LiAngelo Ball’s viral song "Tweaker" racks $640,000+ since its release in sales: Report
LiAngelo Ball, the middle child of the famous Ball family, has made a remarkable switch from the hardwood to the recording studio.
Released on January 3, 2025, his debut single, Tweaker, has not only captured the attention of listeners but also achieved notable monetary success, bringing in close to $640,000 since its release.
Alongside his brothers, Lonzo and LaMelo Ball, all of whom are accomplished NBA players, LiAngelo, also known as Gelo, originally pursued a career in basketball.
Despite his best efforts, LiAngelo encountered difficulties on his career path as a professional basketball player. Unlike his brothers, Gelo failed to secure a permanent spot on an NBA squad after going undrafted in the 2018 NBA Draft and spending brief stints with teams like the Charlotte Hornets and Detroit Pistons.
Transitioning from basketball, LiAngelo embraced his passion for music, adopting the stage name G3 GELO. His first single, Tweaker, demonstrates his versatility and creative flare by combining nostalgic mid-2000s hip-hop with contemporary production.
Tweaker quickly became popular on several platforms after its release. Over 90 million on-demand streams were accumulated by the song, which further boosted its impressive revenue.
Major record labels took notice of Gelo's popularity which landed him a lucrative contract with Universal Music Group and Def Jam Recordings.
The deal, which is said to be worth up to $13 million with an $8 million guarantee, lets him keep complete ownership of his music and his record label, Born2Ball Music Group.
"Tweaker" Joins NBA 2K25’s Soundtrack
The NBA 2K franchise has a long history of featuring music by both established and emerging musicians. The decision to include Tweaker on the NBA 2K25 soundtrack highlights LiAngelo Ball's growing popularity in the entertainment world.
Given the game's reputation for being lively and engaging, the track's upbeat tempo and catchy hook made it an ideal match. NBA 2K25 players will now be able to listen to Tweaker throughout in-game events including online matches, player customization, and MyCareer mode.
Tweaker's addition in NBA 2K25 gives LiAngelo Ball an even greater platform to connect with fans around the world. His position as a legitimate artist in the music business is strengthened by this action, as the game has millions of players worldwide.
Additionally, the song's inclusion in the game raises the possibility of Ball working with other high-profile artists in the future and possible licensing deals with brands and sports teams.
In addition to echoing across NBA and NFL locker rooms, the song struck a chord with sports communities. During a post-game interview with star player Donovan Mitchell, the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrated a victory with Tweaker playing in the background.
Gelo's success is a perfect highlight of the long-standing relationship between hip-hop and basketball. The success that Ball has attained in such a short period is unprecedented among NBA players who have dabbled in the music industry.
Gelo's debut was welcomed by the music business as well. Renowned artists like Freddie Gibbs, Moneybagg Yo, and Boosie Badazz recognized the song's influence and said they would like to work together on a remix. Additionally, he got a spot at the Rolling Loud California event, where he would perform with major artists like A$AP Rocky.
With this most recent accomplishment, the question now is: Will LiAngelo's musical endeavors encourage more players to pursue their creative interests, possibly altering the boundary between entertainment and sports?