In the world of professional sports, musicianship often finds its way into the spotlight, with athletes crossing the boundaries of their primary careers to explore new creative avenues. In 2025, one such athlete is making significant waves in the music industry: LiAngelo Ball. A name that may ring a bell, especially for fans of the NBA, given his familial ties to high-profile players like Lonzo and LaMelo Ball, LiAngelo has found his own identity not just on the court, but now also in the recording studio. At 26, despite not having played in an NBA game, he is gaining traction with his newest single, “Tweaker,” a song that channels the early 2000s rap vibe and gives it a contemporary twist.
LiAngelo’s pivot into music is not entirely a random venture. The Ball family has a history of engaging with rap culture; Lonzo has released songs that resonate with basketball and branding. However, LiAngelo’s emergence as “G3” is noteworthy as it represents a wider cultural acknowledgment of the intertwined paths of sports and music, with various players stepping into the musical arena.
Released exclusively on the WorldstarHipHop YouTube page, “Tweaker” has quickly become a viral sensation, racking up over 5.6 million views in just a matter of days. This strong debut is indicative of a shift in the landscape where the lines between athletics and artistry blur, allowing sports figures to carve out spaces within popular culture. The buzz surrounding the track has placed it in the top-ten of Spotify’s U.S. streaming charts, which speaks volumes about LiAngelo’s growing influence.
In an age where social media can propel an artist into stardom overnight, LiAngelo’s strategic releases and promotion show an adept understanding of modern marketing. He’s not only aligning himself with his family’s legacy but is actively forging his path. With Spotify tracking “Tweaker” at No. 4 on the charts—ahead of well-established artists like Kendrick Lamar and Tyler, the Creator—LiAngelo is clearly resonating with listeners and establishing himself within the competitive music scene.
Beyond mere streaming figures, “Tweaker” seems to be fostering a cultural movement within sports teams. The song has percolated into basketball and football locker rooms, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of traditional team anthems. After a recent Cavaliers game, Donovan Mitchell gave LiAngelo a nod in a postgame interview, showcasing how sports can intersect with music in organic, celebratory ways.
A notable moment occurred during a recent practice session of the South Carolina Gamecocks, wherein head coach Dawn Staley had her team rocking out to “Tweaker.” This cross-pollination of culture not only helps to bolster LiAngelo’s reputation but also illustrates how a song can create camaraderie and identity among sports teams. Following the Detroit Lions’ victory, the team also celebrated with LiAngelo’s hit—further elevating its status as an unofficial sports anthem.
The connection between sports and the music industry is not one-sided. Following the announcement of LiAngelo’s performance at the Rolling Loud festival in California, established rappers like T-Pain and Meek Mill have expressed interest in collaborating with him. This influx of accolades from fellow artists reflects a broader acceptance of LiAngelo not as merely an athlete trying to mimic the music world, but as a burgeoning artist who merits recognition.
Such collaborations could serve not only to elevate LiAngelo’s career but might also reshape how athletes are recognized within the music industry. If artists are eager to collaborate, it could signal a significant shift in the traditional roles assigned to athletes in entertainment.
As 2025 unfolds, LiAngelo Ball, aka G3, has undoubtedly positioned himself as a figure to watch in the music industry. His rise underscores a larger trend of athletes taking control of their personal narratives, leveraging their platforms to explore various artistic outlets. If “Tweaker” is just the beginning, the potential for LiAngelo’s career to blossom is immense.
In an era where cross-disciplinary ventures are increasingly prevalent, it will be fascinating to see how LiAngelo navigates the duality of his identity as both an athlete and a musician. The sports world and the music industry may very well be on the cusp of a trend where the two continue to blend, proving that talent can resonate in multiple arenas. For fans of both basketball and hip-hop, the evolution of G3 is a narrative worth following.
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