Shaq Recalls Ice Cube Stopping Him From Releasing Dr. Dre-Produced “Thats Gangsta”

Cube gave Shaq his credit for being a “dope” rapper but claimed it didn’t make much sense for his brand that’s beloved by so many people around the world.

“Shaq is a dope MC, but I just felt the record was off-brand for him because, to me, he’s more than just gangsta,” Ice Cube said. “He’s loved by millions, loved by kids. He already established that. And why go backward when you’re already forward? You’re already a household name.”

Shaq thanked Cube for making the decision and added the lesson he learned was to stay true to who you are. “‘Cause I ain’t gonna lie. You guys wanna be basketball players, I wanted to be y’all growing up,” he said.

In addition to his successful basketball career, Shaq released four studio albums, with his first one, Shaq Diesel, going platinum.