Shaquille O’ Neal‘s “You Cant Stop The Reign”, featuring The Notorious B.I.G. is finally available on all digital service providers.
The collaboration from 1996’s album of the same name was a Billboard Top 100 hit, and peaked at #17 on the Dance charts. The album featured collaborations with a diverse array of artists including Jay-Z, Mobb Deep, DJ Quik, Rakim, Bobby Brown and Ralph Tresvant.
“You can’t stop it, block it when I drop it/ Anytime I go rhyme for rhyme on a topic,” the 15-time All Star spits on the joint, before Bigge steps in with: “Smoke out with Leo, Biggie Tarantino/ Size like a sumo, Frank White, numero uno.”
“I gotta impress Big”
Reflecting on his time in the studio with The Notorious B.I.G, Shaq shared a touching anecdote during an appearance on Drink Champs. He recalled feeling nervous about impressing the iconic rapper with his verse, but ultimately receiving Biggie’s seal of approval after a memorable recording session.
“So when I finally got the word that Big was going to do it, I did a verse, but I didn’t like it,” Shaq admitted. “My thing is, ‘This is Big coming in.’ One — I gotta impress Big, ’cause if Big say, ‘No, this is terrible,’’ I’m done; I won’t get a second shot.
“So I did it, let my boys hear it. He ain’t bop his head, but I didn’t care. I let my other boy hear it, [and] he didn’t like it. I let my other boy hear it, and he said that one is tight. So Big flew down, him and Lil Cease, so I’m nervous.
Known for picking up music side quests, the NBA Legend has an impressive music career. Even with a prolific career in basketball, O’Neal’s discography includes four studio albums and over a dozen singles.
Around 1993, O’Neal was signed to Jive Records where he released his debut album, Shaq Diesel, in that year.
In 1998, Shaquille O’Neal linked up with the late Kobe for a guest verse on Respect, Shaq’s fourth studio album.
Most recently , O’Neal collaborated with an L.A rap group, Coyote, for the song, “3 Lokos.” In the song, the champion showed off his lyrical skills proving that he can keep up with the younger generation.
“You Can’t Stop The Reign,” is slated to release online June 28. The album will also feature Peter Gunz and Lord Tariq.