FanNation

OK, with this being the hip-hop fan group, you know where I am going with this. How many of us knew that Shaquille O'Neal released 6 rap albums from 1993-2001? Shoot, how many of us knew that he actually released a "Best Of" album in 2001? I'm sure not that many people knew that, because after his playing and acting career, rapping is something that people do not associate with Shaq Diesel. Co-signed by Erick Sermon, and Ali Shaheed Muhammad and Phife Dawg from a Tribe Called Quest, Shaquille O'Neal, either solo or with the group the Fu-Schnickens, would spend much of the 1990's reminding us in bars and hooks of just how dominant he is.

In 1993, his second year in the League, Shaq released Shaq Diesel. The 12 track album reached number 25 in the Billboard Top 100 Charts, and number 10 in the Hip-Hop album charts. The singles "I'm Outstanding", and Shoot Pass Slam, both featuring Erick Sermon, were minor hits in the United States. Although the album went platinum, the consensus was that Shaq cannot rap. However, this did not stop him from releasing Shaq Fu: Da Return in 1994. This album featured production from RZA (of the Wu-Tang Clan) and guest featurings from Method Man and Redman. The album went gold, but was considered a flop.

The resilient one himself came back in 1996 with another gold album, You Can't Stop the Reign. This album was star studded with guest appearances from Jay-Z, Rakim, Bobby Brown, Mobb Deep, and the late great Notorious B.I.G. Although the hip-hop community criticized his rhyming skills, Shaq definitely used his celebrity to pull in these featured MC's. The Biggie featured "Still Can't Stop The Reign" pushed this album towards it's gold status and gave Shaq the impetus to keep going in the game. Respect (released in 1998) and Presents his Super Friends (released in 2001) were critical and commercial flops. The Super Friends album did have some major players in the game (Dr. Dre, Ludacris, Mos Def, and Talib Kweli) but due to some label issues the promotion behind the album was non-existent. After, this disappointment, Shaq effectively ended his rap career.

Now, I respect Shaq for his playing career but that's where it ends. The man can't rap. Sorry, he just can't. However, it was the time where athletes wanted to rap. This was the era of Deion Sanders (Must Be The Money), and before Kobe and A.I.'s short lived careers. Basically, these guys should stick to what they do best which is play ball. If you do not believe me, you can listen to these links and make up your minds for yourselves.

As always thanks for reading.

Shoot Pass Slam: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBXvNGdjM8E

I Know I Got Skillz: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFZkKV-CR5E

Can't Stop The Reign: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ulkdmeQLjE&feature=related