There’s nothing quite like a dad watching his kid step into the family business. Especially when that business involves packed arenas, slam dunks, and highlight reels. It’s the NBA version of “like father, like son,” and we’re seeing it more than ever. LeBron’s got Bronny. Kenyon Martin’s got KJ. But not every legacy is built on the hardwood. Because sometimes, that “like father, like son” moment isn’t happening on the court—it’s happening in the studio. Just ask Shaquille O’Neal and his son, Myles.

Myles O’Neal has steadily made a name for himself in the fashion world. He has stepped out of his father Shaquille O’Neal’s shadow with confidence and style. He first strutted down Dolce & Gabbana’s Milan runway in June 2017. Signed with IMG Models, Myles has modeled for brands like Fenty, Tommy Hilfiger, and Valentino. With major runway appearances and editorial features in GQ and Vogue, he’s been earning both recognition and serious paychecks as a rising star in a fashion industry that’s worth $276.42 billion (as per Statista).

Despite building a thriving modeling career and amassing a net worth of around $5 million, Myles chose to leave fashion for music, echoing his father’s showmanship. His passion for DJing and electronic music gradually eclipsed the glamour of fashion. It culminated in the release of his much-anticipated singles project. He boldly traded runways for turntables, swapping couture heels for mixer faders, but one that feels “organic” and creatively liberating for him. With Shaq proudly cheering from the sidelines, it’s clear the musical torch has been passed. Reflecting on his journey, Myles shared, “If you would’ve told my homies and my family that I’d be doing this five years ago, they’d be like, ‘No way.’ Because I was doing modeling heavy. Like, runway modeling.”

Myles may have started out slaying runways, but music was always calling his name. He got into DJing seriously in his early 20s. By 2023, he officially dropped his first EDM single, “Superficial”—a catchy house-pop track that marked his arrival as a music artist. He followed it up with “Toxic Love” and “Famous,” showcasing a growing confidence in his sound and production style.

He blends house, electronic, and hip-hop influences in his sets, drawing on Kaytranada and ZHU while adding his own fashion-forward flair. With shows across cities like Miami and Vegas, and bookings at fashion week afterparties, Myles is steadily carving out a unique lane in the music scene. The beats are bold, the vision is clear—and he’s just getting started.

Let’s take a deeper dive into the legacy and unravel the lesser-known but powerful story of Shaq’s journey in music.

From the court to the mic: Shaquille O’Neal’s hip-hop legacy

When most people hear “Shaquille O’Neal,” they think basketball legend, four-time NBA champion, or one of the most dominant centers the game has ever seen. But off the court, Shaq has always had a deep love for music. In October 1993, Shaquille O’Neal released his debut rap album Shaq Diesel on Jive Records. It shot to No. 25 on the Billboard 200 and No. 10 on the R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. The album was certified platinum on March 21, 1994, for shipping one million copies.

The album’s lead singles “What’s Up Doc? (Can We Rock)” and “(I Know I Got) Skillz” both reached the top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100, with the former peaking at No. 39 and the latter at No. 35. Both earned gold certification for 500,000 units sold. Shaq Diesel featured heavyweight collaborators such as Phife Dawg of A Tribe Called Quest, Def Jef, and the Fu-Schnickens, and was produced by East Coast luminaries Erick Sermon, Ali Shaheed Muhammad, and K-Cut.

 In the 2010s, Shaq rebranded himself as DJ Diesel, swapping out rap verses for EDM beats. It started as a fun side project, but Shaq took it seriously. In June 2015, he made a splash at TomorrowWorld, delivering a high-energy 15-minute set that had festivalgoers cheering. This was after training with The Chainsmokers for months, to prove his commitment to the craft. Fans at Bonnaroo, Electric Forest, and Lost Lands echo those vibes. They lauded him as “an entertainer first, a DJ second,” praising his bass-heavy, crowd-rallying mixes.

Beyond large-scale festivals, Shaq has also created Shaq’s Fun House. It’s a Miami-based EDM carnival launched in March 2018 alongside Ultra Week, featuring stilt walkers, flamethrowers, and performances by both Shaq and top DJs. Big Diesel aims to scale the concept globally

What’s clear is that music is part of Shaquille O’Neal’s DNA. Shaq’s journey through music is as bold and unfiltered as the man himself. And now, as his son Myles O’Neal charts his own path behind the decks, the O’Neal dynasty is proving once again that versatility and showmanship run in the family.