The younger member of the O’Neal Boyz duo, Myles O’Neal, aspires to leverage his father’s legacy and reach impressive heights as an emerging EDM artist.
Stream: “Work You Out” – Myles O’Neal
Myles O’Neal stands in the considerable shadow of his stepfather, the 7-foot-one, 300-pound former NBA star Shaquille O’Neal. While his name and family connections may draw initial interest, Myles aims to capture lasting attention through his developing skills as a DJ and record producer, which he diligently cultivates. “I’m finally stepping out of the shadow of being seen just as Shaq’s son DJ’ing to being recognized for my own music and genuine passion for the culture,” he shares.
This journey has been quite promising. Having started his music career in 2023, O’Neal has crafted a robust collection of his own singles and remixes for other artists, including a remix of War's 1972 song “The Cisco Kid.” He has worked with and supported several prominent musicians like Stanaj, Zedd, and Max Tyler, all while remaining close to his famous father, who has been performing as DJ Diesel. Together, they have formed the O’Neal Boyz and have played at several well-known music festivals, notably Lollapalooza. With the recent release of his single “Work You Out,” now is a perfect moment to check in with Myles O’Neal about his music career as it gains momentum.
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:: connect with Myles O’Neal here ::
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Myles O’Neal © 2025
Atwood Magazine: What early influences surrounded you growing up? What experiences led you to pursue DJ’ing?
Myles O’Neal: I grew up surrounded by a diverse range of music. My grandmother sang in the choir, my uncle played the drums, and my dad introduced me to hip-hop. I never thought it would become a career, but that’s where much of my soulful influence originated. Being exposed to artists like Parliament Funkadelic, Kurt Franklin, Bounce, and Biggie in our household really shaped my appreciation for music. I feel fortunate to have experienced such varied musical influences, which contributed to my broad taste.
It’s been about two years since your debut track, “Superficial.” How would you describe that time? What has it been like launching your career?
Myles O’Neal: During that period, I was figuring out the ins and outs of releasing music. It was quite nerve-wracking for me to share my creations with such a large audience. Performing and DJ’ing offers a quick adjustment if something isn’t working, but once a song is out there, it’s out. That was a challenge. After receiving positive feedback, I felt less anxious, although I still experience nerves before any release. You never know how people will react, whether they’ll want to hear it live, or something else entirely. Throughout that time, I was relieved to know I could put out music and feel confident in my ability to create songs and tracks.
Myles O’Neal © 2025
You've produced various original songs and remixed other artists’ works, like the “Cisco Kid” remix. How do you see similarities and differences in these production forms?
Myles O’Neal: I view remixing others’ tracks as a way to introduce music to those who may not have heard the original. I experienced this when we did “Flashlight” by George Clinton. Many people didn’t recognize names like Parliament/Funkadelic, which surprised me since I thought they were well-known. It highlighted my opportunity to showcase the artists who shaped my life and the genre of hip-hop. Creating a remix allows me to honor the influence these artists had on me as a child. While I create my own music, I intend to pay homage rather than overshadow other artists.
Let’s discuss your new single, “Work You Out.” How did it come together and what does it signify for you artistically?
Myles O’Neal: We created the original version around the same time as “Superficial.” It’s been ready for a while because we struggled to find a label to release it. I’m excited to finally share it, and it feels like certain songs I made years ago are attracting more listeners now. The process was organic; my friend Aleshia provided the female vocals while I freestyled my verses. We tailored our voices for the track, and at recent shows, audiences have been singing back the lyrics, often the girls more than the guys, which makes sense!
You have upcoming tours and festivals. What are your aspirations for them?
Myles O’Neal: I feel grateful to be in this position. Last year, I performed at EDC Las Vegas and Lollapaloo
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Myles O'Neal, the younger member of the O'Neal Boyz duo, aims to leverage his father's impact to reach new heights as an emerging EDM artist.