'Idol' Contestant - The Nate Dogg Connection

Years before Jacob Lusk became a finalist on "American Idol" ... he formed a very special relationship with the one and only Nate Dogg -- a bond, TMZ has learned, that formed in an L.A. gospel choir. Sources tell TMZ, Jacob auditioned for the gospel group called "InNate Praise" in 2007 -- formed by Nate himself -- and he ended up landing the part ... and we're told, it was the beginning of a beautiful friendship. According to sources, Jacob and Nate's relationship blossomed over the next two years ... as Jacob performed with the group at churches around L.A. County. In the video -- shot back in 2007 -- Nate and Jacob are both hanging out in Nate's studio in North Hollywood. Earlier today, Jacob tweeted the following about Nate's death: As we previously reported, Nate passed away yesterday -- and his family believes his death was caused by complications stemming from two strokes he suffered over the last few years.

• 2011-03-16T20:03:49+00:00
• Duration: 01:35

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Nate Dogg, Jacob Lusk, American Idol, American Idol 2011, celelbrity, show, live, video, amazing, raw, omg, wtf