Shaq the NBA's Platinum Rapper Retires on Day #1 of NBHHCM 2K11

by Dunkadelic King23 | June 2, 2011 at 11:38 am

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June 2, 2011-Shaquille O'Neal played 19-years in the NBA and retired from the game yesterday on the first day of NBHHCM (National Basketball & Hip-Hop Culture Month) 2K11.

Shaq was the first-star player in the league to officially introduce the league to the hip-hop culture.

O'Neal made his rapping debut on the Aresenio Hall show in 1992 with the Fu-Schnickens and showed his rap skills with the song "What's Up Doc!" His first album released in 1993 'Shaq Diesel' went certified platinum and Shaq became the official rapper of the NBA.

Shaq released his debut album the same time that Notorious B.I.G. was recording his debut album and Biggie even gave Shaq some props in the rap song 'Gimme the Loot,' Give me the baby rings and a #1 MOM pendant. I'm slamming ni??az like Shaquille. Sh?t is real.

Shaq and Biggie in 1997 would come together on Shaq's album 'Can't Stop the Reign.' The song didn't much play but it was a nice collaboration with Shaq and the legendary rap-star.

Earlier this year Shaq appeared on ESPN and discussed that he was invited by Biggie to the west-coast release party for his second album 'Life After Death.' Shaq fell asleep and missed the party. Biggie would't see his friend Shaq, and fatally shot and died in a LA hospital.

Shaq's rap skills were average at best but the big-man was the first NBA star to bring the hoops and hip-hop culture to the mainstream. If that's his legacy to the hoops and hip-hop culture when President Obama signs a Presidential Proclamation proclaiming June 2011 or 2012 NBHHCM Shaq will be a main reason why America celebrates NBHHCM each year.

The "NBA 30-for-30" during NBHHCM 2K11 honors the Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers have June 2, 2011 dedicated to them. The franchise is second to the Boston Celtics with 16 NBA Championships. The Celtics had June 1, 2011 dedicated to them.

The "NBA 30-for30" honors each of the 30 NBA teams during the 30-days of June during NBHHCM 2K11.

The Lakers will retire Shaq's number 34 jersey. He won 3 NBA Championships, 3 Finals MVP Awards, and the NBA MVP Award in 2000.