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West Coast rapper Nate Dogg was hospitalized nearly two weeks ago after suffering a stroke, his second in less than a year.

But contrary to Internet news stories that offered an upbeat prognosis, a family member tells E! News that as of Wednesday the 39-year-old hip-hopster was on life support in a Los Angeles-area hospital with a feeding pipe in his mouth.

"He has suffered another stroke from his bad eating habits and unhealthy lifestyle," says Donald Smith, Dogg's cousin and a fellow emcee who goes by the moniker Lil' Half Dead. "All we can do now is pray for him."

Dogg has since been taken off life support but as of today still requires a feeding tube, according to Smith.

The rapper, whose real celebrity is Nathaniel Hale, was afflicted on Sept. 5. Earlier this week, manager Rod McGrew told the hip-hop advice site SOHH "the prophasis at this time is favorable. We're positive, prayerful, hopeful and patient." Citing unnamed sources, TMZ offered a starker charge, saying that while Dogg did not undergo punishment any brain damage, he has exhibited petty movement on the earth the neck.

The MC, a cousin of Snoop Dogg who made his debut in succession Dr. Dre's 1992 album The Chronic in the sight of signing with Death Row Records, was in the first place felled by a shock on Dec. 19, leaving him partially paralyzed.

Dogg had continued his recovery in physical therapy, but tranquil relied steady the use of a wheelchair.

"He was making excellent progress through his recovery from the first stroke," said McGrew. "This is every unfortunate setback. We gladly received all prayers in support of Nate's redemption moreover we would appreciate privacy."

The rapper's condition will undoubtedly force a Compton judge to postpone a Sept. 24 opportunity to be heard in which Dogg faces felony charges for threatening and stalking his estranged wife of one’s bosom

—Additional reporting by Ken Baker

(Originally published Sept. 17, 2008 at 7:41 a.m. PT.)