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"(I Know I Got) Skillz"
Single by Shaquille O'Neal featuring Def Jef
from the album Shaq Diesel
ReleasedSeptember 7, 1993
Recorded1993
GenreHip hop
Length4:23
LabelJive
Songwriter(s)Shaquille O'Neal, Def Jef
Producer(s)
Shaquille O'Neal singles chronology
"What's Up Doc? (Can We Rock)"
(1993) 		"(I Know I Got) Skillz"
(1993) 		"I'm Outstanding"
(1993)

"(I Know I Got) Skillz" is the debut single released from NBA star and rapper Shaquille O'Neal's debut album, Shaq Diesel.

The song, which saw its official release on September 7, 1993, was produced by Def Jef and Meech Wells and featured a guest verse from Def Jef as well. "(I Know I Got) Skillz" was a success, peaking at 35 on the Billboard Hot 100,[2] becoming Shaq's only solo top-40 hit in the US, although he managed to avoid one hit wonder status as he previously scored a hit as a featured guest on the Fu-Schnickens hit "What's Up Doc? (Can We Rock)". The single was certified gold by the RIAA on December 21, 1993, for shipping of 500,000 copies.[3]

The music video was directed by Scott Kalvert.

The song sampled "It's My Thing" by EPMD and "Large Professor" by Main Source.[4]

"(I Know I Got) Skillz" was also featured on Shaq's compilation, The Best of Shaquille O'Neal and appeared in the film Pineapple Express. Shaq had performed this track at Lollapallooza 2019 in Grant Park, Chicago.

Single track listing

A-side

  1. "(I Know I Got) Skillz" (LP / radio version)- 4:23
  2. "(I Know I Got) Skillz" (remix)- 4:23

B-side

  1. "(I Know I Got) Skillz" (LP / radio instrumental)- 4:08
  2. "(I Know I Got) Skillz" (remix instrumental)- 4:18

Charts

Chart (1993-1994) Peak
position
Billboard Hot 100[2] 35
Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks[5] 20
Billboard Hot Rap Singles[6] 3
Billboard Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales[7] 25

Certifications

Region Certification Certified units/sales
United States (RIAA)[8] Gold 500,000^

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

References

  1. ^ Keith Murphy (2016-09-09). "'Shaq Diesel'". Andscape. Retrieved 2019-10-30.
  2. ^ a b "Billboard Hot 100". Billboard. Retrieved 2022-11-27.
  3. ^ "American single certifications – Shaquille – I Know I Got". Recording Industry Association of America.
  4. ^ "Shaquille O'Neal feat. Def Jef's (I Know I Got) Skillz sample of EPMD's It's My Thing". Whosampled.com. Retrieved October 19, 2010.
  5. ^ "Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs". Billboard. Retrieved 2022-11-27.
  6. ^ "Hot Rap Songs". Billboard. Retrieved 2022-11-27.
  7. ^ "Dance Singles Sales". Billboard. Archived from the original on 2022-10-04. Retrieved 2022-11-27.
  8. ^ "American single certifications – Shaquille O'Neal – I Know I Got Skillz". Recording Industry Association of America.


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