When DaBaby came on The Big Podcast, he briefly told Shaquille O’Neal about his rap accomplishments and how they make him a big part of Charlotte’s culture, the city where he began his hip-hop career. Yet he was dismayed his presence in the city’s cultural landscape didn’t earn him decent treatment at the local NBA game. His entire narration of an experience at a Charlotte Hornets game prompted Shaq to say, “Charlotte Hornets marketing department, somebody needs to be fired.” 

Unfortunately, Shaq’s comment further piles on the Hornets organization’s unfriendly reputation. However, the team is apparently trying to address that.

Shaq and DaBaby talk about the Hornets’ courtside culture

DaBaby is a chart-topping, platinum-selling, Grammy-nominated artist. He’s aware he’s not some minor celebrity. He went to Hornets games and players recognized him or even hung out with him. Yet when he spent “good money,” about six figures a month for eight courtside seats, the Spectrum Center’s management infuriated him.

It may have to do with a 2022 Hornets-Lakers game where then-owner, Michael Jordan was in attendance. DaBaby, in a sparkling purple hat, was courtside with his entourage. The game was briefly paused as security had words with the rapper or someone in his entourage for not wearing the mask right. He was almost kicked out of the game but that incident was inconclusive.

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When Shaq asked about that incident, DaBaby said, “They roll the ball over and say to me ‘Shoot man, Shoot’. I get the ball, I try to get out there, they [Security] try to tackle me, bro.” In contrast, when he goes to Atlanta Hawks’ games, “they treat me like the president.” 

Shaq also weighed in, agreeing that Spectrum and the Hornet’s organization have become notorious for their controlling measures among season ticket holders. Atlanta is the other end of the fan experience in comparison to Charlotte. State Farm Arena will always have celebrities courtside sporting Hawks merch. They put the spotlight on celebs like the one Quavo Night in 2020. Some credit it to 2 Chainz, the rapper who bought into the Hawks’ ownership group.

Shaq may not exactly be demanding a heads roll for the disrespect to DaBaby. However, he’s like many demanding people who get their money’s worth. Perhaps the new Hornets owners have heard it.

Improvements coming to Hornets’ home

Since Michael Jordan completed the $3 billion sale of his stake in the team in 2023, the new owners are trying to rebuild the team and Spectrum Center’s reputation. The team has been in talks with the city of Charlotte regarding the distribution of city-allocated funds for a brand-new practice facility and improvements to the arena.

Along with a standalone state-of-the-art practice facility, upgrades to the arena include suite and club offerings, 2.500 seats, concourse renovations, and – something that would interest DaBaby – seats closer to the court.

Would it bring DaBaby back to the Hornets’ games? Hard to tell. Back in February, he jokingly took his frustration out on his Air Jordans because of the poor treatment in recent games. Hornets loyalists have long contended that the team’s marketing has benefitted from DaBaby’s presence in the arena and for that, he and the fans deserve a lot better.