LiAngelo Ball is proving that his talents extend far beyond the basketball court. On Saturday night, the middle Ball brother electrified the halftime crowd at Ford Field with a live performance of his viral hit, “Tweaker,” during the Lions-Commanders playoff game in Detroit. The performance marked a pivotal moment in his climbing music career, which has seen a rapid rise in recent weeks.
“Tweaker” Takes Flight
Ball’s “Tweaker” debuted earlier this month at No. 29 on the Billboard Hot 100, solidifying his status as a rising force in the music industry. The track’s success comes as a testament to his determination to carve his own path, following a professional basketball career that didn’t pan out like those of his brothers, Lonzo and LaMelo. Instead of retreating, LiAngelo pivoted to music—a move that’s now paying off in spades.
The Commanders may have stunned the home crowd with a 45-31 upset over the Lions, but Ball’s halftime show was the real headline-grabber. Fans on social media were quick to share their thoughts, celebrating his journey from underdog to viral sensation. “He said it in the song, he was below but made it to the top. Shout to his parents, they played a huge part in his career,” one fan posted on X (formerly Twitter), reflecting on his perseverance.
Controversial Critics
Not all feedback was glowing, though. Some viewers critiqued his performance, suggesting it lacked authenticity. “Even if the lyrics were fire, they’re not, there’s a performance element missing,” one user commented. “It’s like the rich kids dressing down and acting street without living it. When you act like something you’re not, people see right through it“.
Despite the mixed reviews, Ball’s musical ascent is undeniable. Following the viral success of “Tweaker,” he inked a massive $13 million record deal with Def Jam Recordings. This partnership signals the industry’s faith in his potential to deliver more hits and expand his reach beyond his initial audience.
For Ball, the road to “Tweaker” has been anything but conventional. After a brief stint with the Detroit Pistons in 2020, he shifted his focus to music. His family’s Facebook Watch reality show, Ball in the Family, offered fans a behind-the-scenes look at his transition from basketball to the recording booth. Now, with a chart-topping track and a major label deal under his belt, LiAngelo is stepping out of the shadows of his basketball-famous siblings to forge his own legacy.
Catch The Conference Championship
Meanwhile, the Commanders’ playoff victory propels them to the conference championship, where they’ll face the winner of Sunday’s Eagles-Rams matchup. But for many fans, Ball’s halftime show was the highlight of the night, a testament to his ability to command attention on any stage he steps onto. For now, check out LiAngelo Ball’s performance of “Tweaker” above, and stay tuned as he continues to shake up both the music and sports worlds.
