’s Making an Album (2013) – Himself

Net Worth

Warren G’s net worth is estimated at $6 million to $10 million USD.

His wealth stems from album sales (Regulate… G Funk Era sold over 3 million copies), production work for artists like 2Pac and Snoop Dogg, and acting roles in films like Old School.