Shaquille O’Neal is a name synonymous with basketball excellence, but there’s a side to this towering sports legend that’s taking the world by storm: DJ Diesel. Stepping into the world of electronic dance music (EDM), O’Neal has been making waves as a DJ, and he’s just dropped his debut album, “Gorilla Warfare,” on Monstercat.
DJ Diesel’s musical identity is a fusion of EDM, rock, and hip-hop, resulting in a genre-defying sound that’s as captivating as it is unique. “Gorilla Warfare” boasts 10 tracks, each a collaboration with fellow DJs, including Jessica Audiffred, Crackdat, Hairitage, and more. In a recent conversation with Variety, Diesel expressed his desire to spotlight other artists through his platform and help aspiring talents gain exposure.
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Collaborations aside, Diesel’s close partnership with producer Brian Bayati was instrumental in crafting the album’s tracklist. The duo meticulously selected artists to feature, aiming to elevate the EDM and dubstep scene to new heights. Diesel humorously likened their partnership to basketball legends Larry Bird and Magic Johnson, a dynamic duo committed to pushing boundaries.
The album’s title, “Gorilla Warfare,” stems from Diesel’s unconventional marketing approach, reflecting his determination to redefine perceptions of him as a DJ. He steered clear of traditional methods, opting for surprise and authenticity. “I want to earn the respect from people,” Diesel emphasized, underlining his commitment to his craft.
Diesel’s passion for EDM dates back to his college days when he would DJ for fun. He recounted his journey from crate-era DJing, stealing milk crates to store records, to his current role as a respected artist. After retiring from the NBA in 2011, Diesel sought a new thrill, a new arena where he could captivate audiences once again.
Reflecting on his transition from the basketball court to the DJ booth, Diesel shared, “Whether it’s 100 people or 100,000, it’s the same thing if you’re putting on a show.” The adrenaline rush and energy he experienced on the court were mirrored on the EDM stage. The spark was reignited when he witnessed Tiesto’s performance at Tomorrowland, realizing that DJing was his next chapter.
Diesel fondly remembered Perry Farrell of Lollapalooza for granting him an opportunity to perform in 2019, kickstarting his journey as DJ Diesel. Despite an initial slot that wasn’t his first choice, Diesel’s presence drew a massive crowd, turning the performance into a wild success. His most monumental moment came at Lollapalooza, where he performed in front of over 100,000 people. Comparing it to a championship game and parade combined, Diesel relished the electric energy of the crowd.
Since then, Diesel has graced festivals like Lost Lands, Tomorrowland, EDC LV, and secured a residency at Wynn in Las Vegas. With a repertoire of performances spanning from clubs to massive festivals, Diesel has found a newfound passion that rivals the excitement of the basketball court. He concluded, “It gives me the feeling of a playoff game. It’s our job as athletes and DJs to give them their money’s worth.”
As Shaquille O’Neal continues to leave his indelible mark on various arenas, he proves that his journey isn’t confined to a single court or stage. Through DJ Diesel, he’s captivating hearts, igniting dance floors, and adding a remarkable new chapter to his legendary legacy.