Russell Simmons wishes he would've gave Shaquille O'Neal's bars a chance over at Def Jam.

While in New York to talk to young prisoners in Rikers Island for his anti-violence program, Russell Simmons was stopped by TMZ cameras and asked about Shaq's rapping skills.

The hip hop mogul says he should have signed the former basketball player to his Def Jam roster back in the 90's.

"I wish I worked with him (Shaq) earlier. I didn't get a chance (to work with him), but I would have probably."

Shaq released five albums, and earned his first platinum album for Shaq Diesel in 1993.

Source: TMZ  | Photo Credit: Splash News