In a remarkable journey from NBA locker rooms to the Billboard Hot 100, LiAngelo Ball's rap hit "Tweaker" has garnered significant attention and financial success. Released under the pseudonym GELO on January 3rd, this track has not only climbed the charts but also earned Ball a lucrative record deal with Def Jam/UMG. The song's streaming prowess propelled it to No. 29 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart by mid-January. Since its release, "Tweaker" has generated nearly $640,000 in revenue, primarily through streaming platforms. This success has opened doors for Ball, including a halftime performance at the NBA All-Star Game and an upcoming set at Rolling Loud California.

The Meteoric Rise of "Tweaker": Key Milestones and Impact

In the heart of winter, LiAngelo Ball, known as GELO or G3, unveiled his single "Tweaker" under the family label Born to Ball Music Group. Within weeks, the song surged to prominence, debuting at No. 29 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart on January 18th. The track's ascent was fueled by an impressive streaming performance, amassing over 610,000 on-demand song equivalents by late February. Notably, the second week following its release, from January 10th to January 16th, saw a peak with approximately 15.5 million streams, contributing to 107,670 song equivalents. Another standout period occurred between February 7th and February 13th, when a remix featuring Lil Wayne drove 13.6 million streams and nearly 90,000 on-demand song units.

The cumulative impact of over 90 million total on-demand streams translated into substantial earnings—$476,500 from master recording rights and $161,500 from publishing. These figures represent label and publisher revenue, with the artist's share contingent upon contractual agreements. Beyond the numbers, "Tweaker" has positioned Ball as a rising star in the music industry, securing him a record deal with Def Jam/UMG and prominent performance opportunities.

From a journalistic perspective, the success of "Tweaker" underscores the power of streaming platforms in launching new artists into the mainstream. It highlights the importance of strategic releases and collaborations, as seen with Lil Wayne's remix. For aspiring musicians, this story serves as a testament to the potential rewards of perseverance and innovation in an increasingly digital music landscape. Moreover, it raises questions about the evolving role of traditional record labels in nurturing talent in the age of social media and viral hits.