From Hoops to Hits: Inside GELO’s Unexpected Rise to Music Stardom

From Basketball Courts to Billboard Charts: LiAngelo Ball’s Unexpected Musical Evolution

Who would’ve thought that LiAngelo Ball — the middle child of basketball’s most talked-about family — would end up making waves in the music industry? Yet here we are in early 2025, watching GELO (his artist moniker) drop another head-turning track that’s got both hip-hop heads and sports fans buzzing.

His latest single “Law N Order” isn’t just another athlete’s vanity project. The track showcases a surprisingly mature artistry that’s been steadily developing since his viral breakout hit “Tweaker” caught everyone off guard last year. Between the crystalline piano melodies and those earth-shaking bass lines, GELO’s unhurried flow feels right at home — like he’s been doing this his whole life.

The transformation’s been something to witness. Remember when Ball was making headlines for his stint with Astros de Jalisco in Mexico? Now he’s commanding stages at Rolling Loud California, where “Law N Order” first grabbed the spotlight. The hometown crowd’s reaction? Pure electricity. Social media practically exploded with clips of his performance, and honestly? The confidence was undeniable.

Music critics haven’t missed the beat either. Stereogum’s Chris DeVille drew an interesting parallel to peak-era 50 Cent, noting how GELO seems to “swim” through his beats with similar ease. That’s no small praise for someone who was primarily known for his jump shot just a couple years back.

The industry’s taken notice too. After “Tweaker” blew up, Def Jam and Universal Music Group didn’t waste time — they locked him down with a recording contract this January. His first release under the label, “Can You Please” featuring GloRilla, proved they weren’t just taking a shot in the dark.

Perhaps the most telling moment came during All-Star Weekend in San Francisco. There was something almost poetic about GELO performing “Tweaker” for the NBA crowd — a full-circle moment that showed just how far he’s come. The basketball world wasn’t just accepting his new path; they were celebrating it.

Looking ahead, whispers of a debut album are getting louder, and with three solid singles already making waves, GELO’s musical journey is shaping up to be more than just another celebrity side hustle. It’s becoming increasingly clear that this Ball brother might’ve found his true calling behind the mic rather than behind the three-point line.

And you know what? In an era where authenticity often feels in short supply, there’s something refreshingly genuine about watching someone pivot so successfully from one passion to another. Who’s to say where GELO’s musical evolution might lead? But right now, it’s hitting all the right notes.

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