Can You Dig It? A Q&A With Shaquille O’Neal…or DJ Diesel

Shaquille O’Neal is known for many things. He is one of the greatest basketball players of all time. He has endorsement deals that land him on a seemingly endless stream of commercials. He’s appeared in twenty feature films.

He’s also a globe-trotting DJ.

As DJ Diesel, Shaq has performed at big festivals like Tomorrowland, Lollapolooza and EDC Las Vegas, as well as at such iconic venues as Red Rocks Amphitheatre. And now Denver will have the chance to catch the legend dropping bass and yelling, “Can you dig it??” at Mission Ballroom, where he’ll be performing his “Shaq the Halls” show on Wednesday, December 3.

We were able to catch up with Shaq ahead of the show; read our Q&A below:

Westword: What was your first experience deejaying, and why did you decide to pursue it?

Shaquille O’Neal: The first time I ever touched turntables was in the ’80s when I was at Cole High School. It was just for fun then – even though I did not see a real future with it. Then I went to LSU in ’89 and found myself mixing in the locker room for the team and even some parties on campus in the early ’90s. Then everything changed at Tomorrowworld in Georgia. That is when I really fell in love with bass music and deejaying and decided I needed to pursue my passion for music again. 

Did you have any DJ friends you received advice from?

For sure. I have received advice from many DJs because I believe that I can learn from anyone. The original mix masters of the world, the legends of the bass world, the next generation of artists many of ya’ll don’t know yet — they all have a story I can learn from. 

What is your favorite music to play, and how do you form your sets?

I love the hardest bass music possible — tear-out music. I am a fan of all types of music, but when it comes to what I love to play, nothing is better than a record that borderline breaks your speakers. 

What have been your most memorable experiences as a DJ?

There have been so many good ones…Tomorrowland, when I went into the mosh pit. My first-ever Red Rocks headline. Lollapalooza in Chicago. Year one of my festival, Shaq’s Bass All Stars. Performing at Bootshaus at 5 a.m…. I have been very fortunate. 

If you could throw a rave without concern for budget, what would it look like?

While there is a budget in place, the best example would be Shaq’s Bass All Stars Festival, which we produce annually in Dallas/Fort Worth. I take so much pride in my festival’s experience, production, lineup, atmosphere, food/bar offerings and safety. I literally have a say in every single major decision. We have a Ferris wheel, basketball long-shot game, multiple stages with some of the biggest artists in the game and some of the newest up-and-comers. The ticket is always as cheap as we can make it to ensure it is affordable. It is just an incredible day celebrating bass music. 

What do you love about performing in Denver specifically?

Denver goes HARD. The altitude hits you… but the fans hit back even harder. The energy is always unmatched. They call it the bass capital of the world for a reason. 

DJ Diesel, 7 p.m. Wednesday, December 3, Mission Ballroom, 4242 Wynkoop Street. Tickets are available on AXS.