Shaquille O’Neal Says He Was Offered $10 Million From Jive Records To Put Out 3 Rap Albums

October 10, 2022 by Ariel Whitely in Sports with 0 Comments

Shaquille ‘Shaq’ O’Neal

Shaquille O’Neal Says He Was Offered $10 Million From Jive Records To Put Out 3 Rap Albums

Is Shaquille O’Neal the best basketball rapper in the NBA?

Aside from being a professional basketball legend, Shaquille O’Neal recently spoke on his resume as a rapper with a multimillion-dollar record deal.

Shaquille O’Neal

During an appearance at the “Drink Champs” podcast hosted by N.O.R.E. and DJ EFN, former Los Angeles Lakers star Shaquille O’Neal recalled the time he received a surprising offer from a famous record label. The four-time NBA champion shared the story when his agent called him and revealed that Jive Records had offered $10 million for three albums.

Shaquille O’Neal

According to Shaquille O’Neal (known commonly as Shaq), his first performance with his favorite rap group the Fu-Schnikens on “The Arsenio Hall Show” in 1992 attracted the attention of Jive Records. Initially shocked by the news, the 50-year-old sports analyst shared,

“My agent called me and said ‘man, you ain’t gone believe this.’ I said ‘what?’ He said Jive offered you $10 million for three albums. And I’m like, ‘bro, $10 million?’”

Shaq added,

“[I] Never wanted to be a rapper, never wanted to do an album. You know for me, just meeting you guys is a pleasure. Even though I’m Shaq, I’m still a kid.”

Shaq eventually accepted the pricey 8-figure deal. According to reports, he played in the NBA from 1992 until 2011. In 1993, the former NBA baller signed to Jive Records and released his debut album, “Shaq Diesel,” that same year.

Shaq’s first album peaked at number 25 on the Billboard 200, number 10 on R&B/Hip-Hop Albums, and was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). He made four studio albums, two compilation albums, two soundtracks, one unreleased album, and nine singles during his music and rapping career.