While his brothers Lonzo and LaMelo have carved out successful NBA careers, LiAngelo Ball has found his own path to success – and it’s in the music industry! His debut single, “Tweaker,” released at the beginning of 2025, has officially gone platinum, a massive achievement for the former basketball prospect.
From Basketball Courts to Platinum Plaques
LiAngelo, or GELO as he’s known in the music world, initially previewed “Tweaker” during a stream with N3on. The song quickly gained traction, partly due to its catchy, meme-worthy chorus, and developed a dedicated following. Now, nearly ten months after its release, the RIAA has certified “Tweaker” as platinum, signifying one million units sold in the U.S.
This accomplishment is particularly remarkable given the initial doubts about his potential in music. However, GELO has successfully pivoted from his basketball aspirations to establish a niche in the industry. His success with “Tweaker” even landed him a lucrative $13 million deal with Def Jam/UMG, with $8 million guaranteed.
A Hit Song and a Debut Album
The success of “Tweaker” has opened many doors for GELO, leading him to notable appearances at a Lions playoff game, NBA All-Star Weekend, and Rolling Loud. It also earned him a spot on the XXL Freshman list. The track served as the lead single for his debut album, “League of My Own,” which dropped in July and featured other notable songs like “Law N Order” and “Can You Please” with GloRilla.
Achieving platinum status for a debut single in 2025 places GELO in elite company. He joins a select group of hip-hop and R&B artists, including Mariah the Scientist, BigXthaPlug, Lil Tecca, and even Drake, who have earned platinum-certified singles this year. This is GELO’s only record to date to receive such recognition.
A Remarkable Pivot
LiAngelo Ball’s journey from a promising basketball player to a platinum-selling artist is a testament to his adaptability and pursuit of passion. His ability to find success in a completely different field after his NBA dreams didn’t fully materialize is truly inspiring.
It’s been nothing short of remarkable to watch unfold as “Tweaker” landed him an insane deal with Def Jam/UMG days after its release. — Zachary Horvath (HotNewHipHop)
The success of “Tweaker” demonstrates that talent can manifest in unexpected ways, and LiAngelo Ball is proving that he’s more than just a name associated with basketball royalty.
What do you think of LiAngelo Ball’s music career taking off? Are you surprised by the success of “Tweaker”? Share your thoughts in the comments below!