If you’ve ever heard the Big Fella speak about his philosophy of life, business and all things creative, you know it’s all about “Do what you like, like what you do!” Shaquille O’Neal doesn’t just live by this motto—he redefines it.
From dominating NBA courts to electrifying crowds as DJ Diesel, Shaq knows how to own the spotlight. But now, the 4x NBA champ is turning his attention to a galaxy far, far away: the $10.3 billion Star Wars franchise…but very likely not in any way you may be thinking about. (BTW… thanks to our friends at EssentiallySports.com for info on this story…)
On a recent episode of the Wynn Las Vegas podcast (yes, there is such a thing!), Shaq spilled the beans on this unexpected leap. Hang with us. It’ll all come clear in a second or two…
O’Neal talked about his music career in EDM (electronic dance music) and the number of original songs he’s created and released over the years. “I’m on 87 now. When I get to 100 songs, I’m gonna release either one album or five albums,” Shaq teased. “And you know where I got that idea from? George Lucas… (he) made me so mad.”
The BIG Podcast with SHAQ
Wait—Star Wars made Shaq mad? Turns out, the unconventional release order of the iconic films left the Big Diesel a little perplexed. Lucas’s decision to drop the prequel trilogy decades after the originals didn’t sit well with a younger Shaq. But rather than stay frustrated, he’s using it as inspiration for his next big project.
“Growing up, I watched Star Wars, Empire Strikes Back, and the other one. Then Lucas came back 20 years later and said, ‘No, that’s not 1, 2, 3. This is 3, 4, 5. Watch 1, 2, 3,’” Shaq explained with a laugh. “Since you want to do that, I’m gonna hit them with the old markers. ‘These are 100 songs, but this is supposed to be the first album, the second album, the third.’”
Shaq’s approach to music has always been about one thing: fun. Back in October, during an appearance on the Creativo podcast, he opened up about what drives him. “Just growing up in the hip-hop culture, music moves me. All types of music… I had a fun mindset. I like to have fun, I’m the ambassador of having fun,” he shared.
Despite his infectious energy and passion, Shaq revealed one big regret in his music career: not having a timeless hit. Speaking on Judging Your Music, he admitted, “I’ve done 100 songs, but I don’t have one that, when you still play it 20 years later, it still hits like that.”
While his debut album Shaq Diesel and his EDM release Gorilla Warfare made waves, the Hall of Famer is still chasing that track that cements his legacy in music.
Even with this lingering goal, Shaq’s love for music hasn’t wavered. He still finds joy in hearing iconic songs that bring back a flood of memories. With his ambitious new plan to release his 100 songs in a Star Wars-style format, Shaq might finally create the timeless hit he’s been seeking.
Will the Big Diesel’s next album rewrite the rules of music just like George Lucas did for cinema? One thing’s for sure: Shaq never does anything halfway. Stay tuned—this is one saga you won’t want to miss.
BTW, if you want to experience some of Shaq’s music – as DJ Diesel, of course – you’d better hop to it and get your tickets for the biggest Big Game party of the year. Shaq’s Fun House is coming to New Orleans, the same weekend that play that pretty important football game in the same town. www.ShaqsFunHouse.com is the place to go.