By Jay’Mi Vazquez
Managing Editor
LiAngelo Ball during his performance of “Tweaker” during NBA All-Star Weekend.
Did LaVar Ball go three for three? LiAngelo Ball’s decision to pivot from basketball to pursuing a career in rap is one of the most unexpected moves we have seen this year.
Coming from a family that is synonymous with basketball, with his father, LaVar Ball, being a prominent figure in the basketball world and his brothers, Lonzo and LaMelo, both making waves in the NBA, LiAngelo’s trajectory seemed almost predetermined.
His decision to step away from basketball and focus on music, specifically rap, raises questions and offers room for much discussion.
From a basketball perspective, LiAngelo’s transition is a bit perplexing.
Although he never quite reached the heights of his brothers in terms of professional success, LiAngelo was still a fairly accomplished player. He was a part of the UCLA basketball program before his brief, controversial stint in Lithuania and a brief run with the G-League’s Oklahoma City Blue.
His potential was evident, but it never fully materialized into a consistent professional career. Given his athletic background, it seemed like a foregone conclusion that basketball would remain his focus.
There is no doubt that LiAngelo has likely faced immense pressure, not only from the expectations placed on him due to his family name but also from the external noise surrounding his own skill set.
Some might argue that he never quite found his rhythm in basketball or that the opportunities that were available to him just weren’t the right fit. In such a situation, pivoting to something like rap, an avenue where he could potentially express himself on his own terms, might be seen to carve out his own identity.
However, the issue is that the quality of music is just not there.
He has reportedly signed a several million-dollar contract with Def Jam and Universal Music Group, which is insane considering he has only one song released.
His only released song, “Tweaker,” has gone immediately viral on social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok, with the official music video gaining over 8 million streams in just over two weeks.
“Tweaker” has also received a remix, featuring Lil Wayne which released on Feb. 7. This remix was horrible, as the sound of the mixing was not well, and Wayne’s verse was questionable.
The term one hit wonder has been thrown around his way, and that is likely going to be the case.
Ball has teased two other songs on popular Twitch streamer, Plaqueboymax’s stream and they did not show any true talent.
These songs sound very poor in quality, lacking and any real creativity are just purely a joke. That is the dilemma people are facing; is he serious, or is this all a joke?
The question remains as it does for every artist: can LiAngelo Ball have long-term success in the rap game? Basketball fans might view this move with skepticism, especially considering he never achieved any real long-term success within the NBA.
