Shaquille O’Neal, better known in the music world as DJ DIESEL, has returned with a bone-rattling statement: M.D.E. (Most Dominant Ever), a nine-track EP out now via Monstercat. This hard-hitting project showcases Shaq’s evolution as a bass music powerhouse, fusing dubstep, drum and bass, and trap into a non-stop adrenaline rush designed for the mosh pit.
Featuring an elite roster of collaborators—Virtual Riot, GorillaT, IVORY, Benda, and more—M.D.E. is both a solo flex and a communal celebration of the bass music culture.
A Cinematic and Relentless Opening
The EP kicks off with the title track “M.D.E.,” a cinematic collaboration with RZRKT. The song builds tension with eerie undertones before exploding into precision-engineered dubstep drops. It sets the tone for an EP that refuses to take its foot off the gas.
Following up is “Animal,” a high-octane team-up with SampliFire and IVORY. Shaq delivers a rapid-fire rap verse that seamlessly blends with the tearout dubstep that follows. The track roars with energy, perfectly capturing the chaos of the mosh pit it was made for.
“Damage” Showcases Unpredictable Brilliance
One of the most surprising tracks is “Damage,” Diesel’s electrifying collaboration with Virtual Riot. What begins with a soft acoustic guitar intro quickly transforms into a searing drum and bass assault, layered with Shaq’s aggressive vocals. It’s a masterclass in contrast and energy, standing out as a highlight of the project.
Raising the Stakes With Benda and More
“Run It” features robotic synths and razor-sharp verses, building toward a crushing drop. “Fadeaway,” created with Benda, pushes boundaries even further. With a punishing build-up and a floor-shaking drop, it’s arguably the heaviest-hitting track on the record.
Midway through the EP, “Bring the Pain” throws in a techno-inspired twist. It disrupts the flow in the best way possible, adding variety without losing momentum.
A Unified Finale With “Show Em”
The final track, “Show Em,” acts as the EP’s closing anthem. With sharp-edged production and one last powerful vocal from Diesel—”We gonna show ‘em how it’s done”—the EP ties itself together with both finesse and ferocity.
A Tribute to Bass Culture and Community
“M.D.E. is more than just music,” says Shaq. “It’s a celebration of bass culture, of the moshpit, and of community. Every artist brought their A-game. We created something that not only hits hard—but brings people together. That’s what this scene is all about.”
Shaq’s deep respect for his collaborators and the genre itself shines through every track. This isn’t just a showcase of force—it’s a collaborative evolution of modern bass music. Built on friendships and shared passion, M.D.E. gives space for rising producers to shine while reinforcing DJ DIESEL’s presence at the top.
DJ DIESEL’s 2025 Takeover
With the release of M.D.E., DJ DIESEL continues to dominate the global bass scene in 2025. His Bass All-Stars events are slated for Florida, California, and Oregon, and his Las Vegas residency at The Wynn is in full swing.
Internationally, he’s heading to Pacha in Barcelona and the iconic Bootshaus in Germany, proving once again that DJ DIESEL isn’t just part of bass music—he’s leading it.