Former Basketball Player LiAngelo Ball Turns Viral Song “Tweaker” into Def Jam Recordings Deal: Report

On January 14, 2025By Littum

Former professional basketball player LiAngelo Ball kicked off 2025 with a song called “Tweaker” that has caught the attention of Detroit Lions, Lil Yachtyand many others. It has also landed him a record deal, according to ESPN’s Shams Charaniawho reports that Ball has signed with Def Jam recordings and its parent company, Universal Music Groupfor a deal that could be worth up to $13 million. Ball, who released the single via his family’s Born to Ball Music Groupwill retain ownership of his music and his label, according to Charania. Pitchfork has reached out to Def Jam representatives for comment and more information.

Ball is the middle child of LaVar Ball, the former pro football player who made waves in the 2010s by bombastically promoting his sons’ basketball careers. The elder Ball co-founded Big Baller Brand in 2016 when his oldest son, Lonzo, was preparing to enter the National Basketball Association. The father has disappeared from the public eye as his sons, namely the youngest Ball, LaMelo, have found their footing professionally.

LiAngelo Ball, who records under the name G3 Gelo, had released very little music prior to “Tweaker.” He was most prominently featured on his brother Lonzo’s “BITF” in 2018. He will be performing at Rolling Loud California in March.

LiAngelo Ball played basketball at California’s Chino Hills High School before committing to UCLA. However, he never took the court for the Bruins, as he and two teammates were arrested in China, in 2017, for shoplifting. The athletes were released from custody and returned home, but they were suspended of the UCLA basketball team. Ball soon withdrew from UCLA before embarking on a professional career where he played for teams in LithuaniaMexico and the NBA G League.