By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer
During the early 2000s, Shaquille O’Neal became the heir apparent to Michael Jordan, in terms of popularity. Michael Jordan retired for the second time and the NBA had no face. Shaquille O’Neal stepped in and was this face, although he and Michael Jordan had two completely different styles of play.
Shaquille O’Neal’s dominance coincided with the “bling bling” era of hip hop, which was led by Cash Money Records. Lil Wayne rose to stardom during this time, but he played third fiddle behind Juvenile and B.G. There was also Turk, who was in the same age group as Lil Wayne.
Times have changed, as Shaquille O’Neal is retired and now is an analyst for TNT’s coverage of the NBA. Lil Wayne, on the other hand, became much bigger than anyone ever expected, expanding well outside of hip hop. Jim Rome, a former ESPN analyst, is now on Showtime and he interviewed Lil Wayne about Shaq, the NFL, and more.
Watch the entire interview below:
