Eminem featuring Nate Dogg

A Nate Dogg hook is like an extra-large pinch of Essence of Emeril. His cool-as-the-other-side-of-the-pillow, soulful-stoic menace can kick any well-appointed banger up a notch or three (see Dr. Dre, Snoop, or Obie Trice). But what happens when the assisted superstar relegates himself to the role of assistant? Here we find out, as Eminem plays agile, bored wingman to Nate’s stony Lothario, relentless as the monotonous, generic club beats that accompany their libidinous trawl. Nate’s first intoxicating verse swiftly stretches out and makes itself at home, leaving Em with little to do but harmonize, and us to wonder why Shady even tagged along.