Shaq Details Running Into Tupac Wearing His Jersey

BYAron A.Updated on5.7K Views
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Shaquille O'Neal speaks during The Celebration of Life for Kobe & Gianna Bryant at Staples Center on February 24, 2020 in Los Angeles, California.

Shaq describes running into Tupac back in the day.

Shaq is an enigma of sorts. Though plenty of rappers love basketball, and many of them can hoop as well, there aren't as many basketball players that have been able to transition into music in the way that Shaq did. Nonetheless, we all know that there's a mutual admiration among basketball players and rappers.

You might recall a photo of Tupac that's surfaced wearing Shaq's jersey with the Orlando Magic. It's not uncommon of rappers to wear NBA jerseys but in a recent interview with Complex, Shaq recalled actually running into 'Pac on the day that photo was taken.

"I saw him that night he had the jersey on. And I just gave him a hug. I just gave him dabs. He was like, 'Wassup, Dies?' And I was like, 'Wassup, 'Pac?' and that was it. I used to see him all the time in L.A but never got the chance to sit down with him and conversate," Shaq said. He added that even though it was L.A. and they moved with their own people at the club, he said it was always love.

After being asked about which celebrity surprised him the most by wearing his jersey, he explained that he's never necessarily surprised by anyone wearing his jersey. However, he acknowledged the significance of Biggie and 'Pac both rocking his jersey at one point in time. "I know most rappers love basketball so I know that. I try to give them the same enjoyment they gave me," Shaq said. "I'mma have to go with 'Pac. And I think Biggie wore a Laker jersey one time so probably those two."


About The Author
Aron A. is a features editor for HotNewHipHop. Beginning his tenure at HotNewHipHop in July 2017, he has comprehensively documented the biggest stories in the culture over the past few years. Throughout his time, Aron’s helped introduce a number of buzzing up-and-coming artists to our audience, identifying regional trends and highlighting hip-hop from across the globe. As a Canadian-based music journalist, he has also made a concerted effort to put spotlights on artists hailing from North of the border as part of Rise & Grind, the weekly interview series that he created and launched in 2021. Aron also broke a number of stories through his extensive interviews with beloved figures in the culture. These include industry vets (Quality Control co-founder Kevin "Coach K" Lee, Wayno Clark), definitive producers (DJ Paul, Hit-Boy, Zaytoven), cultural disruptors (Soulja Boy), lyrical heavyweights (Pusha T, Styles P, Danny Brown), cultural pioneers (Dapper Dan, Big Daddy Kane), and the next generation of stars (Lil Durk, Latto, Fivio Foreign, Denzel Curry). Aron also penned cover stories with the likes of Rick Ross, Central Cee, Moneybagg Yo, Vince Staples, and Bobby Shmurda.