Basketball player turned viral ‘Tweaker’ rapper LiAngelo Ball reportedly signs with Def Jam

The basketball player who went viral for his track ‘Tweaker’ has reportedly signed a record deal with Def Jam.

LiAngelo Ball, a member of the celebrated Ball family who have produced multiple successful NBA stars, released the song at the start of the year and was initially embraced as a novelty. However, the strength of the song soon won through, with Lil Yachty among those celebrating it.

Now, ESPN’s Shams Charania has reported that the viral sensation of the track has landed Ball a lucrative contract with iconic hip-hop label Def Jam Recordings and its parent company Universal Music Group. The deal, which the label has confirmed to Pitchfork, is thought to be worth up to $13million (£10.7million).

Ball originally released the track through his family’s own Born To Ball Music Group and the new deal will allow him to retain ownership of his music.

LiAngelo is one of three high-profile sons of the entrepreneur LaVar Bell, who is behind the Big Baller Brand. Lonzo Ball, the eldest son, was the second overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft and currently plays for the Chicago Bulls. LaMelo Ball, meanwhile, was Rookie of the Year in 2020 and an All-Star the following year.

LiAngelo himself did not make the cut with the NBA and ended up playing at a lower level in the G League, as well as in Mexico and Lithuania.

‘Tweaker’ is the first single he has released, premiering in early January and released under the name G3 Gelo. Lonzo is credited as a co-writer on the song, although he has said he is only responsible for the cover art.

At the time of writing, the song has 8.3million views on YouTube and is expected to chart on the Billboard Hot 100 in the coming weeks. Ball’s burgeoning music career is set to continue at Rolling Loud California in March in Hollywood Park.