The LaMelo Ball Rap Song Mystery: Why Everyone Thinks He’s a Rapper (and What’s Really Playing)

The LaMelo Ball Rap Song Mystery: Why Everyone Thinks He’s a Rapper (and What’s Really Playing)

You’ve seen the clips. You’ve probably seen the TikToks where some kid is "tweaking" in a Charlotte Hornets jersey while a bouncy, mid-2000s-style trap beat blares in the background. If you've been searching for the LaMelo Ball rap song thinking the NBA’s flashiest point guard just dropped a summer anthem, I hate to be the bearer of bad news.

Melo isn’t the one behind the mic. Well, not usually.

The song that has been haunting your "For You" page and echoing through NBA locker rooms for the last year is actually "Tweaker," and it belongs to his brother, LiAngelo Ball (who now goes by the stage name Gelo). But honestly, the confusion makes total sense. Melo is all over the music video, he’s the one talking about "tweaking" in interviews, and his face is the one people associate with the "Big Baller" lifestyle in 2026.

What’s the Deal With "Tweaker"?

If you're looking for the specific LaMelo Ball rap song everyone is talking about, you’re likely looking for "Tweaker." It dropped on January 3, 2025, and it basically broke the internet for a solid month.

It’s a weirdly addictive track. Produced by Kunica and Glockie Cheez, it sounds like something Birdman would have put out in 2004—lots of piano stabs, heavy bass, and a hook that stays in your head whether you want it to or not.

The music video is what really fuels the "LaMelo rap" rumors. It features Gelo, Lonzo, and LaMelo joyriding through Chicago in a bright yellow Hummer. It feels nostalgic. It feels like the Ball brothers are just having a blast, which is probably why it racked up over 6 million views in its first week. Melo doesn't rap a verse, but his "cameo energy" is so high that he basically steals the show.

Does LaMelo Ball Actually Have His Own Music?

Okay, so "Tweaker" is Gelo’s song. But has Melo ever actually stepped into the booth?

Technically, yes. But it’s not what you’d call a "discography."

If you dig through SoundCloud or Apple Music, you’ll find some weird stuff. There’s an album titled LaMelo Ball by an artist named Yndhitta that features tracks like "Detroit Freestyle" and "Dough Boys." Then there’s a 2024 single literally called "LaMelo Ball" by Lil Gaz.

None of these are actually Melo. They're just songs about him or using his name for clout.

The closest thing we have to a real LaMelo Ball rap song is his appearance in the background of Lonzo’s old tracks from the Big Baller Music Group era. Back in 2017, Lonzo released "Melo Ball 1" to promote Melo’s first signature shoe. It was... fine. It was very 2017. But Melo was just the subject, not the artist.

Why the "Tweaker" Lingo Stuck to Melo

The reason people keep searching for a LaMelo Ball rap song is because of the lingo. In an interview with Speedy Morman, Gelo explained that "tweaker" is just part of their family vocabulary.

"Someone might see Melo and be like, 'Oh yeah, he's tweaking,'" Gelo said. Basically, it means he’s spazzing out or doing something wild on the court. Since Melo is the most famous "tweaker" in the family—known for his 30-foot heaves and behind-the-back passes—the song became his unofficial anthem.

It’s gotten to the point where fans literally rap the lyrics at him while he’s on the bench. There’s a viral clip of fans doing exactly that during a Hornets game, and Melo just sits there laughing. He knows the song is a meme. He also knows it’s a hit.

The Business of Ball Music

We should probably talk about the money, because it’s insane.

Gelo didn’t just release a viral song; he parlayed "Tweaker" into a $13 million deal with Def Jam and Universal Music Group. That is more than some NBA veterans make in a year.

  • Initial Deal: $8 million guaranteed.
  • Remix Factor: He got Lil Wayne on the remix in early 2025.
  • Chart Success: The song actually hit the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at #29.

While LaMelo is busy signing $200+ million NBA contracts, his "struggling" brother managed to become a platinum-selling artist. "Tweaker" was officially certified Platinum by the RIAA in November 2025. It’s one of the weirdest crossover success stories in sports history.

What Most People Get Wrong

The biggest misconception? That this is a joke.

When the song first leaked on a Kick stream with N3on, people clowned it. They said the mixing was trash. They said Gelo couldn't hoop so he was trying to be Ice Spice.

But then the locker room videos started. Paul George was playing it. Damian Lillard—who is actually a respected rapper (Dame D.O.L.L.A.)—gave it a shout-out. The "bad" mixing actually worked in its favor because it felt "authentic" and "raw" compared to the polished, over-produced trap that's been dominating the charts lately.

What’s Next for Melo and Music?

Will we ever get a real LaMelo Ball rap song where he actually drops a verse?

Probably not. Melo seems content being the face of the brand and the star of the music videos. He’s got enough on his plate trying to keep his ankles healthy and the Hornets in the play-in hunt.

However, the "Ball Brothers" brand is now officially a music powerhouse. With Gelo’s debut album League of My Own making waves and Lonzo constantly teasing new beats, music is the family's second language.

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If you’re looking to vibe to the "Melo song," just head to Spotify and search for "Gelo - Tweaker." Just don't expect to hear Melo’s voice—just expect to see his 1-of-1 lifestyle all over the aesthetic.

Actionable Insights for Fans:

  • Check out the "Tweaker" Remix feat. Lil Wayne if you want to hear a more "professional" version of the viral hit.
  • Don't get scammed by fake "LaMelo Ball" artist profiles on streaming platforms; they are almost always fan-made or clout-chasing uploads.
  • Follow Gelo on social media for snippets of the upcoming League of My Own tracks, which often feature Melo in the background of the studio sessions.