Shaquille O'Neal

Building on his popularity as the most recognizable superstar in the NBA, Shaquille O’Neal entered the rap game in 1993. Often criticized for his dubious lyrical content, Shaq has nevertheless had access to some of the most capable producers and MCs in hip-hop. Featuring production by Def Jef, Erick Sermon, and Ali Shaheed Muhammad and propelled by hit singles “(I Know I Got) Skillz” and “What’s Up Doc? (Can We Rock),” his debut SHAQ DIESEL eventually went platinum. The follow-up, SHAQ FU: THE RETURN, came out a year later and saw Shaq working with Method Man, the Rza, Redman, Keith Murray, and Warren G, among others. In 1996, Shaq returned to the studio for YOU CAN’T STOP THE REIGN, collaborating with Mobb Deep, Jay-Z, and the Notorious B.I.G.