Shaquille O’Neal‘s fame as a musician is second only to his illustrious NBA career. The 4x-NBA champion tried his hands at rap music while he was still dominant on the hardwood. On the back of his contributions to hip-hop, the Lakers legend has befriended some of the big names in music such as Jay-Z, The Notorious B.I.G, and Michael Jackson. Moreover, his contributions to electronic music have rightly earned him the nickname ‘DJ Diesel’. Now, DJ Diesel has dropped something new on the internet, and is sending shockwaves among hip-hop artists and enthusiasts.

Since Shaq is slowly recovering from his hip surgery, fans have not seen too much of an action from the superstar lately. Now, O’Neal has spiced up his recovery by challenging fellow rappers.

Shaquille O’Neal challenges fellow rappers and athletes

It is quite unusual for the hoops community to see a day pass without Shaquille O’Neal making the news. However, things were not so after the former MVP’s surgery. It was only recently that the former MVP garnered tremendous attention with his tirade against Keith Olbermann, who taunted the LSU Tigers’ star Angel Reese. As things stand now, the Lakers legend is back with a bang. Shaquille O’Neal has openly challenged fellow rappers and athletes to compose a verse.

DJ Diesel, who is famous for composing some great verses, has now taken to Instagram to challenge other rappers to compose a verse. The 4x-NBA champion posted a reel featuring DJ Canva$ and his beat. Shaq’s reel says, “Spit a Verse, best verse gets $5000.” O’Neal has given a week’s time for anyone, including rappers and athletes, to participate in the challenge. Adding to the excitement of the fans, DJ Diesel has invited some of the big names like Kevin Hart, Ludacris, and Damian Lillard to spit the verse. “can’t wait to c who win that five thousand,” Shaq wrote on the caption.

Shaq’s stint in the music industry

The Lakers legend started to compose rap songs in 1993. The 4x-NBA champion went platinum with his debut album ‘Shaq Diesel.’ Moreover, he collaborated with the East Coast hip hop icon The Notorious B.I.G in 1996. DJ Diesel also appeared as a guest rapper in the legendary Michael Jackson’s song 2Bad. Apart from hip-hop, the former MVP has also been contributing religiously to electronic music. The seven footer has also performed in numerous concerts as DJ Diesel.

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Shaquille O’Neal and Kevin Hart have formed an off the court duo over the years and are much celebrated by their fans. Moreover, both Ludacris and Shaq have surprised their fans with their collaborations.The big names that are challenged by O’Neal are some of his closest friends.

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Who do you think will step up to the challenge? Do let us know in the comments below.