The NBA All-Star Weekend always delivers its fair share of surprises, but this year, one of the most talked-about moments came before a single three-pointer was launched. LiAngelo Ball, better known for his basketball pedigree as part of the infamous Ball family, took center stage. Not on the court, but on the mic. Under his rap moniker “Gelo”, he performed his single “Tweaker” during the festivities, marking his official large-scale debut as a rapper.

This moment wasn’t completely unexpected for anyone paying attention to the crossovers between basketball and hip-hop. The Ball family has never been afraid of the spotlight, and with Lonzo having already dipped his toes into rap, it felt as though it was only a matter of time before LiAngelo made his move. But the real question remains: was this a moment worth remembering, or was it just another celebrity-turned-rapper experiment?

Taking the stage just before the Three-Point Contest, LiAngelo delivered a performance that had the internet buzzing. “Tweaker” is a bass-heavy, high-energy track that leans into nostalgic influences. It’s recent spike online has been fueled largely by internet trends that have associated his sound with the same sound that blasted through speakers throughout the better half of the early 2000s. Nostalgia is a feeling that we all crave, and Gelo’s music seems to be chock-full of it.

From a stage presence standpoint, it was clear that Gelo was still adjusting to life behind the mic rather than in the paint. While he had the confidence to stand in front of a packed arena, the performance felt a little raw, which fans and critics alike pointed out. Social media was quick to compare his rap debut to past NBA players who have tried their hand at hip-hop, from Shaq (who, let’s not forget, went platinum) to Damian Lillard, who has solidified himself as one of the most skilled rappers in NBA history.

As with any crossover attempt, the reactions were all over the place. Some fans were here for it, others were less impressed, but all of it combined to stir up conversation. And at the end of the day, conversation is the goal, and with that, Gelo succeeded. 

Basketball culture and hip-hop have always been intertwined, and Gelo’s attempt to navigate both lanes is nothing new. But what separates the real from the gimmicks is longevity. After his recent signing to Def Jam Recordings, it seems that he is in it for the long-haul and not just an exhausted attempt at catching a glimpse of the limelight.

LaVar Ball has always emphasized that his sons were bigger than just athletes, and Lonzo has already had some success in music. The question is whether LiAngelo will follow that path with real dedication or if this was just a moment for the cameras. At the very least, he now has people paying attention. Whether they were cheering him on or critiquing the performance, they were watching—and in today’s internet-fueled music landscape, that matters. If Gelo decides to lock in, sharpen his skills, and build a catalog, there’s definitely room for him in the game.

Gelo’s rap debut at NBA All-Star Weekend was far from perfect, but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t significant. He has the backing, the connections, and the confidence to make it work—but now it’s about whether he’s willing to put in the effort beyond just the hype of an All-Star Weekend performance.

Will he be the next athlete-turned-rapper success story? That’s on him. But one thing’s for sure: the Ball family never does anything quietly, and this won’t be the last time we hear from Gelo—on or off the mic.