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Basketball star Shaquille O’Neal will play his first Houston DJ set Friday night at Sekai Day and Night under the stage moniker DJ Diesel. 

O’Neal originally gained his fame through a notable run through the NBA, but his essence has permeated the pop-culture consciousness through his acting, commercial endorsements, and yes – his music career. 

O’Neil began his rap career as a side hustle while he was still active in the NBA, with his first album, Shaq Diesel, dropping in 1993 and climbing to number 25 on the U.S. Billboard charts, eventually going platinum. He continued putting out albums sporadically through the late 1990s and early 2010s, but pivoted to focus on the plethora of opportunities that continued to come his way after retiring from basketball in 2011. 

However, his love for music never died. In recent years, he’s been making more and more appearances as DJ Diesel, performing nationally whenever he has the chance, even making a stop at Lollapalooza 2019.

On Friday, Space City gets their turn to see DJ Diesel perform live. His inaugural Houston performance is set to begin at 10:30 p.m. at Sekai Day and Night club on Saint Emanuel Street, and tickets start at $45.

Photo courtesy of Sekai Night and Day

@cynthia_zelaya _ | Executive Editor 2022-2023 | Assistant Editor 2021-2022

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