LiAngelo Ball is officially making waves beyond basketball. According to ESPN NBA Senior Insider Shams Charania, Ball has signed a major deal with Def Jam and Universal Music Group, a move that solidifies his transition into the music industry. The deal, worth up to $13 million with $8 million guaranteed, also grants Ball full ownership of his music and his Born2Ball Music Group label.
LiAngelo Ball has signed a deal with Def Jam and Universal Music Group, a representative from his label Born2Ball Music Group says. Sources said the deal is worth as much as $13 million, with $8 million guaranteed, and gives Ball full ownership of music and his own record label.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 13, 2025
The signing follows the massive success of Ball’s viral single, Tweaker, a Y2K-inspired rap track that has taken social media by storm. Ball first teased the track in December 2024 during a livestream with notorious internet personality N3ON, and fans immediately latched onto its early 2000s Southern rap vibe. After weeks of anticipation, Ball dropped the full song at the start of 2025.
Tweaker quickly became the year’s first viral Hip-Hop hit, topping YouTube Music’s No. 1 trending song chart and amassing 4.9 million views as of January 7. The song also found success on Spotify, pulling in 1.32 million streams on its debut day, making it the 12th most streamed rap song globally on the platform.
The track’s influence has extended far beyond streaming platforms. Tweaker has become a staple in the sports world, with the Chicago Bulls and Charlotte Hornets playing it during games. The Detroit Lions even blasted the track in their locker room after clinching the NFC North title and securing the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs for the 2024 season. The song has even made its way to TNT’s Inside the NBA.
Ball’s nostalgic take on early 2000s Southern rap has also caught the attention of Hip-Hop heavyweights. Artists like Boosie and Moneybagg Yo have reportedly reached out to collaborate on remixes of the track.
