Shaquille O’Neal’s involvement in the rising rap scene in Dallas has come under fire after Benjamin Rainwater, better known as Rain in the Texas rap scene, threw tirades against the NBA Hall of Famer.
During his recent appearance on Boss Talk 101, Rain called on Dallas’ most recognizable figures, including Shaq, who had stayed silent following a couple of tragedies that had brought fear in the city in just a couple of weeks.
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As he lashed out at the lack of response from the more influential members of the community, the former manager of the late Dallas rapper Mo3 revisited his long-running feud with Shaq and pointed to a remark he had once made.
October 23, 2022, Austin, Texas, U.S: NBA Basketball great SHAQUILLE O’ NEAL on the grid at COTA (Credit Image: © Hoss McBain/ZUMA Press Wire)
A few months ago, the four-time NBA champion was criticized by Rain, and in response, Shaq said, “Nobody knows u. Say my name as much as u want u still a broke rat boy have a great day, lil boy.”
Rain saw it as an opportunity to use Shaq’s comments against him and urged the NBA legend to use his influence to show support to the grieving families affected by the tragedies instead of staying silent on the issue.
“Shaq, them four kids had died at the Airbnb house party last week after their graduation,” Rain said. “Nobody said nothing about it. You have dumped all this money tricking off the Big E—Big E this, Big E dumping all this money… then Shaq had the nerve to call me broke on the post.”
On May 26, a shootout left three people dead and one injured at a short-term rental property in West Dallas, where fresh graduates from high school were celebrating their achievements. One of the victims, Journie Griffin, was a 19-year-old fresh graduate from high school and had already set her sights on college.
Dec 7, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Former Los Angeles Lakers player and basketball Hall of Fame player Shaquille O’Neal (center) watches the game against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first quarter at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports
Two days later, a natural gas explosion destroyed the Clyde apartment complex in Oak Cliff, killing three people, including a child, and injuring five others. After the investigation, it was said that a construction crew accidentally struck an underground gas line before the blast.
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“I wish I could punch some of these guys in their face”: Shaquille O’Neal lashes out at Angel Reese’s haters
While Shaquille O’Neal has been called out for the lack of response by Texas rapper Rain in the recent tragedies in their community, the NBA legend and president of Reebok basketball had some words for those who criticize Angel Reese.
During his appearance on “The Rich Eisen Show,” Shaq defended the Bayou Barbie and WNBA rookie Lauren Betts against those who show hate for the two online.
“I wish I could punch some of these guys in their face that just pick on my Angel and pick on my Lauren [Betts], but I have to be professional,” O’Neal said.
When pressed further about his comments, O’Neal reasoned out by saying, “Because enough is enough.”
Dec 31, 2025; Arlington, TX, USA; Shaquille O’Neal, also known as DJ Diesel, performs before the 2025 Cotton Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Since her college career, Reese has been mentored by Shaq and helped her launch her AR1 signature sneaker line. He also appeared in Angel’s podcast, “Unapologetically Angel,” which is part of his The Big Podcast Network.