10 Sports Stars Who Are Also Passionate About Music
Shaquille O'Neal
10. Barry Zito
A prominent left-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball, Barry Zito's athletic achievements included winning the Cy Young Award in 2002 and two World Series championships with the Oakland Athletics and the San Francisco Giants. Beyond the diamond, Zito nurtured a deep passion for music, primarily country and folk rock. Following his retirement from baseball in 2015, he fully committed to his musical aspirations, learning guitar and refining his songwriting. He has since released an EP and a full-length album, performing live and establishing himself as a credible musician in the Nashville scene.
9. Oscar De La Hoya
Known to the world as "The Golden Boy," Oscar De La Hoya is an Olympic gold medalist and a multiple-time world champion in professional boxing across six different weight classes. His fierce determination in the ring translated to another arena: music. Transitioning into the Latin pop genre, De La Hoya released his self-titled debut album in 2000. This project was a surprising success, earning a Grammy nomination and solidifying his dual-threat status as both a celebrated athlete and a chart-recognized singer.
8. Kobe Bryant
A five-time NBA champion and one of basketball's all-time greats, Kobe Bryant's legacy on the court with the Los Angeles Lakers is undisputed. His athletic prowess was matched by creative ambition, leading him to explore the world of hip-hop in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Bryant pursued a rap career and released the album Visions in 2000, collaborating with established artists and demonstrating a desire to excel beyond the hardwood floor.
7. Deion Sanders
Deion "Prime Time" Sanders is a legendary figure in American sports, uniquely excelling as a two-time Super Bowl champion in the NFL and a playoff participant in Major League Baseball. He holds the distinction of being the only athlete to hit a home run in MLB and score a touchdown in the NFL in the same week. Sanders also launched a music career, releasing two rap albums: Prime Time in 1994 and The Big Picture in 1995. His charismatic "Prime Time" persona was central to his music, reflecting his confidence and showmanship.
6. Roy Jones Jr.
One of the greatest boxers of all time, Roy Jones Jr. achieved a historic feat by winning world titles at middleweight, super middleweight, light heavyweight, and heavyweight. Concurrently with his dominance in the ring, he pursued a hip-hop career. Jones Jr. released his debut album, Round One: The Album, in 2001, showcasing his skills as a rapper and producer while maintaining his elite status as a fighter.
5. Bernie Williams
A four-time World Series champion and five-time All-Star center fielder for the New York Yankees, Bernie Williams was a cornerstone of the team's late-90s dynasty. Off the field, he is an acclaimed, classically trained guitarist with a deep love for jazz and Latin music. Following his baseball retirement, Williams focused on his musical career, releasing successful albums like The Journey Within and Moving Forward, which garnered critical acclaim and a Latin Grammy nomination.
4. LiAngelo Ball
Part of the famous basketball family including his brothers LaMelo and Lonzo, LiAngelo Ball has played professional basketball internationally and in the NBA G League. While his primary focus has been the court, the Ball family has a strong presence in entertainment and media. He has made forays into music, contributing to family-related tracks and exploring the hip-hop scene, aligning with the multifaceted brand that the Ball family has established.
3. Dana Barros
A respected point guard with a 13-year NBA career that included an All-Star appearance in 1995 and the league's Most Improved Player award, Dana Barros was a sharp-shooter on the court. Outside of basketball, Barros had a significant interest and involvement in the music industry. He established his own record label, emphasizing his passion for music production and artist development, creating a second professional venture concurrent with his life in the NBA.
2. Damian Lillard
Damian Lillard is a perennial All-Star guard in the NBA. He balances a demanding basketball career with a dedicated and respected musical pursuit. Unlike some athletes whose musical attempts are brief or novelty-driven, Lillard takes his music seriously, releasing multiple full-length studio albums that have been praised for their authenticity and lyrical skill.
1. Shaquille O'Neal
One of the most dominant centers in NBA history, with four championship rings, Shaquille O'Neal is equally famous for his vibrant personality and widespread business ventures, including music. His foray into hip-hop was remarkably successful, with his debut album Shaq Diesel reaching platinum status in 1993. O'Neal continues to produce music and tour internationally as a popular electronic music DJ under the name DJ Diesel, maintaining a prominent dual presence in sports and entertainment.
