LiAngelo Ball Signs $13M Music Deal After Viral Hit ‘Tweaker’

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — LiAngelo Ball, the former UCLA basketball player and NBA G League athlete, has secured a lucrative music deal following the viral success of his debut single “Tweaker.” The 26-year-old signed a contract with Def Jam and Universal Music Group worth up to $13 million, with $8 million guaranteed, according to ESPN.

The deal grants Ball full ownership of his music and his own record label, Born2Ball Music Group. His breakout track, “Tweaker,” has amassed 7.8 million views on YouTube in just nine days and ranks among the top songs on YouTube Music, trailing only tracks from Bad Bunny‘s latest album.

Ball’s rapid rise in the music industry has earned him a spot at the Rolling Loud concert festival in Los Angeles this March. The song’s infectious hook, particularly the line “I might swerve, bend the corner, whoah-oh-oh,” has resonated widely, making it a staple in sports locker rooms and on social media.

Milwaukee Bucks star Damian Lillard, a respected rapper in his own right, praised Ball’s work. “I rock with it, man,” Lillard said. “It gives me that 2003-2004 vibe. As an artist, you gotta respect other people’s artistry, and when something is going, it’s going. I’m happy for him—it’s a big record, you’re hearing it everywhere.”

Ball, often overshadowed by his brothers Lonzo Ball of the Chicago Bulls and LaMelo Ball of the Charlotte Hornets, has carved out a unique path in music. His transition from basketball to music marks a significant shift in his career, and industry insiders are watching closely to see if he can replicate the success of “Tweaker” with future releases.

While the deal represents a major win for Ball, it also carries risks for Def Jam and Universal Music Group. If Ball fails to deliver another hit, the investment could prove costly. However, for now, the Ball family has another reason to celebrate as LiAngelo steps into the spotlight on his own terms.