From dominating basketball courts around the world to throwing down electrifying DJ sets at some of the biggest music festivals, Shaq lives by one simple rule. Go where the energy is. And right now, that energy might just be coming from Ivory Dubz (stage name: IVORY), a rising star in the bass music scene who could have the NBA legend turned DJ Diesel booking a long-haul flight in no time.
At first glance, a connection between a dubstep and grime producer and a four-time NBA champion might seem unlikely. But a few years back, Shaq took notice. The pair then collaborated on a track called “Moshpit,” which was released in September 2021. NITTI produced the track, while IVORY and Shaq co-wrote the lyrics. After that, in September 2024, Ivory and Shaq announced another project, after which Ivory was seen hanging out at Shaq’s mansion in Las Vegas. Now, a new collaboration might be in sight.
Shaquille O’Neal wasted no time hyping up the track on social media. He shared a clip of the song in his Instagram story, captioning it: ‘The do it again .’ His love for IVORY’s bass-driven sound is no secret, and this reaction proves he’s more locked in than ever.
The story successfully built hype around the track, but the track itself seemed to energize Shaquille O’Neal even more. He commented on the video of the song, “I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. @ivorydubz is the mf GOAT ,” further cementing his love for Ivory.
Then he commented, “THAT’S IT I’M MOVING TO FRANCE (pack your bags @highzombiesound),” as he was willing to travel the 5,095 miles to France. Before adopting the moniker DJ Diesel, Shaq was already an established rapper. Even as his NBA career took center stage, Shaq never truly left music behind. Now, as DJ Diesel, he’s bringing that same larger-than-life energy to EDM.
From NBA Superstar to Mic Controller: Shaq’s Underrated Rap Career
Long before Shaquille O’Neal became DJ Diesel and took the EDM scene by storm, Shaq had already made his mark in the rap world. Unlike many athletes who dabble in music as a side hobby with mixed success, Shaq’s rap career was legitimate. His debut album, Shaq Diesel (1993), surprised the hip-hop industry by going platinum, making him the only NBA player to achieve such a feat. Tracks like (I Know I Got) Skillz and What’s Up Doc? (Can We Rock) showcased his lyrical ability and his grit to hold his own alongside established artists.
Shaq didn’t stop at one album. He followed up with three more. These were: Shaq-Fu: Da Return (1994), You Can’t Stop the Reign (1996), and Respect (1998). Diesel collaborated with legends like Notorious B.I.G., Jay-Z, and Rakim. While his flow may not have rivaled the elite MCs of his era, his deep voice and commanding presence fit well with the hard-hitting beats of ‘90s hip-hop.
Despite shifting his focus back to basketball and later reinventing himself as DJ Diesel, Shaq’s impact on rap remains noteworthy. He paved the way for athlete-musicians, proving that an NBA star could drop bars and earn industry respect. Shaq’s passion for music never faded; it evolved – fusing his hip-hop roots with the bass-heavy intensity of EDM.
Shaq has never been one to hesitate. Whether it’s dunking on defenders or dropping beats that shake the crowd. If the bass is deep and the energy is right, DJ Diesel might just be packing his bags for France
The post Xyo Artist’s Latest Release Might Lure Shaquille O’Neal 5,095 Miles Away From Home As Past Collab Details Emerge appeared first on EssentiallySports.