Shaquille O’Neal Admits Initially Refusing $10 Million for Only Three Albums: “Even Though I’m Shaq, I’m Still a Kid”

Shaquille O’Neal’s skillset is not restricted by the confinements of a basketball court. Apart from being an NBA Hall of Famer, Shaq is also a successful businessman, investor, DJ, events organizer, and star rapper. O’Neal also appeared in various Hollywood movies and music videos during his NBA days. However, Big Diesel had different plans than most other young athletes when he came into the NBA in 1992.

Recently, Shaquille O’Neal made an appearance at the Drink Champs podcast hosted by N.O.R.E & DJ EFN. The host asked Shaq if he felt he was the best basketball rapper of all time. The four-time NBA champ stated that he believed himself to be the best basketball rapper not because of his bars but because of his discography.

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O’Neal figured out that musicians and athletes come from the same place. Hence, if Shaq was not on the court, he liked to enjoy rapping, and on the court, he was like Dr. J.

Shaquille O’Neal got a surprising offer

Shaq shared that while everybody wanted to buy a $2,000 suits and brag about it, he wanted to rap with his favorite rap group, the Fu-Schnikens. O’Neal gave out his first performance with his favorite rapping group on Arsenio Hall’s late-night show in 1992. The energetic performance from Shaq attracted the attention of a famous record label.

The 15-time All-Star’s agent called him and revealed that Jive records had offered $10 million for three albums. Shaq was shocked by the news because he never thought he could make it as a professional rapper. Shaquille O’Neal added, “For me, just meeting you guys was a pleasure. Even though I’m Shaq, I’m still a kid.”

Shaq eventually accepted the deal

Shaq initially had some reservations about doing the albums. But the $10 million offer cleared all his doubts. The three-time Finals MVP released his first album with Jive, called the ‘Shaq Diesel’ in 1993. Shaq’s debut album managed to get to the 35th spot on the Billboard 200.

The former Lakers star made four studio albums, two compilation albums, two soundtracks, one unreleased album, and nine singles during his discography and rapping career.

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Thus, there is very little doubt that Shaq is arguably the best basketball rapper in the NBA. What do you think about Shaq’s rapping skills? Let us know your thoughts in the comments