What is the origin story behind late Aaron Carter's song "That's How I Beat Shaq"? All you need to know

It was recently announced that Aaron Carter, former child pop singer and younger brother of Backstreet Boys singer Nick Carter, has died. He was only 34 years old. Carter first rose to fame as a child with pop songs like “I Want Candy” and “Crush on You.” His first studio album, “Aaron Carter” was released in 1997 and his final studio album, “Love” was released in 2018. He had many memorable hits over the years including his single “That’s How I Beat Shaq” in 2001.

The track was a story about the time Carter beat NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal in basketball. Many assumed it to be a joke, but it turns out that Carter wasn't lying when he sang about beating O'Neal in 2001. During an appearance on E! News' "HappE! Hour" a couple of years ago, O’Neal explained the origin of the song.

O’Neal said that it is based on the true story of Carter beating him in a game of HORSE. This occurred as Carter would often come over to O'Neal's house while the Backstreet Boys were recording their first album there.

"We had a HORSE game one day and he beat me", O’Neal said.

"Then he came back and said, 'I want to do a song' and I said, 'Sure.' He asked me to be in the video and I said, 'Sure.' So, I've been knowing those guys ever since 1992," O’Neal continued.

However, Shaquille O’Neal also got some light-hearted revenge on Carter years later on his show "Upload with Shaquille O'Neal."

How did Aaron Carter die?

Recently deceased singer Aaron Carter

As for the cause of Carter’s death, the LA County Sheriff’s Department responded to a call for help at Carter’s home on Saturday morning. The incident occurred around 11 a.m., and Carter was later found dead in his bathtub. However, authorities gave no information about a possible cause of death.

Carter had previously said that he battled multiple mental health issues.

During a 2019 episode of “The Doctors,” Carter opened up about his battle with multiple personality disorder, schizophrenia, acute anxiety, and manic depression.

“This is my reality,” Carter said as he displayed all of his various prescription medications.

In 2017, Carter was also arrested in Georgia under suspicion of drunk driving and marijuana possession.

However, the singer later said in an interview that he did not drink or have a drug problem.

“I don’t need help,” Carter said. “What I need is for people to understand that I’m human and that I make mistakes just like every other human in this world."

Following his death on Saturday, many fans and celebrities expressed their shock and later sent their condolences to Carter’s family. Nick Carter also posted a heartfelt message on Instagram regarding his brother's passing.

“My heart has been broken today. Even though my brother and I have had a complicated relationship, my love for him has never ever faded,” Carter said. “I have always held onto the hope that he would somehow, someday want to walk a healthy path and eventually find the help that he so desperately needed."

Nick Carter then added that addiction and mental health are the real issues regarding his brother's passing.

“Sometimes we want to blame someone or something for a loss. But the truth is that addiction and mental illness is the real villain here. I will miss my brother more than anyone will ever know. I love you Chizz,” Carter said.

Aaron is survived by his 11-month-old son, Prince.

For more on Carter's death, click here.

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