GELO Achieves First Billboard Chart No. 1 With ‘Tweaker’ on Rhythmic Airplay

Table of Contents

1. Key Highlights
2. Introduction
3. The Journey From Court to Studio
4. Chart Performance and Industry Impact
5. Looking Ahead: GELO’s Future Projects
6. Conclusion: Reflection and Anticipation
7. FAQ

Key Highlights

• GELO, the rapper and former basketball player, reaches No. 1 on the Billboard Rhythmic Airplay chart with his single "Tweaker."
• The song, released on January 3, 2025, showcases a remarkable rise after becoming a viral sensation, largely fueled by social media and its adoption within sports culture.
• GELO’s musical journey marks a notable evolution as he transitions from basketball to a burgeoning hip-hop career, with strong traction on other Billboard charts.

Introduction

In the world where sports and music frequently intersect, few transitions are as remarkable as that of LiAngelo Ball, more popularly known as GELO. Once celebrated for his talent on the basketball court alongside his brothers Lonzo and LaMelo, GELO has now emerged as a serious contender on the music charts. As of March 24, 2025, his debut single "Tweaker" has catapulted to No. 1 on the Billboard Rhythmic Airplay chart, marking a watershed moment in a career that reflects not only personal evolution but a broader narrative of cultural connection between sports and hip-hop.

This article examines the rise of GELO, explores the factors that contributed to his success, and discusses the implications of his journey for both the music industry and his increasing fanbase.

The Journey From Court to Studio

LiAngelo Ball has always been in the limelight, not just for his basketball talents but also for his family, known for their high-profile presence in sports and media. As the middle brother, GELO shared the pressure and expectations that come with being part of the Ball family. After an array of sports-related ventures, including stints in the NBA's G-League and overseas play, GELO pivoted to pursue a music career—a move that surprised many but also seemed aligned with his personality and creative aspirations.

In late 2024, GELO began teasing his entry into music with snippets shared on social media platforms. His foray into hip-hop was not merely an exploratory phase; rather, it coincided with a period marked by anxiety about living up to the Ball family legacy. His decision to embrace music stemmed from a desire to carve out his own identity, and express narratives around basketball, fame, and life that resonate with many young people today.

The Birth of ‘Tweaker’

The single "Tweaker" was officially released on January 3, 2025, after gaining considerable buzz from an exclusive preview during a livestream event hosted by rapper N3on. The song merges catchy hooks with a resonant beat, and its lyrics draw upon experiences that reflect both triumph and the pressures of fame. The response was immediate and overwhelming: 12.4 million streams in the first week catapulted "Tweaker" to No. 29 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Viral Fame – The Cultural Touchstone

A notable aspect of GELO's breakthrough lies in the song's viral trajectory. Unlike many contemporary artists, GELO's rise was significantly fueled by cultural moments—particularly in sports. "Tweaker" became a locker room anthem celebrated in videos shared by athletes and sports teams across various social media platforms. This organic promotion speaks volumes about how integral the nexus between sports and music can be in shaping public consciousness.

Moreover, the track's infectious energy made it an ideal choice for celebration—be it for a game-winner or a team victory—contributing to its airplay success at rhythmic radio stations throughout the nation. This marked a pivotal shift, as GELO's artistry began to resonate beyond traditional music fanbases, capturing the attention of sports enthusiasts too.

Chart Performance and Industry Impact

After its debut, "Tweaker" began climbing the charts, eventually reaching the top position on the Rhythmic Airplay list dated March 29, 2025. During the tracking week of March 14-20, the song registered a notable 7% increase in plays, benefiting significantly from high rotation on several key radio stations, including WKHT-FM in Knoxville, Tennessee, KPHW-FM in Honolulu, and WHZT-FM in Greenville, South Carolina.

Remarkably, GELO’s ascent to the top of the Rhythmic Airplay chart has coincided with a noteworthy stretch where Kendrick Lamar, one of hip-hop's most esteemed artists, held the top slot. For seven consecutive weeks, Lamar dominated the charts with a combination of tracks, including collaborations with fellow artists, underscoring the competitive nature of the music scene.

Looking Ahead: GELO’s Future Projects

While "Tweaker" continues its reign, GELO is not resting on his laurels. His follow-up single, "Can You Please?" featuring GloRilla, is already showing promising traction as it looks to enter the charts. Demonstrating a 112% increase in plays and 75% in respective formats, the collaboration highlights GELO's expanding footprint in the music industry and his ability to forge meaningful partnerships.

GloRilla, a rising star herself, complements GELO’s style, suggesting that their collaboration may yield a rich fusion of sound appealing to diverse audiences. The synergy between two artists with distinctive backgrounds could potentially redefine how their listener bases engage with both hip-hop and current cultural themes.

The New Wave of Athletes in Music

GELO's trajectory underscores an evolving trend where athletes leverage their fame to break into the music industry successfully. This shift is reflective of a broader cultural movement where sports figures have increasingly transitioned into entertainment. The fusion of rap and athletics isn’t new; however, the strategies employed by the likes of GELO to promote their music extend beyond traditional methods, integrating social media engagement, live performances, and crossover appeal to various fan demographics.

High-profile examples include the likes of Damian Lillard, who has long been known for his skills both on the basketball court and as a rapper, or even the widely celebrated career turn of NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal, who navigated the music industry with success. GELO's success adds another layer to this unfolding narrative, demonstrating not only personal growth but a growing acceptance of athlete-artists in mainstream culture.

Conclusion: Reflection and Anticipation

As GELO furthers his music career, the implications of this journey extend beyond just chart rankings or social media buzz; it represents a cultural moment where sports and entertainment increasingly intertwine. Upcoming projects and collaborations will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping his musical identity, as well as influencing future generations of artists who may choose to blend sport and art.

Whether GELO can maintain the momentum he has built with "Tweaker" or continue to innovate musically remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: his journey is only just beginning. As an artist emerging from a family renowned for sports, his musical contributions will continue to resonate as they reflect diverse experiences, aspirations, and cultural connections within the ever-evolving landscape of hip-hop.

FAQ

1. Who is GELO?
GELO, born LiAngelo Ball, is a former basketball player who has transitioned into a music career as a rapper. He is part of the well-known Ball family, which includes his brothers Lonzo and LaMelo.

2. What is the single ‘Tweaker’ about?
"Tweaker" showcases GELO's experiences with fame, sports, and life challenges, set to an energetic beat that resonates with both music and sports audiences. The track has become a popular anthem in various celebratory contexts.

3. How did ‘Tweaker’ perform on the charts?
"Tweaker" reached No. 1 on the Billboard Rhythmic Airplay chart as of March 29, 2025, marking GELO's first chart-topping hit and demonstrating significant increases in radio play and streaming.

4. What are GELO's future projects?
GELO's follow-up single, "Can You Please?" featuring GloRilla, is gaining traction and expected to continue his success on the charts. It aims to establish GELO further within the music industry.

5. How has social media influenced GELO's success?
Social media has played a pivotal role in GELO’s rise, allowing him to market his music to diverse audiences, connect with fans, and integrate into sports culture, enhancing the viral spread of his music.