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July 10, 1998 LOS ANGELES--(ENTERTAINMENT WIRE) via NewsEdge Corporation -- Shaquille O'Neal, the superstar 7'1" All Star center for the Los Angeles Lakers, will release his new album, "Respect," Sept. 15, on TWIsM Records, O'Neal's joint venture label with partner A&M Records. The 15-track album is his first release since pacting with A&M earlier this year. The first single from the album is the infectious "The Way It's Goin' Down," which is set for release at rap radio July 27 and at urban/crossover Aug. 10. "The Way It's Goin' Down" was produced by DJ Quick and features a guest performance from TWIsM solo recording artist Peter Gunz, who has been enjoying, with Lord Tariq, a No. 1 success with the rap/urban/pop hit "Deja Vu." The multi-talented O'Neal, who excels on the court and in the studio, is also trying his hand at video direction. Shaq co-directed the video for "The Way It's Goin' Down" with Joseph Kahn (Brandy and Monica, Backstreet Boys, Usher). The video was shot on location last Thursday at Los Angeles International Airport and features a host of Shaq's friends including Magic Johnson, Steven Segal, Cuba Gooding Jr., Oscar de la Hoya, Olympic Gold Medalist and WNBA star Lisa Leslie, Peter Gunz, DJ Quick, Jodeci and model Tyson Beckford. Making his first appearance ever in a music video is the Taco Bell Chihuahua (yes, he has a speaking part). On the remaining "Respect" tracks, Shaq collaborated with producers Clark Kent, Wu Tang producers Russ Presley and Storm, RJ Rice and others. He also teamed with hip-hop's dynamic duo Fat Joe and Big Pun on "The Bigger They Are" and with star newcomers Sonya Blade, the Deadly Venoms, Sauce Money and A&M Records platinum recording artists Public Announcement. TWIsM R&B recording artists l Accord are featured on "Rivers." "When I started to make this album," Shaq explained, "one of my biggest goals was to gain the respect of my peers in the rap game, just as I did with my peers on the court. That's how I came up with the title of the album. `Respect.'" "Clark Kent and DJ Quik blessed me with their creativity, providing the tracks that made the foundation of this album. `The Way It's Goin Down' and `Heat It Up' signify what this is really all about: to maximize my potential as an artist and to rhyme better than I ever have before." Shaq also gives a nod to some of music's legends and heroes: "Fiend `98 " is an ode to Rakim, "Blaq Supaman" features Above The Law's l994 classic of the same name, and "3XDOPE" is named after the respected rap group of the same name. Shaquille O'Neal will be making promotional appearances (see public appearance schedule, below) in support of his new album during July and August before joining his Laker teammates for fall training. His appearances will be capped by an Aug. 22 performance in Hawaii with Puff Daddy, Lil Kim and Mace as part of a radio station promotion for Power l06 in Los Angeles. O'Neal's first two albums, "Shaq Diesel" and "Shaq Fu: Da Return," are certified platinum and gold. His last album, "You Can't Stop the Reign," yielded the hit "Strait Playin'."
PUBLIC APPEARANCE SCHEDULE:
7/26 - 7/31.................................New York [Copyright 1998, Business Wire] See alsoShaquille O'Neal Throw's Star-Studded Video Shoot Party
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