Red Dirt Diaries: Former NBA Star Joins Local Rapper's Music Video

A local rapper's song is spreading like fire online because his "hype man" is former NBA star Shaquille O'Neal.

The 15 time All-Star is covering the Western Conference Finals for TNT.  

Last week, after his television duties, he visited the Hubbly Bubbly Hookah Lounge at N Classen Boulevard and NW 27 Street.

Barrett Tarr, aka: Chief Peace, was hosting open mic poetry night when he saw O’Neal walk into the lounge.

“I was like I’m not missing this opportunity to do one of my songs,” said Chief Peace about the opportunity.

The 23-year-old, who went to Southmoore High School, jumped on stage and performed the song “hippie kid.”

Chief Peace said O’Neal enjoyed the song so much he asked the rapper to perform it again.

The performer agreed as long as Shaq got on stage with him to be his “hype man.”

Video that has been making the rounds on social media shows the 7 feet 2 inch tall former basketball player bouncing up and down while Chief Peace performs his music.

O’Neal’s trainer is also spotted dancing without a shirt.

O’Neal tweeted out the video and also put the song “Hippy Kid” on his downloadable music app “ShaqFu.”  

Chief Peace thinks the chance encounter could turn into a big break for this career.

In the meantime, he’s planning to shoot a music video and says he’ll continue to do what he loves.

“I want to wake up and be happy with what I’m doing, knowing that its purposeful and that it’s passionate,” said Chief Peace.