LiAngelo Ball signs $13 million record deal with Def Jam and Universal Music Group

LiAngelo Ball, known for his basketball lineage as a member of the Ball family, is making headlines once again. This time, it’s not for his basketball career, but for his rise in the music industry. His rap debut, Tweaker, has gone viral, amassing over 7.8 million views, and now the 25-year-old has signed a major record deal with Def Jam and Universal Music Group. The deal is worth up to $13 million, with $8 million guaranteed, and includes full ownership of his music and record label.

LiAngelo Ball’s Unexpected Music Career

LiAngelo Ball’s transition from basketball to music is one of the most unexpected career pivots in recent memory. While his brothers, Lonzo and LaMelo Ball, have made a name for themselves in the NBA, LiAngelo had a different path. After a brief stint in the NBA and several years playing overseas, including his time with the Astros de Jalisco in Mexico’s top professional basketball league (CIBACOPA), LiAngelo turned his attention to music.

His debut single Tweaker has been a massive hit. In just a few weeks, it sold over 100,000 units and garnered millions of views online. This viral success not only boosted his profile as an artist but also led to a significant opportunity to perform at Rolling Loud California, one of the biggest hip-hop festivals in the country. LiAngelo’s growing popularity on platforms like YouTube and Spotify is a testament to his talent and hard work in a highly competitive industry.

The $13 Million Record Deal

The most significant news, however, came recently when reports confirmed on Monday that LiAngelo Ball signed a lucrative record deal with Def Jam and Universal Music Group. According to sources close to the deal, it is worth as much as $13 million, with $8 million of that guaranteed. This is a remarkable achievement, considering how quickly he made a name for himself in the rap world.

In addition to the financial aspects of the deal, LiAngelo will have full ownership of his music and his own record label, Born2Ball Music Group. Full ownership of an artist’s work is a rare privilege in the music industry, especially for someone as early in their career as LiAngelo. It signals a level of trust and confidence from the label in his ability to succeed long-term.

The deal gives LiAngelo not just financial security but the creative freedom to shape his music and brand the way he wants. He’s no longer just riding the coattails of his family’s fame; he’s building his own legacy, with a foundation that gives him more control than most new artists ever get.

From Basketball to Music: LiAngelo’s Evolution

LiAngelo Ball’s background in basketball has played an interesting role in his transition to music. Growing up in the spotlight with his father, LaVar Ball, and his famous brothers, LiAngelo was always a public figure. However, it wasn’t until he started playing professional basketball with teams like the Los Angeles Ballers and the Astros de Jalisco that he began to establish himself outside of his family name.

His time in the basketball world provided him with the discipline, resilience, and understanding of what it takes to succeed in a competitive field. These same qualities are now driving his success in music. His ability to market himself, create a buzz online, and get involved in the hip-hop scene in a meaningful way shows his versatility and adaptability.

LiAngelo’s Mexican Basketball Stint: A Hidden Gem for His Career

LiAngelo’s stint with the Astros de Jalisco, a team in the Liga Nacional de Baloncesto Profesional (LNBP), was notable for a number of reasons. Not only did it allow him to hone his basketball skills, but it also gave him a unique perspective on the global sports scene, which he’s now incorporating into his music career. His time playing in Mexico helped him connect with international fans and broaden his cultural influence, which has undoubtedly played a role in his ability to succeed as a musician.

What Tweaker Means for LiAngelo Ball’s Music Career

When LiAngelo dropped Tweaker, it wasn’t just a rap song—it was a statement. The track quickly became a viral sensation, resonating with audiences across various social media platforms. Its catchy beat and confident lyrics established LiAngelo as a serious player in the rap game, not just a celebrity trying out something new. His authentic approach to music, blending personal experiences with a love for hip-hop culture, has set him apart from other athletes-turned-artists.

But Tweaker isn’t just a single; it’s a glimpse into the future of LiAngelo’s music career. He’s already shown his ability to create hits, and with the backing of Def Jam and Universal Music Group, he’s poised to become a household name in the music industry. His ability to cross over from basketball into rap without seeming like a gimmick is rare, and it has set him up for long-term success.

What the Future Holds for LiAngelo Ball

Now that LiAngelo has secured a major record deal, the question remains: what’s next? Will he continue to pursue both basketball and music, or will he fully commit to his rap career?

Given his recent success and the major backing he has from industry giants like Def Jam, it’s likely we’ll see LiAngelo dedicate more time to his music. He’s already shown he has the ability to keep his basketball career and personal interests separate, and now that he’s found a new passion in music, he’s likely to focus on building his brand as an artist.

Additionally, the opportunity to run his own label, Born2Ball Music Group, could open up even more doors for LiAngelo. This gives him the chance to sign other artists, further expand his reach in the music world, and cement his place as a multi-faceted entrepreneur. His ability to juggle both basketball and music could become a defining characteristic of his career moving forward.

Key Takeaways: LiAngelo Ball’s Career Reinvention

LiAngelo Ball’s career reinvention has been nothing short of impressive. From being a basketball player to becoming a rap artist, he’s shown that he has the drive and versatility to succeed in multiple fields. His $13 million record deal with Def Jam and Universal Music Group is just the beginning, and with full ownership of his music and label, he’s positioning himself for a long and successful career in music.

For fans of both basketball and rap, LiAngelo’s journey is an exciting one to follow. He’s proving that athletes can be successful in other industries, and his story is inspiring for anyone looking to make a career change or pursue a new passion.

The combination of his music’s viral success, his strong family name, and his business acumen gives LiAngelo Ball a bright future in the entertainment world. Whether he chooses to return to basketball or fully commit to his music career, one thing is clear: LiAngelo Ball is here to stay.

A New Era for LiAngelo Ball

LiAngelo Ball’s unexpected foray into the music industry is a reminder that no career path is ever truly linear. He’s not just following in his brothers’ footsteps; he’s carving out his own unique path, blending sports, music, and business in ways that are both exciting and inspiring. With his $13 million record deal and full ownership of his music, LiAngelo is positioning himself as a major figure in the entertainment world—both now and in the years to come.

As fans continue to stream Tweaker and look forward to his next musical projects, the world will be watching to see how LiAngelo Ball navigates his evolving career. Whatever comes next, it’s clear that this is just the beginning of his journey in the music industry.