The world of sports has given us not only memorable games but also athletes who have ventured into hip-hop, showcasing their talents beyond the ball-playing arena.
One prominent example is former Los Angeles Lakers star Shaquille O’Neal. He launched a wildly successful rap career in the 1990s, releasing four studio albums. His debut album, “Shaq Diesel,” went platinum, featuring hit singles like “What’s Up Doc? (Can We Rock)” and “I Know I Got Skillz.” Shaq’s larger-than-life personality translated well into his music, earning him respect in the rap community. His fellow Los Angeles Lakers player, the late Kobe Bryant, also tried his hand at music. He even collaborated with Shaq on “3 X’s Dope” and lent a verse to the remix of Brian McKnight’s “Hold Me.” Though his solo album never came to fruition, Bryant still made guest appearances on other tracks, including a 1999 remix of “Say My Name” by Destiny’s Child.
Damian Lillard is another NBA star who is not afraid to step into the booth. Going by the rap moniker Dame D.O.L.L.A., the Milwaukee Bucks player dropped his debut album, “The Letter O,” in 2016. He followed up with “Confirmed” in 2017, “Big D.O.L.L.A.” in 2019, “Different on Levels the Lord Allowed” in 2021, and “Don D.O.L.L.A. Life Lately Edition” in 2023.
Basketball players aren’t the only known rappers in sports. Chad Thomas, known musically as Major Nine, was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in 2018. Even as he excelled on the field, music was always present in his life. As both a rapper and producer, Thomas worked with several notable names while still in the NFL, including Rick Ross, Raphael Saadiq, and Chris Brown. He has released several mixtapes, including “Soulties” in 2019, “Lil Tape II” in 2019, “Big Tape” in 2019, and “No Pain, No Glory” in 2020, to name a few.
Let’s take a look at several tracks from these athletes-turned-rappers that perfectly showcase their many talents.
Chad Thomas aka Major Nine – “Love Don’t Live Here’
Dame D.O.L.L.A. feat. Yxung Rell – “No Worries”
Shaquille O’Neal – “I Know I Got Skillz”
Le’Veon Bell feat. Lil Durk – “G Code”
Melvin Ingram aka King Mel – “Painting Pictures”
Antonio Brown aka AB – “Put That Sh** On”
Kobe Bryant feat. Tyra Banks – “K.O.B.E.”
Darren Waller – Faith Test
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