Shaquille O’ Neal and Kobe Bean Bryant have been teammates on the Lakers for nearly eight years (1996-2004). During that time, both basketball stars were known to get pretty busy on the mic. Of course, one was slightly nicer than the other.
According to Nas, who just released his tenth studio album Life Is Good, gave his official co-sign on who was the better rapper. In an interview with the L.A. Times during the 2012 Espys, Nas said, "Shaq got that."
"Shaq got a classic hip-hop album,” he continued. "I don't think Kobe got a chance to put out an album."
Former Laker Cedric Ceballos chimed in on the debate, recalling a time during the 1996-1997 season when he, Bryant, O’Neil, and Corie Blount would freestyle on the plane. Bryant was usually the guy who came out on top.
"The stuff that he put out, he was real commercial," Ceballos said of his early rap years."It wasn't the real Kobe."
Ceballos also described Bryant’s rapping behind the scenes as a “Wu-Tang Clan-like style.” He added that Kobe got some means lyrics, although he often kept it to himself. Maybe a comeback is in order for the kid.
[via L.A. Times]
