Shaquille O'Neal Lands $10 Million Record Deal After TV Performance

Shaquille O'Neal's name is synonymous with dominance on the basketball court, but few know about his successful rap career. The 2000 NBA MVP has produced four albums and sold two million copies, making him the most successful athlete-turned-rapper in the hip-hop industry.

What sparked Shaq's rap career?

Shaq's rap career began when he made an appearance on the 'Arsenio Hall Show' and performed with the popular hip-hop group Fu-Schnickens. "I used to like doing certain stuff all the time. So I get to the 'Arsenio Hall Show.' He said, 'Man, we want you to do something.' I like being different. I'm not coming in in those suits and talking. I want to rap," Shaq disclosed.

How did Shaq's performance lead to a record deal?

Shaq's performance didn't go unnoticed, as executives at Jive Records immediately touched base with his agent. "So the next day my agent said, 'Man, something weird happened.' I said, 'What?' He said, 'Jive just offered you $10 million. $10 million for three albums.' I was like, 'I'm gonna do it.' He's like, 'You want to be a rapper?'" Shaq recalled.

What made Shaq's rap career successful?

Shaq took a different approach to his rap career, collaborating with top artists like Notorious BIG and Jay-Z. "Listen, I'm real. Nobody want to hear 17 songs by myself. I know this. I understand that," Shaq continued. "But if I get Biggie on there, if I get Jay-Z on there, if I get Erick Sermon, Redman... You know what I'm saying?" Shaq's third album, "You Can't Stop the Reign," saw him work with hip-hop legends like Notorious BIG and Jay-Z, while his fourth, "Respect," saw him collaborate with Redman and DJ Quik.

What does Shaq's rap career reveal about him?

Shaq's rap career reveals his willingness to take risks and try new things. He was a savvy pitchman for numerous products and even starred in several films in the 1990s, including "Kazaam" and "Steel," movies in which he was the leading man. However, he was most successful as a rapper, with his debut album, "Shaq Diesel," reaching No. 25 on the Billboard 200 chart and platinum status.