The 10 athletes with the best music careers of all time showcase the remarkable intersection of sports and music.
LiAngelo Ball has made headlines recently, but not for the reasons one might expect. While he hasn’t signed with an NBA team, he has secured a staggering $13 million contract with Def Jam Records, propelled by the viral success of his hit song “Tweaker.” This track has resonated in locker rooms across various sports and is steadily climbing the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Ball’s rise reflects a broader trend where athletes transition into the music industry, carving out successful careers. His notable achievement places him among a unique group of sports figures who have made significant impacts in music.
Here are the top 10 athletes who have successfully ventured into music:
10. Barry Zito
Barry Zito, renowned for his pitching prowess, also explored his musical talent. The World Series champion and Cy Young Award winner released a six-song country EP titled “No Secrets” in 2017. While it didn’t garner critical acclaim, it opened doors for him in the music industry, including co-writing a song for an Eddie Murphy film and appearing on FOX’s “The Masked Singer” as “Rhino.”
One of Zito’s standout moments was performing “The Star-Spangled Banner” at the Athletics’ final home game, highlighting his dual love for baseball and music.
9. Oscar De La Hoya
Oscar De La Hoya, a legendary boxer, also made waves as a Grammy-nominated singer. In 2000, he released a self-titled Latin pop album that received a Grammy nomination for Best Latin Pop Album. Although he lost to Shakira, the album achieved platinum status by the RIAA in 2006.
Despite not following up with another album, De La Hoya showcased his talent again on FOX’s “The Masked Dancer,” finishing in fourth place as “Zebra.”
8. Kobe Bryant
Kobe Bryant excelled in nearly every endeavor he pursued. He won five NBA championships and earned two Finals MVP awards during his career with the Los Angeles Lakers. He also won an Oscar for his animated short film in 2017 and invested in the energy drink brand Body Armor.
However, his aspirations of becoming a rap star fell short. In 2000, Sony Entertainment planned to release his debut album, “Visions,” but it was ultimately shelved after his debut single, “K.O.B.E,” received a lukewarm reception. Despite this, Bryant collaborated with artists like Destiny’s Child and Brian McKnight.
7. Deion Sanders
Deion Sanders, a celebrated figure in both football and baseball, also ventured into rap. His debut album, “Prime Time,” released in 1994 under MC Hammer’s Bust It Records, featured hit singles like “Must Be the Money” and “Prime Time Keeps on Ticking.” While the album didn’t chart highly, it gained a cult following.
6. Roy Jones Jr.
Roy Jones Jr. is not just a world champion boxer; he is also a noteworthy rapper. In 2004, he formed the hip-hop group Body Head Bangerz after releasing his solo album, “Round One: The Album.” The group’s debut album featured popular tracks like “I Smoke, I Drank” and “Can’t Be Touched,” the latter becoming a staple in sports hype videos.
5. Bernie Williams
Bernie Williams, a four-time World Series champion with the New York Yankees, is also an accomplished jazz guitarist. He attended a performing arts school in Puerto Rico and released two jazz albums during his baseball career. His second album, “Moving Forward,” was nominated for Best Instrumental Album at the Latin Grammys in 2009.
Williams performed a special rendition of “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” at Yankee Stadium for Derek Jeter’s final game, showcasing his musical talent to a home crowd.
4. LiAngelo Ball
LiAngelo Ball has become a household name in the music scene, rivaling even the likes of Kendrick Lamar and Drake in terms of buzz. His song “Tweaker” has been celebrated by teams like the Detroit Lions and the Cleveland Cavaliers, proving its widespread appeal.
With 8.7 million views on YouTube and nearly 100,000 units sold, Ball’s music career is gaining momentum. The question remains whether he can capitalize on this success with a follow-up single.
3. Dana Barros
Dana Barros’ rap career mirrored his time in the NBA: bright but brief. The NBA All-Star gained recognition on the compilation album “B-Ball’s Best Kept Secret” in 1994, featuring on the track “Check It.” His contribution solidified his status as one of the notable rappers in NBA history.
Damian Lillard, known as Dame D.O.L.L.A., transitioned from basketball to rap seamlessly. He gained popularity through his “Four Bar Friday” Instagram series and released his debut album “The Letter O,” which peaked at No. 7 on Billboard’s R&B and Hip-Hop Albums charts. Collaborating with artists like Lil Wayne and Snoop Dogg, Lillard has firmly established himself in the music industry.
1. Shaquille O’Neal
Shaquille O’Neal stands as a dominant figure in both basketball and music. His debut album, “Shaq Diesel,” reached No. 25 on the Billboard 200 and achieved platinum status. He collaborated with rap legends like The Notorious B.I.G., Jay-Z, Nas, and Mobb Deep on his third album, “You Can’t Stop the Reign.”
O’Neal’s musical journey continues as DJ Diesel, performing at major music festivals such as Coachella, showcasing his enduring influence in the entertainment industry.
