DJ Diesel aka Shaq: From Basketball Legend to EDM Superstar

May 21, 2023

Former NBA star Shaquille O’Neal has also created an impressive legacy as a DJ and music producer known as DJ Diesel.

Shaquille O’Neal, widely known as “Shaq,” is a name that resonates with basketball fans around the world. Standing at an imposing 7 feet 1 inch tall and weighing in at over 300 pounds during his playing days, Shaq’s dominance on the basketball court was unmatched.

Shaq’s basketball career is nothing short of extraordinary. With an imposing physique and remarkable agility, he quickly became one of the most dominant players in the NBA. Throughout his 19-year career, Shaq played for several teams, including the Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, Phoenix Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers, and finally for the Boston Celtics before retiring. His list of accomplishments is remarkable, with four NBA championships, three NBA Finals MVP awards, and 15 All-Star selections to his name. Shaq’s powerful presence on the court, combined with his charismatic personality, made him a global sensation.

dj diesel shaq playing in front of a crowd

Is Shaq a DJ?

What many of Shaq’s basketball fans may not know his that his talents extend far beyond the realm of sports. In addition to being a basketball legend, he has also made a significant impact on the music scene as a dubstep DJ.

Under the stage name DJ Diesel, Shaq has performed at major music festivals and venues around the world. Some EDM fans still call him Shaq or DJ Shaq. His sets are a unique blend of hip-hop, dubstep, and other genres, delivering energetic performances that leave audiences in awe. What sets Shaq apart from other celebrity DJs is his genuine passion for music. He doesn’t simply rely on his fame; instead, he has invested time and effort into mastering the art of DJing, honing his skills to become a respected figure in the industry.

Shaq aka DJ Diesel is widely respected by his fellow DJs and producers. In 2018, Shaq was the surprise guest at Excision’s Lost Lands festival in Ohio. Although he had been performing as DJ Diesel for a few years at that point, this appearance was pivotal as it placed him in front of thousands of dubstep fans. At Lost Lands 2018, proved his ability to command a crowd and gained tons of more fans. Excision would have him back at Lost Lands in 2022, and he is set to play in 2023 as well.

Watch DJ Diesel perform as the surprise special guest at Lost Lands 2018:

In 2019, Shaq played at Tomorrowland in Belgium, which is regarded as one of the largest, most versatile dance music festivals in the world. As DJ Diesel was rising to fame under his new moniker, he was invited to play at this legendary festival.

Watch DJ Diesel (Shaq) play Tomorrowland 2019:

Shaq’s transition from basketball superstar to DJ extraordinaire highlights his versatility and entrepreneurial spirit. He has successfully navigated two entirely different industries, leaving his mark in each. Shaq’s love for music is evident in his dedication to the craft, and he continues to expand his musical endeavors with new releases and collaborations. He even makes an effort to put up-and-coming DJs on, proving his humility in the EDM industry. Pinned to his Twitter profile is a tweet that reads, “Djdieselpromo@gmail.com I don’t care if you have 3 or 30 mil followers, if the music is good I’ll play it in my sets. I check that email daily.”

In addition to sold-out headlining shows and monumental festival performances, Shaq has launched his own event series: Shaq’s Fun House. The immersive event combines elements of a music festival, carnival, and circus to create a one-of-a-kind entertainment extravaganza. Since its inception, Shaq’s Fun House has been hosted in different cities across the United States, often coinciding with major sporting events like the Super Bowl. These unique events typically include a diverse lineup of musical genres, ranging from EDM DJs to hip-hop artists. In addition to the music, attendees can enjoy various carnival-style attractions such as games, rides, and interactive experiences. The DJ has also recently launched a new event series, Shaq’s Bass All Stars, clearly a play on NBA All-Stars.

Does DJ Diesel make music?

DJ Diesel is not only a master on the decks, but he has a talent for music production as well. Not to mention, he’s already made tons of friends in the music industry. He has created EDM songs alongside top producers like Steve Aoki and NGHTMRE, as well as hip-hop stars like Lil Jon and Blackway. He’s also created a number of edits and remixes that he plays during his sets, and that his fellow DJs play for their fans as well.

How old is Shaq O’Neal?

Shaquille O’Neal aka DJ Diesel is currently 51 years old. He was born on March 6, 1972.

Shaq aka DJ Diesel Tour

DJ Diesel is normally touring with multiple festival bookings on the bill. See upcoming DJ Diesel tour dates below:

May 28, 2023	Indy 500 Snake Pit
June 3, 2023	Encore Beach Club, Las Vegas
June 5, 2023	Encore Beach Club, Las Vegas
June 8, 2023	Encore Beach Club, Las Vegas
June 9, 2023	Forbidden Kingdom
June 10, 2023	Encore Beach Club, Las Vegas
June 14, 2023	The Republik, Honolulu
August 5, 2023	HARD Summer, Los Angeles
August 5, 2023	Encore Beach Club, Las Vegas
August 18, 2023	Bass Canyon
August 25, 2023	Piere’s Entertainment Center, Fort Wayne
September 13, 2023	Encore Beach Club, Las Vegas
September 15, 2023	Imagine Music Festival
September 22, 2023	Lost Lands

Check out Shaq aka DJ Diesel on social media platforms:

Listen to DJ Diesel’s songs below:

Ashley

I’ve been a part of the dance music scene for nearly a decade and with Exron for more than half of that time. My first event was Diplo’s Mad Decent but these days you’ll find me at Club Space or the Brooklyn Mirage. Some of my top artists are G Jones, Tipper, Of The Trees, and CharlestheFirst. My favorite genres are techno, experimental bass, and ambient but I’ll get down to anything with a beat!

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