The previous skilled basketball participant LiAngelo Ball kicked off 2025 with a music referred to as “Tweaker” that has caught the eye of the Detroit Lions, Lil Yachty, and lots of others. It’s additionally landed him a report deal, in keeping with ESPN’s Shams Charania, who reviews that Ball has signed with Def Jam Recordings and its dad or mum firm, Universal Music Group, for a deal that may very well be value as much as $13 million. Ball, who launched the one through his household’s Born to Ball Music Group, will retain possession of his music and his label, in keeping with Charania. A Def Jam consultant confirmed the signing to Pitchfork, however declined to touch upon the monetary particulars of the deal.
Ball is the center youngster of LaVar Ball, the previous skilled soccer participant who made waves within the 2010s by means of the bombastic promotion of his sons’ basketball careers. The elder Ball co-founded Large Baller Model, in 2016, as his oldest son, Lonzo, was on the point of enter the Nationwide Basketball Affiliation. The daddy has light from the general public eye as his sons, particularly the youngest Ball, LaMelo, have discovered their footing professionally.
LiAngelo Ball, who information beneath the title G3 Gelo, had launched little or no music previous to “Tweaker.” He most prominently featured on his brother Lonzo’s “BITF” in 2018. He is because of carry out at Rolling Loud California in March.
LiAngelo Ball performed basketball at California’s Chino Hills Excessive College earlier than committing to play for UCLA. He by no means took the court docket for the Bruins, nonetheless, as he and two teammates have been arrested in China, in 2017, for shoplifting. The athletes have been released from custody and returned dwelling, however they have been suspended by the UCLA basketball staff. Ball quickly withdrew from UCLA earlier than embarking on an expert profession that noticed him play for groups in Lithuania, Mexico, and the NBA G League.
