“I do it because it gives me the same feeling as basketball,” said Shaquille O’Neal once about his love for music. The basketball legend known for his towering presence both on and off the court, has always had a deep love for the art form. From dropping his own rap albums in the ‘90s to becoming a sought-after EDM DJ in recent years, Shaq’s connection to music has been as dynamic as his larger-than-life personality. However, in a surprising twist, this passion for music has now shaped his outlook on dating.

In a recent video on the Campus YouTube channel, Shaq took the role of a judge when he was introduced to Kaylan Udell’s innovative business idea—an app called Soundmate. Unlike conventional dating apps, Soundmate connects users based on their shared music tastes, creating a more meaningful way to find romantic connections. Shaq was visibly impressed by the concept, saying, “I like Kaylan, cause i have a weird taste in music. So if you’re 52 and you like white guy classics, we can definitely date, seriously.“

Shaq’s love for music has been a defining aspect of his life. In the mid-’90s, he ventured into rap with albums like Shaq Diesel and You Can’t Stop the Reign, which showcased his lyrical skills and earned him a spot in hip-hop history. Fast forward to today, Shaq has reinvented himself as DJ Diesel, a force in the EDM scene, performing at major music festivals like Tomorrowland, Lollapalooza, and Electric Forest alongside artists like Steve Aoki, Diplo, DJ Carnage, Von Miller, etc.

“I went to a concert five years ago, TomorrowWorld. And I saw a half a million people, no cops, no fights, just jammin. And it gave me something that I’ve been missing since I retired. It gave me that adrenaline boost, ’cause that’s all I live for,” said Shaq on how he got inspired by EDM.

Moreover, this revelation comes years after Shaq’s high-profile breakup with his ex-wife Shaunie O’Neal. The two first met in 1996 when the seven-footer just had joined the Los Angeles Lakers from Orlando Magic and tied the knot in 2002 in a secret wedding. Together, they shared a glamorous life, raising five children and navigating Shaq’s demanding basketball career. However, their relationship hit rocky waters, and the couple officially divorced in 2011, citing irreconcilable differences.

“Looking back, I don’t know that I was ever really in love with the man, but I was in love with the idea of being married to the man I had a family with,” said Shaunie in her memoir.

As Shaq continues to dominate new arenas, from business judging panels to EDM stages, his quirky dating demand is a testament to his ever-evolving personality. And who knows? Perhaps Soundmate might even lead Shaq to his next great duet

Dating world on the sidelines for Shaquille O’Neal.

O’Neal ended his marriage with Shaunie O’Neal in 2009 after seven years of marriage and eventually got divorced in 2011. While maintaining a cordial relationship with Shaunie as co-parents to their children, Shaq hasn’t truly embraced the dating world.

According to Ranker, the seven-footer, gave another relationship a chance almost six times. This includes Annie Ilonzeh, Dominica Westling, and Karrine Steffans among others. But all of these reportedly came during his final years of marriage with Shaunie and none seem to have captured his heart.

The most recent of his dating rumors came around in September, when a social media influencer by the name of Maria Ozuna Teachey, took to Instagram to post a mirror selfie of her and a muscular man, whose face did not fit in the frame. The hands were speculated to be of Shaq. “Unapologetically us …. Can yall guess who feet?” read the caption of the post.

To make everything clear, Shaq had posted a compilation video from his account, where he posed the same with every woman. “Is this my girlfriend too, trust me I’ll let yall know who my woman is, and by the way my woman name is Shaqirah,” he teased. There were further claims from Teachey, but the Big Diesel did not comment. That has been the last of the rumors for Shaq. Maybe he is busy tending to the business needs.