Shaquille O’Neal has a complicated family history. Sgt. Phillip Harrison, his mother Lucille’s husband, became his stepfather, while his biological father was absent. Sarge was a rock for Shaq and raised him into the man he is today. So, to express gratitude, Big Diesel released the song “Biological Didn’t Bother,” acknowledging the impact of his stepfather on his life. And, as revealed in a letter in Shaq Talks Back, it always brought a tear to Harrison’s eye.
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Known for his basketball prowess, Shaq also had a splendid rap career. Having released four albums in his career, “Biological Didn’t Bother” was a track from his album titled “Shaq Fu: Da Return”. He truly is quite the Renaissance man, showcasing his musical talents alongside his on-court dominance.
Shaquille O’Neal released a song called “Biological Didn’t Bother” that left his stepfather in tears
Sgt. Phillip Harrison is the man credited for putting Shaquille O’Neal on the path to becoming the legend he is today. While he was strict and known for his extreme forms of discipline, Sarge cared deeply for Shaq. And, the life lessons he imparted are still followed by the big man to this day.
It’s safe to say that Harrison was there when Shaq’s biological father was not. Joseph Toney had little to no influence on O’Neal’s life. And, for the most part, the four-time NBA Champion resented him for it.
So, in 1994, The Big Aristotle released an album, of which one of the songs was “Biological Didn’t Bother”. A song that attacked Toney for his absence and in turn praised Phillip Harrison, who Shaq acknowledges as his real father. It was dedicated to him, and every time he heard it, Sarge couldn’t help but cry tears of joy.
“Shaquille had made a rap album, and one of the songs was called, “My Biological Didn’t Bother.” It talked about how I had raised him from a boy to a man, how I had raised him and changed his life for the better. When I heard that song, I felt like the tallest man in the world. At that point, I had no idea he felt that way about me. “Phil’s my father, my biological didn’t bother.” The father issue was over after that. Joe Toney missed out on having a great son. I still cry whenever I hear the words to that song.”
It was a great tribute by Shaq to his stepfather. And, a scathing attack on Joseph Toney. But, in reality, Toney entrusted his son’s future to Phillip Harrison.
Joseph Toney entrusted his future Hall of Fame son Shaq to Sgt. Phillip Harrison
Despite abandoning his son, Joseph Toney was very much involved in Shaquille O’Neal’s life. But, while it may not have been in person, Toney was quite active behind the scenes. In fact, he often met Sgt. Phillip Harrison to enquire about Shaq’s life and even entrusted him with raising the future Hall of Famer.
Years later, following Harrison’s passing, Shaq would connect with Toney at his mother’s request. And, while the two aren’t on the best of terms, they are slowly building a relationship with each other.
