Former basketball star LiAngelo Ball’s explosive ‘Tweaker’ wave sparks a stunning new chapter as his unexpected rise accelerates in 2025

On Monday, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) declared that "Tweaker" had officially sold one million digital copies, marking a significant milestone for Gelo's debut single. After switching from basketball to music, LiAngelo Ball became well-known less than a year into his career.LiAngelo Ball, the brother of Charlotte Hornets star LaMelo Ball and Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball, was rumored to be working on a song for days. Rapper LiAngelo Ball, better known by his stage name G3, unveiled the official audio for his new single, "Tweaker," on Friday.LiAngelo Ball’s explosive ‘Tweaker’ wave sparks a stunning new chapter as his unexpected rise accelerates in 2025For the 26-year-old athlete-turned-rapper, who just months ago started his music career at random, this is significant news. Drake, Lil Tecca, BigXthaPlug, and Mariah The Scientist are the only other hip-hop and R&B musicians to achieve platinum singles in 2025, according to RIAA.Like his two NBA-playing brothers, Lonzo and LaMelo, LiAngelo Ball began his career as a basketball player, according to Complex. However, a record deal with the storied Def Jam Recordings resulted from the success of the tune, which was recorded under his label, Born2Ball Music Group.Ball's first platinum single, "Tweaker," has reached one million digital units sold, according to a Monday announcement from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), as reported by TMZ. The 26-year-old is now the only other hip-hop and R&B artist to have platinum singles in 2025, along with Drake, Lil Tecca, BigXthaPlug, and Mariah The Scientist.Major artists like Cardi B, Moneybagg Yo, and Eminem were drawn to the song, which had a southern hip-hop flavor, after it was released in January. Rap icon Lil Wayne even got on the official remix, and it soon became the standard tune for many NBA and NFL teams' locker rooms.The song was so successful that it peaked at No. 29 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on the US Rhythmic Billboard chart. Gelo signed a $13 million record deal with Def Jam as a result of "Tweaker"'s success.In addition to performing at the Rolling Loud Festival this summer, the NBA All-Star in February, and the Detroit Lions' playoff game in January, Gelo played basketball in the NBA Summer League and abroad.Ball signed a record deal with Def Jam after the song "Tweaker" became viral online in January. The song became a mainstay of post-game locker room festivities and peaked at number one on the US Rhythmic Billboard chart. Lil Wayne even contributed to Ball's official remix.League of My Own, Ball's debut studio album, was released by Def Jam in July. In order to concentrate on his music, he formally announced his retirement from basketball the following month.Even though Lonzo and LaMelo Ball are now the NBA's most successful Ball brothers, LiAngelo will take center stage in 2025. His latest song, "Tweaker," which he first released on Neon's stream, immediately went viral and enthralled listeners all over the world. Now that the complete version has been made available on YouTube, LiAngelo has cemented his reputation as a rising musician in addition to a prominent basketball player. The song proves the clip was only a taste of its legendary appeal, living up to the promise.Also read: LaMelo Ball’s fiery flair meets a costly twist as the Charlotte Hornets star’s net worth takes an unexpected hitCast Your Vote for India's Biggest Habit Index and Get an Exclusive First Look Before Results Go Live. Take the survey here!