LiAngelo Ball, the basketball star turned viral rapper, is reportedly signing with Def Jam.

Virality Leads to a Major Record Deal

The basketball player who gained widespread attention with his track “Tweaker” has reportedly secured a deal with Def Jam.

A Member of the Ball Family’s Musical Journey

LiAngelo Ball, part of the renowned Ball family that has produced several successful NBA stars, released the song earlier this year, which was initially praised as a fresh release. However, the song’s impact quickly gained traction, and Lil Yachty was among the artists celebrating its success.

Now, ESPNShams Charania has reported that the viral sensation of the track enabled Ball to sign a lucrative contract with the iconic hip-hop label Def Jam Recordings and its parent company Universal Music Group. The deal, confirmed by the label, is believed to be worth up to $13 million (£10.7 million), as stated by Pitchfork.

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Ball originally released the track through his family music group, Born To Ball, and the new agreement will allow him to maintain ownership of his music.

LiAngelo’s Path and Future Endeavors

LiAngelo is one of three well-known sons of entrepreneur LaVar Ball, who is the founder of the Big Baller brand. The eldest son, Lonzo Ball, was the second overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft and currently plays for the Chicago Bulls. Meanwhile, LaMelo Ball earned Rookie of the Year honors in 2020 and became an All-Star the following year.

Although LiAngelo did not make it to the NBA, he has played at a lower level in the G League as well as in Mexico and Lithuania.

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“Tweaker” is the first single he released, premiering in early January and credited under the name G3 Gelo. Lonzo is noted as a co-writer of the song, though he has stated that his contribution was limited to the cover art.

As of now, the song boasts 8.3 million views on YouTube and is anticipated to chart on the Billboard Hot 100 in the coming weeks. Ball’s burgeoning music career is set to continue in March at the Rolling Loud California festival in Hollywood Park.

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