LiAngelo Ball somehow turned Tweaker into an $8 million record deal

By now, you’ve probably heard the hit song “Tweaker” by LiAngelo Ball more than a few times. For some of you, it may be far more than that.

But you might have to get used to hearing songs by LiAngelo, older brother of Charlotte guard LaMelo Ball and younger brother of Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball, far more often.

WHOA-OH! Tweaker memes are so good!

Following the massive success of “Tweaker” last week, Gelo has reportedly signed a massive deal with Def Jam and Universal Music Group. According to ESPN’s Shams Charaniahis label “Born2Ball Music Group” is now part of the major labels.

LiAngelo Ball has signed a deal with Def Jam and Universal Music Group, a representative from his label Born2Ball Music Group says. Sources said the deal is worth as much as $13 million, with $8 million guaranteed, and gives Ball full ownership of the music and his own record label.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) 13 January 2025

Ball will get $8 million guaranteed, per Charania, and could earn up to $13 million in the deal.

The former high school basketball star will retain “full ownership” of his music and record label.

This is great, exciting news for LiAngelo and his family. The song is legitimately good, though even the biggest fans would probably agree that it mostly succeeds in the 10-second period where he sings “I might swerve, bend the corner, whoah-oh-oh” more than something else.

While it may feel catchy, it’s unclear if Gelo can repeat that success on future tracks. If he can, this is a wise investment for Def Jam and UMG.

If not, however, it could end up being a very expensive risk in the long term.