LiAngelo Ball, once known for his basketball skills, is now making waves in the music industry. The 26-year-old former professional player recently dropped his debut single, “Tweaker,” which quickly went viral, earning him a major record deal reportedly worth up to $13 million with Def Jam Records, a subsidiary of Universal Music Group.
LiAngelo, who records under the name G3 Gelo, released “Tweaker” through his family’s independent label, Born to Ball Music Group. Impressively, Ball retains full ownership of his music and label, giving him significant control over his artistic career. The track, produced by Glockie Cheez and KUNICA, has racked up millions of streams across platforms like YouTube and Spotify since its release earlier this month.
The road to this milestone wasn’t conventional. Ball used the BeatStars platform to license the beat and recorded his vocals using the Voloco app on his phone, a mobile digital audio workstation (DAW). According to BeatStars, the song was completed and released within days, proving that high-quality music can now be created without ever stepping into a traditional studio.
According to reports, Ball’s deal with Def Jam includes an $8 million guarantee, with additional incentives that could push the total to $13 million. This partnership highlights the evolution of music creation, as platforms like BeatStars empower artists to access professional tools and break into the industry without significant upfront investment.
Abe Batshon, founder and CEO of BeatStars, praised Ball’s success, stating, “This is the future of music creation. With the right tools, artists like LiAngelo Ball are breaking down barriers and proving that creativity has no limits. ‘Tweaker’ is more than just a viral hit—it’s a symbol of the empowerment we bring to creators worldwide.”
Before transitioning to music, Ball was a rising basketball star. He played at Chino Hills High School alongside his brothers, Lonzo and LaMelo Ball, and later committed to UCLA. However, his basketball career took a hit in 2017 when he and two teammates were arrested for shoplifting in China. The incident led to his suspension from UCLA, and he ultimately pursued basketball professionally in Lithuania, Mexico, and the NBA G League.
Now, with his basketball days behind him, Ball is focused on his music career. He’s already booked to perform at Rolling Loud California in March, solidifying his presence in the industry.
LiAngelo’s journey from basketball to music demonstrates the power of persistence and innovation. By leveraging new technology and platforms, he has transformed a viral single into a multimillion-dollar deal. His success with “Tweaker” is a testament to the changing landscape of music, where creativity, resourcefulness, and the right tools can propel an artist to stardom.
As G3 Gelo, Ball is proving that his talents extend far beyond the basketball court, and fans are eager to see what’s next for this rising star.
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