Russell Simmons -- SHAQ'S A DOPE RAPPER ... I Wish I Woulda Signed Him

Jay-Z, Kanye West, LL Cool J, who's missing? According to Russell Simmons it's Shaquille O'neal because the Hip Hop pioneer tells TMZ Sports he "wishes" he'd have signed Shaq to a record deal back in the day.

Russell, co-founder of the legendary Def Jam records, was out in New York City when we asked him if there was a rapping athlete that he'd have wanted to work with back in DJ's heyday.

Simmons doesn't hesitate to big up the Diesel -- who recently dusted off his rap skills to audition for Pharrell -- cracking a huge smile and telling us Shaq was "kinda cool" on the mic.

Ya hear that Pharrell? Russell says it's OK.