DJ DIESEL Releases Debut Album ‘GORILLA WARFARE’ on Monstercat

DJ DIESEL, also known as the legendary Shaquille O’Neal, releases debut dubstep album, ‘GORILLA WARFARE’ on Monstercat.

From basketball to bass music, Shaquille O’Neal is a man of many talents. Known on stage as DIESEL, the legendary producer and self-proclaimed dubstep dad just released his debut album ‘GORILLA WARFARE’ on Monstercat. 

An homage to his hip-hop origins and celebrating his love for dubstep, DIESEL’s ‘GORILLA WARFARE’ is the culmination of his evolution in the electronic music industry. Although most know him as an NBA icon, DIESEL has always felt connected to music. Lately, he’s been shaking festival grounds with grimy beats and his debut album is a testament to his future as a producer. 

‘GORILLA WARFARE’ is 10 tracks of hardcore headbangers. Those who have seen DIESEL live may recognize his leading track “WARFARE.” Whether it’s played to gear up for game time or liven the pre-party, it’s the perfect pump-up song. The album also includes tracks like the hip-hop forward “WATCH YOUR BACK” and “MIDDLE FU” featuring dubstep powerhouse Kompany. 

DIESEL’s been dropping album breadcrumbs throughout the summer. Back in June, he revealed his first single from the album “BANG YOUR HEAD,” spotlighting his style with crunchy wubz and hyped vocals. He then shared two more singles, “HEAT” featuring Crankdat and “NO FEAR” featuring Jessica Audiffred. Both of these are also included in ‘GORILLA WARFARE.’ Now, the album is out in its entirety and it showcases DIESEL’S deep resonance with dubstep that, as he says, “will continue to run through my veins.” 

Last week, DIESEL’S Instagram video album announcement sent a shockwave of excitement across the internet. One fan responded, “Dubstep Dad let’s go !!!!” Another commented, “SHAQ x MONSTERCAT????? OH THE WEIGHTS IN THE GYM ARE ABSOLUTELY F****D.” 

Although ‘GORILLA WARFARE’ is his debut album, DIESEL has been taking over the festival circuit for years. In the past few months, he’s performed at Lollapalooza, Outside Lands, and Hard Summer, plus has upcoming sets at renowned venues like The Brooklyn Mirage and Denver’s Mission Ballroom. And of course, he will make his fourth appearance at Lost Lands, where his dubstep career skyrocketed in 2018. As DIESEL brings his debut album ‘GORILLA WARFARE’ to massive audiences across the U.S., the multifaceted legend is beginning a new era of ballin’. 

Find a DIESEL tour date near you here.

Listen to DIESEL’s debut album ‘GORILLA WARFARE’ below.

Alli Hinchliffe

As a music journalist of 5 years, I’m often found on the dancefloor or writing to express myself. I love learning about the world through exploring new perspectives, traveling, and indulging in art forms that connect people. Born and raised as a beach bum in Tampa, FL, I now live in New York City. From FKJ, Mall Grab, Michael Bibi, and Alix Perez to Amy Winehouse, Louis Armstrong, Lana Del Rey, and Mac Miller, using music to set the mood is one of my simplest pleasures.

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