LiAngelo Ball (GELO) Says Lil Wayne Inspired Him Musically & Personally

In the world of sports and music, few names stand out like LiAngelo Ball, often known by his rap moniker GELO. While most fans know him as part of the famous Ball family dynasty, GELO is steadily carving his own lane in the music industry. At a recent listening party for his project “League Of My Own”, he opened up about the figures who shaped him as an artist and an individual. Among them, Lil Wayne received the loudest praise, with GELO crediting the rap icon as a major influence both musically and personally.

This revelation not only connects basketball and hip-hop culture but also highlights the generational impact that Lil Wayne continues to have on rising artists. Let’s take a closer look at GELO’s journey, the influence of Lil Wayne, and how this shapes his growing music career.

GELO’s Listening Party: “League Of My Own”

The League Of My Own listening party became more than just a showcase of music; it was a family-centered event that turned into an intimate conversation. Hosted in the presence of friends, fans, and media, the highlight of the night came when Lonzo Ball, GELO’s older brother and fellow NBA player, took on the role of interviewer.

Lonzo asked GELO about his inspirations, process, and future goals in music. What started as a fun Q&A evolved into a heartfelt discussion about how GELO views his artistry. His candid responses revealed that his passion for music isn’t just about beats and lyrics — it’s about identity, growth, and connecting with those who came before him.

Lil Wayne: A Guiding Light for GELO

When the subject of influences came up, GELO wasted no time in naming Lil Wayne as his biggest source of inspiration. He shared that Wayne’s work ethic, lyrical brilliance, and larger-than-life presence pushed him to believe in himself both on and off the microphone.

“Lil Wayne inspired me musically and personally,” GELO said. “His impact made me realize you can be yourself and still change the game.”

These words resonated with fans in attendance. For many, it was a reminder of just how influential Lil Wayne has been for an entire generation. His consistency, versatility, and fearless approach to creativity remain a blueprint for upcoming artists like GELO.

Other Musical Inspirations: DMX, 50 Cent, NBA YoungBoy, Key Glock, and The Game

Although Lil Wayne stood at the top of his list, GELO also highlighted a number of other artists who influenced his sound. Among them were DMX, 50 Cent, NBA YoungBoy, Key Glock, and The Game.

• DMX: Known for raw emotion and energy, DMX’s authenticity clearly resonates with GELO’s approach to storytelling in music.

• 50 Cent: His rise from the streets to superstardom embodies resilience and business acumen, qualities GELO admires.

• NBA YoungBoy: With a strong connection to younger audiences, YoungBoy’s emotional intensity provides a modern perspective that inspires GELO.

• Key Glock: His unique flow and Memphis-rooted style add flavor to GELO’s musical palette.

• The Game: As a West Coast legend, The Game’s impact on hip-hop culture directly aligns with GELO’s background and environment.

By drawing influence from such diverse figures, GELO positions himself as a hybrid artist, capable of blending old-school grit with modern vibes.

Lil Wayne’s Impact on the Next Generation

To understand the significance of GELO’s praise, one must acknowledge the enduring legacy of Lil Wayne. With decades in the industry, Wayne is often hailed as the Greatest of All Time (G.O.A.T.) due to his lyrical dominance, groundbreaking mixtape run, and ability to evolve across eras of hip-hop.

His influence isn’t limited to music. Artists like GELO see him as a symbol of perseverance and individuality. From battling industry odds to reinventing his style, Wayne represents creative freedom. For a young artist seeking to make his mark, this serves as both inspiration and motivation.

The Ball Family Connection: Sports Meets Music

The Ball family is no stranger to the spotlight. With Lonzo, LaMelo, and LiAngelo all making headlines in basketball, GELO’s pivot toward music adds a unique dynamic. At the listening party, Lonzo’s role as interviewer emphasized the family’s support system and highlighted the overlap between their worlds.

Basketball and hip-hop have long shared cultural roots, and GELO embodies that intersection. By crediting Lil Wayne and others, he aligns himself with a tradition of athletes embracing music as another form of expression.

The “Tweaker” Remix and Collaboration Spirit

Beyond influence, GELO has already shown his willingness to collaborate and push boundaries. During the listening party, fans revisited the “Tweaker” remix, a track where he continues to build his identity as both a rapper and performer.

His openness to remix culture reflects Lil Wayne’s own legacy, as Wayne popularized countless freestyles and mixtapes. This spirit of reimagining and innovating is at the core of GELO’s artistry.

Why GELO’s Acknowledgment of Lil Wayne Matters

For fans and critics alike, GELO’s acknowledgment of Lil Wayne carries weight for several reasons:

1. Authenticity: It shows that GELO’s artistry is rooted in genuine admiration rather than trend-chasing.

2. Respect for Legacy: By honoring Wayne and other veterans, GELO positions himself within a broader hip-hop timeline.

3. Personal Growth: Recognizing personal and musical inspiration highlights his maturity as both an artist and individual.

4. Bridging Eras: It demonstrates how legends like Wayne continue to shape the mindset of new generations entering the music industry.

Building GELO’s Musical Identity

As GELO continues to release music, his influences will shape his sound, but his individuality will define his success. League Of My Own serves as both a statement and a promise — a declaration that he intends to stand apart while honoring those who paved the way.

By embracing Lil Wayne’s ethos of creativity and fearlessness, GELO positions himself as more than just “the Ball brother who raps.” Instead, he emerges as a young artist with stories to tell, ambition to chase, and a legacy to build.

Final Thoughts: The Making of GELO

LiAngelo Ball’s candid remarks at his listening party underline an important truth: inspiration drives innovation. By crediting Lil Wayne as a guiding influence, GELO connects his personal journey to a larger cultural narrative.

As he blends his love for basketball culture with his passion for music, GELO’s future looks promising. His acknowledgment of hip-hop legends, combined with his unique perspective as part of the Ball family, ensures that fans will continue to follow his growth.

Whether or not he reaches the same heights as his inspirations, GELO’s story is just beginning. What’s certain is that his music — shaped by influences like Lil Wayne, DMX, 50 Cent, NBA YoungBoy, Key Glock, and The Game — will continue to evolve and resonate with listeners.

In the end, GELO’s admiration for Lil Wayne is more than a shoutout; it’s a declaration of purpose. And as his career unfolds, fans can expect him to carry that inspiration forward, turning it into his own lasting legacy.