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AUSTIN, TX – OCTOBER 14: American Express Brings Together Rapper Travis Scott and Sports Legend Shaquille O’Neal at Austin City Limits Festival on October 14, 2018 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Rick Kern/Getty Images for American Express)

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AUSTIN, TX – OCTOBER 14: American Express Brings Together Rapper Travis Scott and Sports Legend Shaquille O’Neal at Austin City Limits Festival on October 14, 2018 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Rick Kern/Getty Images for American Express)
Very few NBA players enjoy a successful post-basketball career. Whether it be poor choices or improper business decisions, inevitably, their name fizzles out. However, there are exceptions to this case. Shaquille O’Neal is a man of many talents. While he earned his reps in the basketball world, the 7-foot giant hasn’t been shy of expanding his endeavors. Whether it be as an analyst on TV or a DJ in a concert, Shaq has cracked the showbiz industry.
His passion for music is clearly evident, so it was no surprise to see the big man endorsing other up-and-coming singers and their hits.
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Shaquille O’Neal is a fan of the new music kid on the block
The NBA’s love affair with the music industry traces back decades. Whether it was Spike Lee’s presence at Madison Square Garden or Magic Johnson’s celebrity tail, the NBA and music industry go hand-in-hand.
In just a few short years, Shaq has become a name in the music industry. ‘DJ Diesel’ is a common feature on a lot of shows, and Shaq’s connections certainly help matters. Plus, his keen business acumen has further helped him take a step above the rest.

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(Photo by Mikey Williams/Top Rank Inc via Getty Images)
That was clearly evident when the business mogul recorded a music video at Home Depot. While the choice would seem unconventional, it came days after the DM controversy and even got a shoutout from rapper Russ. As a result, the song became an instant hit.
Now, the four-time NBA champion is back. Showing off his impressive physique and lifting weights, Shaq had a special shout-out in mind. Gillie da Kid, most famous for his controversy with Lil Wayne, has a daughter who is just entering the music world, Nyla. With her new song set to drop in August, the big man’s endorsement to his 31 million followers could surely help.
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But, there was one small detail that fans also took notice of. For years, the true critique of Shaquille O’Neal was his work ethic and his training. With this video, it seems like the former MVP has taken those shots personally.
Is Shaq removing the work ethic stigma?
When you are unanimously regarded as the most dominant player ever, finding flaws in your game is a hard task. In his prime, O’Neal was a dominating presence in the post and could run the fast break with the best of them.
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Moreover, he was a shift ball-handler as well, while having an extremely soft touch around the basket. All in all, he was the complete package. However, there was a solitary attribute against his game. Most people agreed that the 15-time All-Star didn’t take care of his body.
Even his own teammate and the man he won three championships with, the late Kobe Bryant, called him out. One time, the ‘Black Mamba’ famously said that Shaq would have won 7 or 8 rings with his work ethic. But, it seems like the former number 1 overall pick has listened to the criticism.
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More importantly, he’s welcomed it and incorporated a more healthy lifestyle, leading to a 50-pound weight loss since his retirement. And the results are clear to see.
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