LiAngelo Ball teases new GloRilla collaboration
For years, LiAngelo Ball was known primarily for basketball. As the middle brother of the Ball family—alongside NBA players Lonzo and LaMelo—he was expected to carve out his own lane in professional basketball. However, in 2025, Ball shocked the world by pivoting into hip-hop, and so far, his decision seems to be paying off.
Ball’s debut single, Tweaker, exploded in early January, becoming a viral sensation. The song took off on TikTok, with fans creating thousands of videos featuring the track. It wasn’t just an online trend, though—Tweaker quickly gained traction on streaming platforms, propelling Ball into the spotlight as a serious rap contender.
Within just a few weeks of its release, Tweaker peaked at No. 29 on the Billboard Hot 100, an impressive achievement for a debut track.
The song’s buzz also helped him land a $13 million record deal with Def Jam/Universal Music Group, with $8 million of it guaranteed
For an artist in his first few months in the industry, this level of success is rare. It has led many to wonder: Is LiAngelo Ball here to stay, or is this just a momentary viral sensation?
Lil Wayne Joins Tweaker (Remix): A Major Co-Sign
If there were any doubts about Ball’s legitimacy in the rap game, Lil Wayne erased them.
Last month, Wayne appeared on the official remix of Tweaker, delivering a high-energy verse that elevated the track.
This was a major moment for Ball—Lil Wayne is widely regarded as one of the greatest rappers of all time, and securing a feature from him this early in his career speaks volumes about Ball’s potential.
Wayne’s presence on the remix helped push the song even further, bringing in a wider audience of hip-hop fans who may not have initially taken Ball’s rap career seriously. The collaboration also reinforced the idea that Ball isn’t just another athlete dabbling in music—he’s making real industry moves.
Ball himself acknowledged how important the remix was, sharing behind-the-scenes footage of the collaboration and thanking Wayne for the opportunity. The remix has continued to perform well on streaming services, keeping Tweaker in heavy rotation among fans.
GloRilla & LiAngelo Ball: A Collaboration in the Works
LiAngelo Ball isn’t stopping at Lil Wayne. He has another high-profile collaboration on the way, this time with GloRilla.
Recently, Ball teased a video shoot for a new single featuring GloRilla, though he has yet to reveal the track’s official title and release date.
This partnership makes sense—GloRilla has quickly become one of the biggest rising stars in hip-hop, known for her aggressive delivery and infectious energy.
With hits like F.N.F. (Let’s Go) and Tomorrow 2, GloRilla has established herself as a force in the industry. A song with Ball could be another viral moment, especially if it brings the same level of energy that Tweaker did.
This collaboration will be a crucial test for Ball. If the song performs well, it could prove that he’s more than just a one-hit wonder.
Liangelo Ball & Glorilla have NEW music on the way pic.twitter.com/O82zPlOo77
— 2Cool2Blog (@2Cool2Blog) March 5, 2025
LiAngelo Ball’s Rolling Loud Performance: A Proving Ground
In addition to his music releases, Ball has been making waves on stage.
After Tweaker blew up, he was booked for Rolling Loud California, set to take place next weekend in Los Angeles.
This is a major milestone—Rolling Loud is one of the biggest hip-hop festivals in the world, and landing a slot on the lineup is a big deal for any rapper, let alone a newcomer.
This will be Ball’s second major performance in recent weeks. He previously performed at NBA All-Star Weekend in San Francisco, where he showcased his stage presence to a packed crowd.
Performing live is a whole different challenge from recording in the studio. Many viral artists struggle with stage presence, but if Ball can deliver a strong performance at Rolling Loud, it could further cement his place in hip-hop.
The Challenge of Longevity in Hip-Hop
LiAngelo Ball’s early success is impressive, but staying relevant in rap is a whole different battle.
Many athletes have tried their hand at music, but few have had long-term success. Shaquille O’Neal is one of the only NBA players to achieve platinum status as a rapper, while Damian Lillard has earned respect in hip-hop circles as Dame D.O.L.L.A.
The biggest challenge for Ball will be proving that he’s not just another viral moment.
To maintain his momentum, he’ll need to:
- Release consistent quality music – One hit isn’t enough. He’ll need to follow up Tweaker with more singles that showcase his versatility.
- Build a strong brand – Beyond music, artists need an identity that keeps fans engaged. Ball’s basketball background gives him a unique angle.
- Develop his live performance skills – Festivals like Rolling Loud can make or break an artist. If he shines on stage, he’ll gain credibility.
- Network within the industry – Features like Lil Wayne and GloRilla are great starts, but more collaborations with respected artists will help him grow.
If he can navigate these challenges, Ball could transition from a basketball player-turned-rapper into a true hip-hop star.
Sports & Hip-Hop: An Unbreakable Connection
LiAngelo Ball’s rise in music is another example of the deep connection between hip-hop and sports.
For decades, basketball and rap have been intertwined. NBA stars and rappers often share friendships, lifestyles, and even business ventures. Many athletes have pursued rap careers, and many rappers have made basketball references in their music.
Some of the most notable athlete-rappers include:
- Shaquille O’Neal – Released four rap albums, with Shaq Diesel going platinum.
- Allen Iverson – Dropped music under the name “Jewelz” but faced backlash from the NBA.
- Damian Lillard (Dame D.O.L.L.A.) – The most respected rapper-athlete today, with features from Lil Wayne and other major artists.
If Ball can establish himself as a serious artist, he could join this exclusive list.
What’s Next for LiAngelo Ball?
With a record deal, viral success, and major collaborations, LiAngelo Ball is off to a remarkable start in his rap career.
In the coming weeks, his Rolling Loud performance and GloRilla collaboration will be key moments. If he delivers, it will prove that his music career isn’t just a short-lived experiment.
But for now, one thing is clear: LiAngelo Ball’s rap journey is one of the most unexpected and exciting storylines of 2025.
Whether he remains an athlete-turned-rapper or becomes a true hip-hop heavyweight, fans and critics alike will be watching closely.
LiAngelo Ball’s transition into music has been surprising but undeniably impressive. With the success of Tweaker, co-signs from Lil Wayne and GloRilla, and a Rolling Loud debut on the horizon, he’s making the right moves.
The next few months will be crucial in determining if he can build a lasting career in hip-hop. If he continues to release hits, refine his artistry, and build his brand, LiAngelo Ball could be here to stay.
