Long before Damian Lillard was earning respect everywhere for his rap alter-ego Dame D.O.L.L.A, it was Shaquille O’Neal that held the mantle as the hooper that could actually rap. Back in 1993, Shaq’s debut album Shaq Diesel even went platinum, and he garnered hat tips from rap legends during his exploits on the mic. Many NBA players have followed in the Diesel’s footsteps, but few have seen the success or respect O’Neal earned back in the ’90s.
Well, over 20 years since his debut, Shaq is back, and from the sounds of it the big man hasn’t lost a step. The Big Aristotle linked up with producers Kryoman & Lexoskeleton to trade bars with Stix on a new track entitled “Hall Of Fame.” Shaq collaborated with Kryoman earlier this year on “My Whole Squad Lit,” but that was more of a showcase for the producer.
This time the Hall of Famer opens the track with an aggressive and potent verse where he brags a bit about championship rings, tax brackets, fish tanks with mermaids, doing tracks with Biggie, and of course the Hall of Fame.
It’s cool to see Shaq back having fun with it, and still proving himself capable on the mic even at 44 years old. Who knows, maybe he has Shaq Diesel 2 tucked somewhere, ready to be unleashed to the world.
