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Tag: LiAngelo Ball

  • LiAngelo Ball Hits Platinum with ‘Tweaker’

    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!

  • LiAngelo Ball’s “Tweaker” Goes Platinum

    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!