“That’s my family… deeper than even the title of a godfather” — Shaquille O’Neal to Cory Gunz is clearly more than just what titles like mentor or godfather represent. The 37-year-old rapper doesn’t often bring up his relationship with the 4x NBA champ, but whenever he does, it seems he could keep talking about how great the former LA Lakers star is.

But since the relationship between the two is not often brought up, not many fans know about Shaq’s godson. So let’s have a closer look at more details on the 37-year-old rapper, and what he has to say about Big Diesel.

From the Bronx to the Big Stage

Born on June 22, 1987, Peter Cory Pankey, Jr. (popularly known as Cory Gunz) isn’t just another rapper trying to make it big. He’s someone with roots deeply tied to New York’s hip-hop scene. If not him, you might have heard about his father, Peter Gunz, from the popular rapper duo of Lord Tariq and Peter Gunz.

Cory’s father even featured in multiple tracks by Shaquille O’Neal like Strait Playin’ and The Way It’s Goin’ Down. It’s most likely that the common love for music developed into a bond of friendship between Shaq and Peter. And that’s how the 4x NBA champ came to be Cory’s godfather. No wonder he makes subtle moves, like working out on his godson’s track to promote him.

However, there is no denying that the 37-year-old carved his own path in the music industry. If you’re a fan of Lil Wayne’s 2010 hit 6 Foot 7 Foot then you’ve already heard Cory’s rapid-fire rhymes. His guest appearance on the track helped skyrocket him into the spotlight. Peaking at number nine on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning septuple platinum status. Pretty impressive, right? However, Cory’s journey didn’t start there.

He was only 14 when Tommy Mottola, one of the most powerful music execs out there, signed him to Casablanca Records and Def Jam Recordings. Not bad for a teenager from the Bronx! He even caught the attention of Jay-Z, who helped him land a deal with The Island Def Jam Music Group. And if that wasn’t enough, Cory was featured on a remix of Rihanna’s If It’s Lovin’ That You Want which put him even further on the map.

Cory Gunz’s immense respect for Shaquille O’Neal

The 37-year-old raper’s bond with Shaq is more than just a ceremonial title. For Cory, Shaq has been a pillar of constant support and guidance. It’s the kind of relationship that’s lasted through the years, something Cory doesn’t bring up often but clearly values. Do not trust us? Hear out from the rapper himself in one of the rare instances when he spoke about Shaq.

During his appearance on Almanac of Rap, Gunz was asked about what it feels like to have Shaq as his godfather. “He’s every guy… Mentor… He’s everything… But more importantly, he’s hip hop,” he replied on the show. Not only does Gunz admire the 4x NBA champ’s talent in hip hop, but has also been spotted with him on music events more than once. But as much as Shaq wants to help him, Cory doesn’t want their relationship to be about that.

“In my musical journey… you haven’t seen him over, like, as much as he wants to… Plenty conversations I had with him where he’s like, ‘Yo, I’m about to just take over… Take over this whole situation’… but I’m like, ‘Yo, big, let me’… and he’s doing it out of the kindness…” Gunz said on Almanac of Rap.  

But it’s not as if the 15x NBA All-Star plays no major role in Gunz’s life just because of the above scenario. In fact, the 37-year-old mentioned that a lot of the things he is moving ahead are because of Shaq. “Motivational wise, whether it’s mental, like, anything. He’s helping me,” he added. Well, there is no denying that Shaquille O’Neal is one great motivation for anyone to have. As for the godfather-godson duo, all we can hope as fans is for them to come up with a banger of a track.