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LiAngelo Ball a.k.a. G3 GELO has struck a lucrative record deal with Def Jam Records amid the success of his hit song "Tweaker."
On Monday morning, January 13, The Breakfast Club broke the news about the basketball player-turned-rapper's new deal with Def Jam and Universal Music Group. The 26-year-old reportedly signed a licensing agreement that gives Ball $8 million guaranteed. ESPN reports the deal is worth up to $13 million and allows Ball to maintain ownership of his music. In addition to the deal, Ball is also preparing to drop the follow-up to his breakthrough single.
G3 Gelo's "Tweaker" has quickly become one of the hottest rap songs of 2025. Since WorldstarHipHop debuted on January 3, "Tweaker" has garnered 7.9 million views and counting on YouTube. Fans and brands alike have repeated the song's catchy hook in posts and videos throughout social media. Gelo even received plenty of praise from rappers like Moneybagg Yo and Boosie Badazz, who've also co-signed the record and offered to hop on the remix. DJ Paul also praised Gelo's song and said it sounds like it was inspired by the Cash Money era.
"When I heard the song, the first thing that came to mind was some Mannie Fresh/Juvenile who are also back touring together," Paul said. "The whole Cash Money. Whoever produced this song, I think they were inspired by some Juvenile and some Mannie Fresh."
Fans can expect to see Gelo perform his fresh hit live at Rolling Loud California in March. The rapper-baller will make his debut at the rap festival as well as Mexican artist Peso Pluma. A$AP Rocky and Playboi Carti are set to return as headliners.
