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Ball brothers continue to travel NBA, music journeys | Sporting News

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Wednesday, October 29th 2025 at 21:02 GMT by Sporting News
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The Ball Brothers: From Hardwood to Hit-Making

The Ball family, led by LaVar Ball, has made headlines for more than just their on‑court exploits. While the spotlight often falls on Lonzo and LaMelo Ball’s NBA careers, the brothers have also carved out a parallel path in music. A recent Sporting News piece titled “Ball brothers: NBA music journeys” traces the evolution of this unique crossover, offering a close look at how Lonzo, LaMelo, and their younger brother LiAngelo have balanced basketball, entrepreneurship, and their passion for rap and R&B.

Lonzo Ball’s Early Forays

Lonzo Ball, the tallest of the trio at 6‑7, has never shied away from expressing his artistic side. His first public musical venture came in 2016, when he released the mixtape “Lonzo” on SoundCloud. The project, which mixes smooth melodic hooks with the bravado of trap beats, showcased Lonzo’s knack for melodic rap and hinted at a future beyond the NBA. Critics noted that, while the production quality wasn’t polished, the raw energy was unmistakable—a sign that Lonzo was willing to experiment outside the conventional basketball pipeline.

Following his high‑school success at Sierra Canyon and subsequent entry into the NBA in 2017, Lonzo continued to drop music. He released “The Ball Bunch” in 2018, a collaboration with his brother LaMelo, featuring tracks that blended their familial chemistry with club‑ready beats. In interviews, Lonzo has said that music offers him a creative outlet when the basketball grind feels heavy, providing a balanced perspective on his career.

LaMelo Ball’s Rise as an Artist

LaMelo Ball, the youngest at 6‑6, is arguably the most prolific musical sibling. Even before his freshman year at LSU, he was already dropping tracks on YouTube and SoundCloud, earning a following among college‑aged audiences. LaMelo’s 2018 single “Pride” received over a million streams on Spotify, and the song’s chorus—“They’re all about that ball—nah, but we’re about that flow” —captured the synergy between basketball swagger and musical flair.

After being drafted by the Charlotte Hornets in 2020, LaMelo’s music output did not slow. The artist released a handful of tracks each season, some tied to his on‑court milestones—such as the “Scorch” mixtape that celebrated his triple‑double debut. LaMelo’s brand extends beyond songs: he has partnered with fashion labels, released a signature line of sneakers, and even launched a personal podcast discussing both basketball and music. His music often references the Ball family’s media presence, turning their collective fame into a marketing engine that feeds both his NBA career and his rap ventures.

LiAngelo Ball’s Quiet Rise

LiAngelo Ball, the eldest at 6‑3, has been more understated in his musical pursuits, focusing primarily on basketball. Yet he has released a handful of tracks on platforms such as YouTube, often featuring the older Ball brothers in cameo appearances. Although LiAngelo’s music has not achieved the same commercial impact as his brothers’, his efforts demonstrate the family’s shared affinity for rhythm and rhyme.

LiAngelo’s 2019 track “Dreams” showcases his more introspective side, exploring themes of ambition and perseverance. The song’s low‑budget production still conveys a sense of authenticity that resonates with fans who appreciate the Ball brothers’ willingness to take creative risks.

The Role of LaVar Ball

Central to the Ball brothers’ music journey is their father, LaVar Ball, a relentless promoter who has never shied away from public attention. In interviews, LaVar frequently mentions that music is a natural extension of the Ball family’s hustle. “The Ball family doesn’t just want to win on the court. We want to be the biggest brand in the world,” LaVar once declared on a talk show. His influence is visible in how the brothers approach music—viewing it as a strategic tool to expand their personal brands and diversify income streams.

LaVar’s own foray into music and fashion further solidifies this mindset. He released a line of music-inspired merchandise, and his frequent mentions of “ball culture” and “music culture” in interviews echo the brothers’ own fusion of the two domains.

Cross‑Industry Collaborations

The Sporting News article also highlights the Ball brothers’ collaboration with notable artists and producers outside the basketball sphere. Lonzo and LaMelo have worked with producers such as 808 Mafia and Hitman Hooli, while LiAngelo’s tracks feature appearances by up‑and‑coming rappers from the West Coast scene. These partnerships not only boost the brothers’ music visibility but also position them within larger music networks, paving the way for future mainstream success.

A Growing Brand Narrative

Beyond individual releases, the Ball family has cultivated a brand narrative that merges sports, music, and entrepreneurship. Their presence on platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and TikTok reflects a strategic engagement with digital audiences. According to the article, the Ball brothers consistently track streaming metrics and tailor their content to trends, proving that they treat music as a business—just as they do with their basketball contracts.

The Ball brothers’ journey in music serves as a microcosm of a larger trend in the sports world: athletes diversifying into music, fashion, and media to create holistic brand identities. By leveraging their on‑court fame, they have carved out niche spaces in the music industry, attracting fans who might have otherwise missed them. Their story also illustrates how family support and entrepreneurial vision can transform passion projects into viable revenue streams.

Looking Ahead

As the NBA season unfolds, fans can anticipate more music releases from Lonzo and LaMelo, with the possibility of an upcoming album or collaborative mixtape. LiAngelo, meanwhile, may step out of the shadows as his basketball career develops, potentially aligning his music output with new opportunities.

Whether their next track becomes an instant hit or remains a personal outlet, the Ball brothers continue to push the boundaries of what it means to be a modern athlete‑artist. Their journey underscores that the intersection of sport and music is fertile ground for creativity, commerce, and cultural impact—an intersection that the Ball family is poised to dominate for years to come.