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No one would argue that retired NBA big man Shaquille O’Neal wasn’t one of the greatest to ever play the game. Along with his playing abilities came a blunt and sometimes caustic personality paired neatly with his silly side. Joining TNT’s Inside The NBA last year, the Big Analyst gave an exclusive interview to VIBE Magazine, waxing on all things basketball, rap music and being cheated out of more MVP awards.

When asked on his current stint as an analyst, O’Neal was honest. “I’m at a low-C. I’m learning and will only get better,” he told VIBE. “I just want to keep people entertained. I don’t want to be talking with the big vocabulary and all that bulls**t. I’m short and to the point,” said O’Neal in frank fashion.

Shaq moonlighted as a rapper, although he considered his skills passable at best, he claims he’s the best basketball rapper ever. “I really never wanted to do an album…but Jive gave me $5 million. When I went into the studio with my favorite rappers, I got their respect. That was enough for me.”

For all his weighty accomplishments, Shaquille O’Neal was only voted league MVP once in his career. In comparison, Phoenix Suns point guard Steve Nash won the award twice, and Shaq Diesel had choice words about the wins. “Steve Nash is my boy, but I don’t see how the f**k he got it twice. I was taught never to complain because you can’t beat the system. People know who the real dominant guy was,” said O’Neal.

Photo: VIBE