The Ball family has become a household name, not just in sports but in the broader landscape of pop culture. Headed by patriarch LaVar Ball, the family’s rise to fame began with a combination of athletic talent, entrepreneurial drive, and an uncanny ability to captivate the public. Hailing from Chino Hills, California, the Balls have consistently found themselves in the spotlight, building a brand synonymous with ambition and success. Now, LiAngelo Ball is redefining the family legacy by pivoting from basketball to music, capturing attention with a viral hit 'Tweaker' debuting on the Hot 100. But the roots of this viral banger go much deeper than just LiAngelo. It stems from the entire Ball family, a household driven by a relentless pursuit of greatness—whether in basketball, music, or anything they set out to accomplish.
Meet the Ball Family
LaVar Ball: The Big Baller
LaVar Ball, a former college basketball player for Washington State University and Cal State Los Angeles, laid the foundation for his family’s athletic success. Although he never played in the NBA, LaVar briefly pursued professional football, spending time with the New York Jets and Carolina Panthers in the early 1990s. His passion for sports and larger-than-life personality propelled him to create Big Baller Brand, an athletic apparel company designed to capitalize on his sons' basketball prowess. LaVar’s outspoken nature often stirred controversy, but it also kept the Ball family in the headlines, making them a cultural phenomenon.
Lonzo Ball: The Trailblazer
As the eldest son, Lonzo was the first to carry the Ball family name into professional basketball. After an impressive season at UCLA, where he earned national recognition for his playmaking skills, Lonzo was selected second overall in the 2017 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Lakers. Known for his court vision and passing ability, Lonzo has built a steady NBA career, playing for teams like the New Orleans Pelicans and Chicago Bulls. Off the court, Lonzo has also dabbled in music, releasing his own rap tracks, showcasing the family’s diverse talents.
LiAngelo Ball: The Maverick
LiAngelo, the middle son, has had a tumultuous journey. While he shone alongside his brothers at Chino Hills High School, where they won a state championship and achieved national acclaim, LiAngelo’s basketball career has been less conventional. A brief stint at UCLA ended amid controversy, and his professional opportunities were limited to the G League and international teams. Despite these setbacks, LiAngelo found a new outlet for his creativity in music. His debut track Tweaker has become a viral sensation, signaling a dramatic pivot from sports to the entertainment industry.
LaMelo Ball: The Prodigy
LaMelo, the youngest Ball, has arguably achieved the most on-court success. His unorthodox path included playing overseas in Lithuania and Australia before entering the NBA as the third overall pick in the 2020 Draft by the Charlotte Hornets. Known for his flashy style and scoring ability, LaMelo quickly became a fan favorite, earning Rookie of the Year honors in 2021. His charisma and marketability have made him not just a star athlete but a global brand.
The Ball family’s story is one of relentless ambition and adaptability, with each member carving out their own legacy while contributing to the family's ever-growing influence in sports, entertainment, and beyond. LiAngelo’s unexpected success in music is just the latest chapter in their remarkable journey.
The Forgotten Ball Brother
LiAngelo Robert Ball aka G3 & GELO
For years, LiAngelo Ball has been the least talked-about member of the Ball family, overshadowed by his brothers’ NBA success. While Lonzo became a top draft pick and LaMelo solidified himself as a franchise star, LiAngelo’s basketball career never took off in the same way. Yet, in 2024, he did something neither of his brothers had—he became a viral rap star. His hit single Tweaker exploded onto the scene, proving that while he may have been overlooked in basketball, he wasn’t done making a name for himself.
LiAngelo's Journey in Basketball
Once considered a top prospect, LiAngelo known for his scoring ability at Chino Hills High School, where he played alongside Lonzo and LaMelo in one of the most dominant high school teams in history. Unlike his brothers, who had flashy playmaking skills, LiAngelo was a pure scorer, averaging over 30 points per game as a senior. However, his road to the NBA quickly hit obstacles.
A highly publicized shoplifting incident in China led to his suspension from UCLA before he ever played a game, forcing him to take an unconventional path to the pros. Instead of college, he played overseas in Lithuania, then spent years bouncing between the NBA Summer League and G League, fighting for a roster spot that never materialized. Despite his dedication, NBA teams saw him as an undersized forward lacking elite athleticism, and he was ultimately left without a stable home in professional basketball. By 2023, it became clear that his NBA dream wasn’t panning out—but rather than fading into obscurity, he pivoted to something new.
LiAngelo’s Shift From Hoops Into Rap
Music has always been part of the Ball family's culture. Lonzo famously released several rap projects under the name "Zo2," and LaVar consistently promoted his sons not just as athletes, but as entertainers and brand-builders. LiAngelo, however, had never publicly shown much interest in rapping—until basketball no longer held the same promise it once did.
After years of training to be an NBA player, LiAngelo found himself in a new space, surrounded by artists and creatives who saw his potential beyond the court. Inspired by the lifestyle, he started experimenting with music, using the same relentless work ethic that once fueled his basketball ambitions. What started as casual freestyling in the studio turned into something more serious, as he honed his sound and took rap from a hobby to a career move. By 2024, he was fully invested in music, determined to prove he could succeed in an industry just as competitive as professional basketball.
"Tweaker" The Viral Hit That Put Gelo on the Rap Map
LiAngelo’s rap career officially took off with the release of Tweaker, a high-energy track that blew up on social media and streaming platforms. What started as a song among friends quickly spread through viral TikTok clips, reaction videos, and memes, propelling it onto the Billboard Hot 100. Unlike many NBA players who dabble in rap without making a real impact, LiAngelo’s music actually connected with fans, gaining millions of streams and recognition from industry heavyweights.
The song’s success wasn’t just about hype—it proved that LiAngelo had the charisma and sound to stand out in an oversaturated rap scene. While some initially saw him as another athlete trying to rap, Tweaker forced people to take him seriously, and his newfound momentum put him on the radar of major labels and established artists.
LiAngelo’s Style: What Sets Him Apart?
Unlike his brother Lonzo, whose rap career leaned into a more laid-back, lyrical style, LiAngelo’s music is raw, high-energy, and directly influenced by the modern trap sound dominating hip-hop. His delivery is aggressive, his beats are hard-hitting, and his subject matter reflects both his luxurious lifestyle and the struggles he’s faced in carving out his own path.
One of the key reasons LiAngelo’s music resonates is authenticity. He isn’t just another basketball player making songs for fun—he’s an athlete who faced rejection, rebuilt himself, and is now proving his worth in a completely different industry. That underdog story gives his music a sense of realness that fans connect with.
With Tweaker as his breakthrough, LiAngelo Ball is no longer just "the forgotten Ball brother." He’s now a rising figure in hip-hop, and his next moves could define whether he cements himself in music for the long run.
The Future of NBA Rap
Rap and basketball have been intertwined for decades, but in recent years, NBA players have become more than just fans of the culture—they’ve become active participants. What was once a side hobby for hoopers has evolved into a legitimate second career for some, with players dropping full projects, signing record deals, and even gaining mainstream recognition in hip-hop.
A perfect example of this crossover is NBA YoungBoy, one of the most influential rappers of his generation. Despite having no direct ties to the league, his name alone reflects the deep connection between basketball and rap culture. His raw, street-driven sound and relentless work ethic mirror the energy and confidence found in today’s NBA stars, making him a symbol of the sport’s evolving relationship with hip-hop. With LiAngelo Ball’s rise in music, it’s clear that NBA-affiliated artists are no longer just a novelty—they’re a growing force in the industry.
A Growing Part of NBA Culture
Hip-hop has always been the soundtrack of basketball, from arena anthems to pre-game playlists, but today’s NBA players are more immersed in the culture than ever. The league itself has embraced rap, featuring more hip-hop artists at All-Star events, using rap-heavy soundtracks for promotions, and even seeing players form direct relationships with musicians.
Social media has also played a huge role in this shift. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube allow NBA players to showcase their music instantly, gaining traction without needing traditional industry backing. Players like LiAngelo Ball, who might have struggled to break into rap in the past, now have a direct line to millions of fans eager to hear what they create.
Perhaps the biggest indication of rap’s presence in the league is its influence on player personas. Many young NBA stars mirror the aesthetics and energy of rap culture, from the way they dress to the way they carry themselves off the court. Rappers and hoopers now move in the same circles, with stars like Drake, J. Cole, and Lil Baby regularly engaging with NBA players in ways that blur the line between sports and music. As more players invest in rap careers, the divide between the two worlds continues to shrink.
Notable NBA Players in Music and Rap
While LiAngelo Ball is the latest to gain traction, he’s far from the first NBA player to enter the music industry. The trend started decades ago with pioneers like Shaquille O’Neal, who became the first NBA player to go platinum with his 1993 album Shaq Diesel. Allen Iverson attempted a rap career under the name "Jewelz," but his lyrics stirred controversy with the NBA, forcing him to step back from music.
In the modern era, Damian Lillard (aka Dame D.O.L.L.A.) has set the gold standard for NBA rap, releasing multiple well-respected albums featuring artists like Lil Wayne and Snoop Dogg. Miles Bridges, despite his off-court issues, has built a loyal following with his raw, street-oriented music. Players like Iman Shumpert and Lou Williams have also dabbled in rap, though without the same breakout success.
Damian Lillard
The Rapper with Authenticity
Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard, aka Dame D.O.L.L.A., has cemented his place as a respected lyricist in the rap community. Unlike many athletes-turned-musicians, Lillard’s music, including albums like Confirmed and Big D.O.L.L.A., is often praised for its depth and authenticity. His collaborations with artists like Lil Wayne have further blurred the lines between athlete and musician, earning him a devoted following beyond basketball.
Shaquille O’Neal
The Pioneer of Athlete Rap
Shaquille O’Neal, known for his dominance on the court, was one of the first athletes to achieve mainstream success in music. Under the moniker Shaq-Fu, he released four studio albums, with Shaq Diesel (1993) going platinum. His collaboration with artists like Biggie Smalls showcased his credibility in the hip-hop world and set a precedent for athletes exploring music.
LiAngelo, however, represents something different. Unlike Dame, who carefully balanced basketball and music, LiAngelo’s focus has fully shifted to rap, making him one of the first high-profile hoopers to treat music as his primary career. His success with Tweaker proves that NBA rap isn’t just a gimmick anymore—it's becoming a legitimate career path for players looking to extend their influence beyond the court.
The Growing Trend of Dual Careers
The crossover between sports and music has become increasingly common, fueled by social media and streaming platforms that allow athletes to connect with fans creatively. Stars like Lonzo Ball and Victor Oladipo have also dipped into music, though their work has often been overshadowed by their athletic careers. While many have struggled to be taken seriously as musicians, the trend highlights the evolving role of athletes as multifaceted entertainers.
LiAngelo Ball and The New Standard
What sets LiAngelo apart is his ability to craft a viral hit with Tweaker, a song that transcends the novelty often associated with athlete-made music. Unlike others who rely on their sports fame to push their tracks, LiAngelo’s polished sound and relatable themes have earned him credibility as an artist. His seamless transition from basketball to music, combined with the cultural momentum of Tweaker, positions him to surpass predecessors and potentially become the most successful athlete-turned-musician to date.
Leave a Reply!