LiAngelo Ball Signs Landmark Record Deal Following Success of Hit Song "Tweaker”
LiAngelo Ball, the middle sibling in the famous Ball family, has taken the music world by storm with his breakout single "Tweaker." Released on January 3 under his label Born2Ball Music Group, the track has quickly amassed nearly 8 million views on the WorldstarHipHop YouTube channel and secured Ball a lucrative record deal with Def Jam Recordings and Universal Music Group.
According to reports from ESPN's Shams Charania, the deal is worth up to $13 million, with $8 million guaranteed. Ball will maintain full ownership of his music and record label under the agreement, giving him creative and financial control over his burgeoning music career.
"Tweaker," which blends early 2000s rap with a modern hip-hop flair, has resonated deeply with fans. The track’s catchy hook, “I might swerve, bend the corner, whoah-oh-oh,” has sparked viral memes and propelled it to the No. 4 spot on Spotify's U.S. streaming chart as of January 8, surpassing major hits by artists like Kendrick Lamar and Tyler, the Creator.
Ball, who records under the name G3 Gelo, is no stranger to the spotlight. He initially gained fame as a high school basketball star at Chino Hills High School in California. However, his basketball journey took an unexpected turn after an incident in 2017, where he and two UCLA teammates were arrested in China for shoplifting. Following his withdrawal from UCLA, Ball played professionally in Lithuania, Mexico, and the NBA G League before pivoting to music.
Despite the shift in career paths, music isn’t entirely new for the Ball family. His older brother, Lonzo Ball, has released tracks such as "Zo2" to promote the family’s Big Baller Brand. However, LiAngelo's "Tweaker" has achieved unprecedented attention, with Lonzo dubbing 2025 the "year of G[elo]."
The song’s meteoric rise has also drawn attention from major names, including the Detroit Lions and rapper Lil Yachty. Fans can expect even more from Ball, who has teased a follow-up track and an upcoming performance at Rolling Loud California in March.
While this massive deal marks an exciting chapter for LiAngelo Ball, it also poses a test for his future in music. Whether "Tweaker" proves to be a one-hit wonder or the beginning of a sustained career remains to be seen. For now, Ball's success underscores his ability to shine both on and off the court.
