The man. The myth. The Diesel.

Twenty-five years ago, Shaquille O’Neal’s full-length debut studio album Shaq Diesel was released. At the time, the young center for the Orlando Magic was still a fresh face in the Association. The year was 1993; he was drafted in 1992. Even so, the 7-footer went on to become a fresh face, and voice, in yet another entertainment industry: music.

To date, O’Neal has accomplished many, many things off the basketball court. There appear to be no limits for him. He’s done everything from basketball to commercials to movies to education to broadcast commentating to fatherhood to sneakers to…you get the picture. Phew! Luckily for me, I’m only here to focus on his music.

Yes, the man has made music – and good music at that. He raps. As a fan of both sports and rap/hip-hop, I’ve taken it upon myself to review the Basketball Hall of Famer’s first album. Stashed inside of the NBA vault are some “dope” beats and “funky” rhymes. Let’s go back.

O’Neal’s ’93 effort is a force to be reckoned with, much like the big man was himself on the court. I think pretty highly of this album; it’s a very listenable body of work. The 12-track LP is made up of an intro, 10 songs, and a skit. I only review the 10 songs, though; I do not review the intro or the skit.

GIPHY.com

Since the mid-2000s, the website DJBooth.net has been a main staple for exclusive online hip-hop content. As a music fan, I’ve been visiting the Booth for years. In honor of the popular and highly respected site, I decided to rate O’Neal’s album by adopting a rating scale similar to the one the site used to use for its album reviews.

Numerically, the ratings go from one to five, with one being the lowest possible rating and five being the highest possible rating. Also, instead of using the common term “stars” for the ratings, I use the term “spins,” for its obvious musical relevance. The term “spins,” of course, references a DJ spinning a record on a turntable; it can also reference a compact disc in rotation as it is being played in a CD player.

With me so far? Good.

In more detail, each specific rating on the rating scale is as follows: wack (1 spin), not good (1.5 spins), needs improvement (2 spins), below average (2.5 spins), average (3 spins), above average (3.5 spins), solid (4 spins), nearly classic (4.5 spins), and classic (5 spins).

Got it? Great.

Here’s how this review is set up. First, each song on the album will be rated individually. Afterward, the album will be rated as a whole – the sum of its parts.

The following review is my own individual take on Shaq Diesel. It does NOT reflect the views or opinions of anybody associated with the DJBooth.net staff or anyone else – just to be clear. The songs are listed in the order they appear on the album. Let’s dig in.

#1 (I Know I Got) Skillz

featuring Def Jef

Song Rating: Classic (5 Spins)

Comment: The “Shaq Attaq” starts his debut album as strongly as he possibly could have. Listening to this track, you’d have never known O’Neal was new to music at the time. Let him tell it, rapping is just like hooping: he’s already a legend. Trust me, you’re gonna replay this one over and over – I know I do. Referencing his famous athletic abilities, Diesel proudly boasts, “All you jealous punks can’t stop my dunks!” The way I see it, his lyrical abilities deserve some attention, too. He can hold his own.

#2 I’m Outstanding

Song Rating: Classic (5 Spins)

Comment: While the title of the track does come across as being narcissistic, in many ways, it’s justified, right? I mean, think about it. A guy like O’Neal – with his size, athleticism, personality, and vast skill set – DEFINITELY stands out from the crowd. Even so, don’t worry – Diesel will not rub you the wrong way on here. If anything, this song has more of an autobiographical feel to it. It’s about a grateful person reflecting on his life’s journey to success. Also, his claims of being outstanding are more about appreciation than egotism. Hey, dreams really do come true, as it turns out.

#3 Where Ya At?

featuring Phife Dawg

Song Rating: Above Average (3.5 Spins)

Comment: Hmm…let’s see here. A Phife Dawg guest spot. Usage of the slang word “phat.” And MC Hammer gets mentioned. Oh yeah, this track is CLEARLY a ‘90s cut, through and through. Most definitely.

#4 I Hate 2 Brag

Song Rating: Above Average (3.5 Spins)

Comment: Considering that rappers often do brag when they rhyme, the song’s contradictory hook is a perfect fit.

#5 Let Me In, Let Me In

Song Rating: Average (3 Spins)

Comment: Diesel sends a stern message to all the gold diggers out there: you can’t play him, so don’t even try. This is the only average track on the album, if you ask me. It’s also one of the shortest songs on the album, so you’ll be on to the next one before you know it.

#6 Shoot Pass Slam

Song Rating: Nearly Classic (4.5 Spins)

Comment: Why must the big men of the game be so narrowly recognized for a single trait: the ability to slam dunk? Why, oh, why? Shaq Attaq asks his comrades if they want to see him shoot the ball, pass it, or slam it. Guess which option they choose…of course! Well then, get out the way or be posterized. SLAM! On second thought, considering how notoriously inconsistent O’Neal was at the free-throw line, maybe it is best if he just sticks to dunks.

#7 Boom!

Song Rating: Nearly Classic (4.5 Spins)

Comment: Like “Let Me In, Let Me In” above, “Boom!” is one of the shortest songs on the album. Unlike that previous track, however, this banger is a fun ride from start to finish. All I can say is, “Turn up the volume!”

#8 Are You a Roughneck?

Song Rating: Solid (4 Spins)

Comment: I’m seriously thinking about tracking down and interviewing one of O’Neal’s schoolmates from kindergarten to try confirming if he actually went by the nickname “Shaq-Fu” as a tike. I mean, honestly, who can keep up with all of this man’s nicknames, anyway? Sheesh! He’s got a ton of ‘em, doesn’t he?!?!

#9 Giggin’ On ‘Em

featuring Phife Dawg

Song Rating: Classic (5 Spins)

Comment: The ending of this song alone makes it so much fun to listen to, despite the impressive effort O’Neal also puts into his two verses. This is one of the album’s catchiest tracks. You’ll be hooked. Beware of Shaquille Rashaun, folks. Beware. He might just gig on you.

#10 What’s Up Doc? (Can We Rock)

featuring FU-Schnickens

Song Rating: Solid (4 Spins)

Comment: This upbeat, lyrical, vintage cut closes out the album quite nicely. Can you catch all the pop-culture references? There are a lot of them on here. Tweety Bird. Speedy Gonzales. Bruce Lee. Batman. Tony Danza. And that’s just to name a few.

Amazon.com

Album Rating: Solid (4 Spins)

Comment: In America, the game of basketball has been synonymous with hip-hop culture for a long time; albums such as this are part of the reason why. This is ‘90s rap done right…by a recording artist who was even better as a professional athlete. What else needs to be said? I see you, Shaq! I see you.