In Photos: DJ Shaquille O'Neal kicks off Mexican Independence week with electrifying performance alongside comedian Andrew Schulz
Shaquille O'Neal aka DJ Diesel fired up the crowd at XS Las Vegas. The LA Lakers legend, who is also a part-time DJ, took the crowd for the ride with famous comedian Andrew Schulz by his side, hyping up the gathering.
DJ Diesel kicked off the weekend celebrations of the September 16 Mexican Independence Day in Sin City. In a series of pictures and videos posted by 'xslasvegas', Shaq was seen in his black vest, dancing with the crowd.
American comedian Schulz also joined Shaq on stage. He was in his black jacket and danced on stage to hype up the crowd. Schulz and Shaquille O'Neal were also joined by famous South African DJ Madison.
Mexican Independence Day is also known as 'El Grito de Dolores' in Spanish. It is one of the biggest events in Las Vegas. Several singers and musicians are scheduled to perform at the event in the city.
Puerto Rican singer Chayanne will also perform at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on September 22. Mexican singer Luis Miguel is also scheduled to perform, at the Colosseum until September 15.
As for DJ Shaquille O'Neal, performing in Las Vegas is nothing new. He has previously performed in the city and has attracted some of the largest crowds. Earlier this year, Shaq was joined by famous rapper Lil Wayne in Vegas for the pre-Super Bowl party.
Shaquille O'Neal reveals the reason behind pursuing a career as DJ
What hasn't Shaquille O'Neal achieved in his NBA career? Four NBA titles, three NBA Finals MVPs, an NBA regular season MVP in 2000 and he established himself as arguably the most dominant player in NBA history.
However, when Shaq retired from the NBA, he had very little to do that could give him an adrenaline boost. But Shaq is a man of many talents and he wasn't going to sit with his hands folded.
After already a successful career as a DJ, the former Lakers star gave it a shot at DJing and it has worked perfectly for him. Although Shaq isn't a full-time DJ, he has a large fanbase.
In a conversation with People, DJ Diesel said that he started DJing because it gave him the same feeling as the NBA Finals would.
"I started DJing because it gives me the same adrenaline boost that a championship game would give me," Shaq said. "I’ve been playing since I was 14 years old and always had that step-into-the-arena feeling of the game. I always had that hour and a half or so. And when I stopped playing, I didn’t have that."
The four-time NBA champion also added that he wants to keep DJing for at least the next one or two decades. However, he would also be content if it fails because Shaq did it his way and it has worked.