When basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal and rapper Snoop Dogg shared the stage for the first charity event hosted by the Shaquille O’Neal Foundation, it marked an indelible moment for the audience.
The inaugural gala, held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, aimed to support underprivileged children through the nonprofit organization.
Hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, the star-studded evening featured performances by notable artists such as Justin Bieber, Kelly Clarkson, and Snoop Dogg. As the grand finale, the West Coast rapper invited O’Neal to join him for a rendition of their iconic Һit song, “Nuthin’ But A G Thang,” originally recorded with Dr. Dre.
Expressing his desire to do something special, Snoop Dogg paid tribute to O’Neal, highlighting their close friendship and shared experiences. The duo then delivered a unique performance, with Snoop incorporating personalized references to Shaq, while the NBA icon filled in for Dr. Dre’s vocals on the track.
The charity auction held during the event contributed significantly to the cause, raising an impressive $2.7 million for Communities in Schools and the Boys & Girls Club. O’Neal, actively participating in the auction, made a winning bid of $90,000, securing a cameo appearance in a future Adam Sandler film.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – OCTOBER 02: Shaquille O’Neal (L) and rapper Snoop Dogg perform during The Event hosted by the Shaquille O’Neal Foundation at MGM Grand Garden Arena on October 02, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Gabe Ginsberg/Getty Images for RMG)
In a pre-event statement on the foundation’s website, O’Neal expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Together we will raise funds for a great cause, but we will also have a great time doing it.” The gala not only achieved its philanthropic goals but also left an unforgettable memory for attendees as Snoop Dogg and Shaquille O’Neal united for a remarkable performance.