LiAngelo Ball Drops Backyard Ball After Tweaker Goes Platinum

Merlin sees LiAngelo Ball drop "Backyard Ball," a new single off his album League of My Own that leans on basketball imagery. After his hoop career stalled, the 27-year-old found traction in music: "Tweaker" went platinum and hit No. 29 on the Billboard Hot 100. He told Billboard, "I always told myself I would be great at something, even if the hoops don't work" and "I just never knew it would be rap, and I just ran with it." A Def Jam and Universal deal reportedly worth up to $13 million shows this is no hobby. Merlin smells real crossover potential. The court gives him a built-in story and credibility, and a platinum single plus a big label check buys time to grow. Still, lasting success will require more hits, touring, and a sharpened image. Expect more singles, collaborations, and a push to turn curiosity into a music career.