10 Questions with ... Shaquille O'Neal

1) Is radio something that you've always wanted to do?

DJing is a real passion of mine. I love rocking a crowd. I grew up listening to the radio and would hear Kool DJ Red Alert, Magic Mike out of Orlando and Jam Master J. When I was playing ball at LSU, I would DJ to make extra money and would listen to the radio and hit the record stores to get the latest joints.

2) What does Shaq Fu Radio offer that can't be found on other streaming services?

We are bringing the Hall of Fame Game to the radio! I have had various friends of mine help create exclusive content ... everyone from Snoop, Ice Cube, Fat Joe, Jimmy Kimmel, Kobe and bunch of others. Shaq Fu Radio also spotlights up-and-coming artists. There is a lot of talent out there that doesn't get played on the local FM stations. We also have DJs who go live on the station including DJ DIESEL! (That would be me!) We get mixes from around the globe from the well-known and DJs who are just busting out hot mixes in their bedrooms. If it sounds dope, we will play it! I want the station to be a place that everyone can express their musical tastes!

3) You're offering up multiple channels. Run them down. What formats/styles are you offering?

Right now our company has three stations -- Shaq Fu Radio, Akonic Radio and Muddy Country Radio. We will be signing more celebrities, DJs and record labels to our network in the coming years.

4) You're planning to feature upcoming independent artists. too. Where do you find them? What kind of outreach are you using?

I meet a lot of people. Even though I've been retired from the NBA since 2011, I get around the world, DJing, speaking to kids and corporate events along with my TV duties with The NBA on TNT. You can also e-mail me and the crew at Shaq Fu Radio contact@shaqfuradio.com. We have hundreds of Lil Shaqs who listen to all the music, mixes and requests. I will even reply to some of our listeners when I have time. I've even been known to answer the request line 1-305-204-SHAQ

5) And DJs can submit a mix to land a slot?

Yes, we love getting mixes from DJs from all around the world. Our format is Hip-Hop, Old Skool and new stuff. I also like to put on some slow jamz and late-night trap party mixes. DJs can send them to contact@shaqfuradio.com.

6) Tell us about your podcast.

The BIG Podcast with Shaq. I'm working with a longtime Laker fan and friend Norm Pattiz. It can be heard on Podcast One. It's me, John Kincade and Rob Jenners. We do it every week. It;s one of the best hours of my week. I get to laugh and let out some steam. We talk to all the big stars from my contact list in my phone.

7) What artists influenced you growing up?

I will never forget when I was 13, I went and saw a Public Enemy concert in San Antonio and they did a killer remix of Terminator X. I had the best time and was inspired to be a rapper and a DJ.

Also more after I met him, but Biggie was a huge influence. I even got to cut a record with him called "Can't Stop The Reign."

8) Did you have a favorite radio station or DJ to listen to when you were growing up?

KISS-FM and WBLS - Kool DJ Red Alert.

9) What are your fave current songs?

I like more of '80s, '90s early 2000s rap. But right now the new stuff I'm jammin' to is Travis Scott, Kendrick, and Ty Dolla Sign at the moment can sing the best hooks! Plus I love YG because he just rocked my baby girl's sweet 16!

10) What music would we be surprised to find on your phone?

AC/DC :You Shook Me All Night Long" and Daryl Hall and John Oates "Maneater."

Nice job subbing for Jimmy Kimmel recently. Is there any more TV hosting in your future?

Thank you! I'm waiting for the phone to ring. Hoping next it's my other friend Jimmy.