Comedian’s Spot-On Shaq Impression Has Fans in Stitches: “Talk Trash About Angel Reese One More Time!”
What makes a great impressionist? Is it simply about mimicking someone’s voice, or does it go deeper, capturing their accent, rhythm, and unique personality? For comedian Aries Spears, the secret lies in the music of a person’s voice—a skill he’s honed over years of imitating NBA legends like Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley.
The Music Behind the Voice
Spears, whose mother was a jazz and blues singer, credits his talent for impressions to his musical upbringing. “Every voice has a note,” he explained. “People who can sing, they have an ear for tone, inflection, rhythm, cadence. Everybody is a note. They know a note. Somebody who can’t sing, if they try to sing, somebody who can’t sing goes, ‘You’re off key.’ So it’s about being on key.”
When it comes to Shaquille O’Neal, Spears breaks down the science behind the NBA legend’s unmistakable sound. “With Shaq … Shaq is breathy and bass,” Spears said, before launching into a spot-on impression: “Hey [Robert Griffin III], if you talk s*** about Angel Reese, I will punch you in the face. I am talking about my sister … I don’t usually do this, but I will punch you in the face.”
Defending Angel Reese
Spears’ impression wasn’t just for laughs—it referenced a real moment from Shaq’s Off The Record podcast. O’Neal, fiercely protective of Chicago Sky star Angel Reese, sent a stern warning to former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III, who had been critical of Reese in the media and even reposted a racist edit featuring her on the cover of NBA 2K26.
Shaq’s message was clear: “RG III, tweet another monkey post about my girl Angel Reese and I’m gonna punch you in your f***** face. K. It’s enough.”
Beyond Shaq: Barkley, Gandolfini, and More
Spears didn’t stop with his Shaq impression. He quickly shifted gears to Charles Barkley, highlighting how each voice has its own unique musicality. “Let me tell you something … Kobe Bryant … LeBron James is the greatest athlete. I think it’s very interesting,” Spears said, emphasizing Barkley’s distinctive cadence.
A fan of The Sopranos, Spears also treated the audience to a James Gandolfini impression, showing off his versatility. While his takes on Kobe Bryant and Tony Soprano were impressive, it was the authenticity and choice of words in his Shaq impression that truly stood out.
The Art of the Impression
Aries Spears’ comedic genius lies in his ability to capture not just the sound, but the soul of the people he imitates. His understanding of vocal “notes” and cadence allows him to bring characters like Shaquille O’Neal to life, right down to their breathy, bass-heavy delivery.
If you listen closely, you’ll hear exactly what Spears means about Shaq’s voice. Perhaps that’s why the Big Diesel can be a little hard to understand at times—but always unforgettable.
In the world of sports and comedy, Aries Spears’ impressions remind us that every voice has a music of its own—and sometimes, that music comes with a message.
