LiAngelo Ball’s “Tweaker” becomes first single released in 2025 to be certified gold or higher

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Apr 10, 2025

LiAngelo Ball’s “Tweaker” is first single released in 2025 to go gold

Introduction: LiAngelo Ball’s Big 2025

In a world where athletes cross into entertainment, few make a splash like LiAngelo Ball. Once known as the middle Ball brother on the hardwood, Gelo has kicked off 2025 by trading his basketball sneakers for studio headphones—and it’s working.

In just three days of the new year, Ball dropped his debut rap single “Tweaker”, a bold, high-energy track that quickly turned heads. The song not only charted but exploded, climbing to No. 29 on the Billboard Hot 100, and eventually securing a RIAA Gold certification—the first 2025 release to do so.

But Gelo didn’t stop there. He inked a reported $13 million record deal with Def Jam/Universal Music Group, performed at major music events, and followed up with new singles featuring hip-hop heavyweights. Let’s break down how LiAngelo Ball is turning a fast start into a potential music dynasty.

From Basketball to Billboard: Gelo’s Unlikely Rise

For years, LiAngelo Ball was overshadowed by his brothers—Lonzo, a starting NBA point guard, and LaMelo, a former Rookie of the Year. Gelo, on the other hand, never quite stuck in the NBA. After bouncing around Summer Leagues and G League squads, many fans wrote off his pro hoops dream.

But what the public didn’t see was Gelo’s growing passion for music. Throughout 2024, he quietly built a recording studio in California, assembled a creative team, and began dropping cryptic social media teases. Then, on January 3, 2025, “Tweaker” dropped.

The beat was gritty. The lyrics? Confident and catchy. The buzz was instant.

“Tweaker” Goes Viral — And Then Gold

Within hours of release, “Tweaker” surged online. TikTok trends exploded with fans dancing to the hook. Spotify streams ran up. Within a week, it became the top-selling U.S. hip-hop single of 2025, moving over 94,000 units in its debut week.

Even more impressive, “Tweaker” peaked at No. 29 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking one of the highest chart debuts ever for a pro athlete-turned-rapper. Notably, the track also hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hip-Hop/R&B Sales Chart—a rare feat for any newcomer.

Now, another milestone has arrived: the RIAA Gold certification, confirming over 500,000 units sold or streamed, per Chart Data. It’s the first single of the year to hit that mark.

A Star-Studded Remix with Lil Wayne

In February, Gelo doubled down on momentum with a remix of “Tweaker” featuring Lil Wayne. The collaboration sent shockwaves through the hip-hop world. Wayne’s verse paid homage to his early 2000s sound, bringing credibility and fire to the track.

For Gelo, it was more than a co-sign—it was validation. The remix sparked new life into the song, pushing it back up the charts and landing features across music blogs and playlists.

Performing at NBA All-Star Weekend & Rolling Loud

As “Tweaker” climbed, LiAngelo brought his show to the people.

First, he performed live during NBA All-Star Weekend in San Francisco—a full-circle moment that merged his basketball roots with his musical ambitions. Then came Rolling Loud California, one of the biggest stages in hip-hop.

Fans were skeptical at first. But Gelo’s stage presence, energy, and charisma shut down the doubts. By the time he dropped his second single, “Can You Please” with GloRilla, fans were waiting.

Building Momentum with “Can You Please” & “Law N Order”

In March, Gelo released “Can You Please,” a bouncy, southern-influenced banger featuring GloRilla. The track instantly landed on the Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100, and its music video racked up millions of views in just days.

Fast forward a week later, and he followed up with “Law N Order”, a darker, introspective single that shows Gelo isn’t afraid to experiment with tone and message.

Together, the two tracks prove “Tweaker” wasn’t a fluke. Gelo is building a catalog—and a real fanbase.

A $13M Record Deal and Gelo’s Own Label

Shortly after “Tweaker” went viral, Gelo signed a major recording deal with Def Jam Recordings and Universal Music Group. The contract, reportedly worth up to $13 million with $8 million guaranteed, also gave him something rare in the music world: control.

LiAngelo now operates under his own imprint, Born2Ball Music Group, giving him full ownership of his masters and future projects. This strategic move shows he’s not just chasing fame—he’s thinking long term.

What This Means for the Future of Artist-Athletes

LiAngelo’s rise is bigger than just one hit. It’s the blueprint for modern artist-athletes. In an era where content creation, branding, and personal platforms are more accessible than ever, Gelo is proving you can pivot careers—and thrive.

He’s also showing that athletes don’t have to wait until retirement to explore creative passions. With the right strategy, timing, and authenticity, the transition can happen in real time.

This trend isn’t new. Shaquille O’Neal, Damian Lillard, and Lonzo Ball have all tried rap careers. But Gelo is the first to turn it into a mainstream commercial success in the streaming era.

Lessons from Gelo’s Glow-Up

Here’s what aspiring artists, athletes, and entrepreneurs can learn from LiAngelo Ball’s breakout:

  • Pivoting doesn’t mean failure: It means evolving. Gelo didn’t “quit” basketball—he embraced his next calling.

  • Authenticity wins: Fans can tell when someone’s faking it. Gelo’s music, while rough around the edges, feels real.

  • Timing and strategy matter: Releasing “Tweaker” at the top of the year gave it a clear runway. Smart marketing made it soar.

  • Ownership is key: Gelo didn’t just sign a deal—he built a foundation for creative control.

LiAngelo’s Just Getting Started

It’s only April, and LiAngelo Ball has already made 2025 his year. From viral hits to gold certifications, A-list features to festival stages, Gelo has gone from overlooked middle brother to emerging hip-hop star.

If he keeps up this pace—and continues to learn the game—he could go from a surprising success to a certified staple in the industry.

So what’s next? Maybe an album. Maybe a tour. But one thing’s for sure: Gelo’s not just ballin’ anymore—he’s building a legacy.