LiAngelo Ball is rising to prominence through an unexpected detour into the music world, stepping out of the shadows of his brothers Lonzo and LaMelo Ball. His viral hit song, Tweaker, featuring on WorldStarHipHop’s YouTube channel, has garnered over 13 million views, propelling him into the entertainment limelight while rewriting his trajectory from basketball to music stardom.
From Hardwood Hustle to a Music Mogul in the Making
Known initially for his basketball career and family legacy in the sport, LiAngelo faced setbacks, including going undrafted in 2018 and struggling for a foothold in the NBA. Despite stints with the Detroit Pistons, Charlotte Hornets, and the G-League’s Greensboro Swarm, his athletic career didn’t flourish, with modest averages of 4.4 points and 1.1 rebounds in 31 G-League games. Instead of fading into the background, he reinvented himself as a music artist, redefining his career path.
A Viral Sensation Turns Industry Game-Changer
The song Tweaker rapidly gained traction on platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and Spotify, becoming an internet sensation. It currently sits at No. 38 on Billboard Hot 100 and No. 41 on Spotify’s Top 50 Global Playlist. The viral success drew attention from major players in the music industry, leading to a massive record deal with Def Jam and Universal Music Group reportedly worth up to $13 million, including $8 million guaranteed.
Music industry experts see this as an indicator of LiAngelo’s rising star power, opening doors for more music projects, brand partnerships, media engagements, and merchandise opportunities.
Why Fans Are Buzzing About the Music Video
Adding to the excitement, LiAngelo announced that the highly anticipated music video for Tweaker will drop at 12 PM ET on Thursday, February 1. A teaser shared on social media hints at a high-energy production filled with vibrant visuals and choreography. Speculation about potential cameos by his brothers, references to his basketball journey, or a new independent artistic identity has fans using hashtags like #TweakerChallenge on TikTok and Instagram.
Breaking Out of His Brothers’ Shadow
LiAngelo has long been considered the least likely among the Ball brothers to capture mainstream attention. Lonzo has had a solid NBA career, and LaMelo is regarded as one of the league’s brightest stars. However, Tweaker has changed the narrative, allowing LiAngelo to emerge as a standout star in his own right. Instead of being labeled by familial context, he’s asserting an identity that showcases his resilience and adaptability.
Can He Sustain the Momentum?
While the unprecedented success of Tweaker has been remarkable, questions linger about whether LiAngelo can maintain this trajectory in the highly competitive music industry. Reports suggest he is already at work on follow-up singles and potential collaborations. Insiders at Universal Music Group have hinted at another project slated to be released within months to capitalize on the ongoing publicity.
Armed with major financial resources, access to top-tier writers, producers, and collaborators, LiAngelo stands a strong chance of sustaining his momentum in the spotlight.
What This Means for the Ball Family Legacy
For the Ball family, LiAngelo’s music success broadens their already substantial influence beyond basketball and reality TV (Ball in the Family). His rise emphasizes the importance of perseverance and reinvention, showcasing his evolution from failed NBA aspirations to viral music success.
As the new chapter in LiAngelo’s career unfolds, it’s clear he’s no longer riding the coattails of his family’s fame. With a viral hit song, a multimillion-dollar record deal, and the upcoming music video release, he’s carving out his own narrative one song at a time.
For more details, visit the original article on Bleacher Report.