From Court to Concert: Athletes Who Rocked the Mic

1. Shaquille O'Neal (NBA Basketball)

Shaq is arguably the most successful athlete-turned-musician. The NBA legend released four studio albums, with his 1993 debut, "Shaq Diesel," going platinum. He collaborated with major hip-hop artists and continues his music career as a prominent DJ Diesel, playing at major festivals worldwide.

2. Damian Lillard (NBA Basketball)

Under his stage name Dame D.O.L.L.A., Lillard is one of the most respected and prolific rappers in sports. The NBA All-Star has released multiple critically acclaimed albums, collaborating with artists like Lil Wayne and Snoop Dogg, proving his lyrical prowess matches his clutch on-court performances.

3. Deion Sanders (NFL Football / MLB Baseball)

"Prime Time" brought his flashy persona from the field to the mic. Deion Sanders released his debut rap album "Prime Time" in 1994, featuring the hit single "Must Be the Money." His music mirrored his confident, larger-than-life football and baseball career.

4. Oscar De La Hoya (Boxing)

The "Golden Boy" wasn't just a boxing champion; he also had a surprising foray into Latin pop music. De La Hoya released a self-titled album in 2000, which earned a Grammy nomination for Best Latin Pop Album, showcasing his unexpected vocal talent.

5. Wayman Tisdale (NBA Basketball)

After a successful NBA career, the late Wayman Tisdale transitioned into a highly acclaimed jazz bassist. He released several albums, with "Face to Face" (2001) reaching number one on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz charts, cementing his legacy as a talented musician.

6. Bernie Williams (MLB Baseball)

A beloved former New York Yankees center fielder and multiple World Series champion, Bernie Williams is also an accomplished jazz guitarist. He has released two albums, "The Journey Within" and "Moving Forward," which was nominated for a Latin Grammy, demonstrating his serious musical dedication.

7. Roy Jones Jr. (Boxing)

One of boxing's all-time greats, Roy Jones Jr. also pursued a career in hip-hop. He released several albums, including "Round One: The Album," featuring tracks that blended his fierce boxing persona with his lyrical delivery, making him a unique figure in both arenas.

8. Terry Bradshaw (NFL Football)

The legendary Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback and Hall of Famer also enjoyed a successful country and gospel music career. Terry Bradshaw released several albums in the 1970s and 80s, scoring a top-20 country hit with "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry," proving his vocal talents.

9. Kobe Bryant (NBA Basketball)

The late NBA legend had a brief but notable attempt at a rap career in the early 2000s. Kobe Bryant released the single "K.O.B.E." featuring Tyra Banks and had an unreleased album, showcasing his ambition to conquer fields beyond basketball, even if it didn't fully materialize.

10. Allen Iverson (NBA Basketball)

Known for his iconic basketball style, Allen Iverson also ventured into hip-hop under the moniker "Jewelz." While his album "Misunderstood" faced controversy due to explicit lyrics and was largely unreleased, his single "40 Bars" gained attention, reflecting his outspoken personality.

11. Victor Oladipo (NBA Basketball)

The NBA All-Star surprised many with his impressive vocal talent, releasing R&B music. Victor Oladipo debuted with the EP "Songs for You" in 2017 and followed up with the album "V.O.," showcasing a smooth voice and genuine passion for singing alongside his athletic pursuits.

12. Iman Shumpert (NBA Basketball)

An NBA champion with the Cavaliers, Iman Shumpert has a notable rap career, releasing mixtapes and singles. His music often reflects his life experiences and gained further pop culture recognition when he performed on and won "Dancing with the Stars," highlighting his diverse talents.

13. John McEnroe (Tennis)

The fiery tennis legend with a huge pop culture presence also dabbled in music. After retiring from pro tennis, John McEnroe formed "The Johnny Smyth Band" as lead singer and guitarist. Though no official albums were widely released, his musical pursuits garnered significant media attention.

14. Boris Becker (Tennis)

Another tennis icon, Boris Becker, also ventured into music in the 1990s. The German superstar released a dance single called "Boom! Boom! The Boris Becker Song" in 1996, which actually charted in the UK and Germany, leaning into his popular public persona.

15. Clint Dempsey (Soccer)

The prolific U.S. Men's National Team and Premier League soccer star, also known as "Deuce," released rap music under his moniker. His single "Don't Tread" was notably featured in an ESPN documentary, showcasing a grittier side of the athlete rare in soccer.