Talk about a slam dunk! LiAngelo Ball, who you might know from his basketball days, has officially achieved platinum status as a recording artist. His hit song ‘Tweaker’ has sold one million digital units, a massive accomplishment recognized by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
From the Court to the Charts
Since transitioning from the basketball court to the music studio, LiAngelo, performing as ‘Gelo,’ has made serious waves. His viral track ‘Tweaker,’ released in January, didn’t just gain traction; it debuted at number 29 on the Billboard Hot 100 and quickly racked up millions of views on YouTube. This success places him among elite hip-hop and R&B artists like Drake and Lil Wayne for platinum singles this year.
The momentum didn’t stop there. Following the success of ‘Tweaker,’ Ball signed with Def Jam, solidifying his commitment to his music career. Even seasoned rappers like Lil Wayne showed love, featuring on the remix of the hit single. In July, he dropped his debut album, ‘League of My Own,’ a 13-track project that includes his chart-topping hit.
A New Path: Music Over Basketball
This career shift comes after LiAngelo officially retired from professional basketball this past summer. Having played internationally in Lithuania and Mexico, as well as in the NBA G-League and summer league, he decided to focus on his burgeoning music career. He candidly shared on the ‘Bagfuel’ podcast that the financial rewards of music simply outweighed his G-League salary.
I was in the G League, that’s 3k a month. That sh– wasn’t holding nothing. When I got paid for music, it wasn’t a hard decision. — LiAngelo Ball
Ball is part of a famous basketball family, being the middle brother to Lonzo Ball (Cleveland Cavaliers) and LaMelo Ball (Charlotte Hornets). Both brothers even made an appearance in the ‘Tweaker’ music video, showing their support. Their father, LaVar Ball, is also well-known for founding the Big Baller Brand and the former Junior Basketball Association.
What do you think of LiAngelo Ball’s success in the music industry? Are you a fan of ‘Tweaker’? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!