Music has been looking for its next major male R&B star, and that artist is shaping up to be Leon Thomas. His sophomore album, Mutt, was released earlier this year and has been capturing fans around the world. Thomas has been having a standout year, kicked off by a Grammy win for his production work on SZA’s “Snooze.” Alongside the release of Mutt, he supported Blxst on his tour and launched his own North American Mutt Tour. Mutt features guest spots from Masego, rapper Wale, Baby Rose, Ty Dolla $ign and Axlfolie. The artist, who first came into public consciousness via acting, blends his love of rock, alternative and neo-soul into songs with R&B sonics. His ability to write songs also makes him a standout artist and an exciting talent to watch closely.
Sonically, Thomas leans into neo-soul, rock, and R&B, seamlessly flowing between all the elements. His selective use of vocal pitching and layering at times makes his music feel euphoric and choir-like, yet still maintains a fresh and young perspective. He is well aware of where his rock elements originate and credits his New York upbringing and parents for exposing him to it.
“My parents were part of something called the Black Rock Coalition, and they played in places like CBGBs [a famed, now-closed NYC venue], performing in funk bands and rock bands,” he shared. “My childhood was surrounded by some of the most amazing musicians in New York, so I was exposed to a lot of different music at a young age. Now, as an adult making my own music, I’m a representation of the melting pot I grew up in. Growing up in New York, you’re influenced by so many different styles, and I like to show ’em off.”
With years of honing his songwriting craft, Thomas has the ability to create music in a way that’s uniquely his own. He is a co-writer on every track on Mutt and steps into the producer role on seven of the 14 tracks. Some of his work for other artists includes contributions to former Victorious co-star Ariana Grande’s Positions (2020), Drake’s Certified Lover Boy (2021), Kanye West and Ty Dolla $ign’s Vultures 1 (2024), and Toni Braxton and Babyface’s Grammy Award-winning Love, Marriage & Divorce (2014). Thomas began his Grammy story when he earned a nomination for Best Rap Song at the 2019 Grammy Awards for co-writing “Gold Roses” by Rick Ross. He ultimately went on to win a Grammy for his production work on SZA’s “Snooze.”
Thomas recognizes the power of collaboration and highlights its role in his Grammy win, sharing: “I was a producer on the song ‘Snooze.’ Shout out to SZA, who wrote an amazing song over that beat. It’s been such an amazing process watching the success of that record. We knew it was really getting big when all the HBCUs were using it in their marching band homecoming performances, and we thought, okay, it’s really touching home with the people. Winning a Grammy was an amazing, life-changing experience that made my mama proud. Shout out to SZA, Babyface, Khris Riddick-Tynes and Blair Ferguson—all the collaborators on the record—for creating something really special with me.”
When approaching songwriting, he appreciates structure but also believes in exploring creative freedom. “When it comes to song structure, I feel like it’s okay to break rules, but it’s also important to pay homage to what came before,” Thomas said. “Me and my boys, when we’re cooking up a record, like to include little bridges and make sure there’s more than two chords in the progression, really experimenting with it. I think that approach has helped me stand out in terms of musicality and musicianship. But honestly, I don’t think there should be any rules when you’re making music—do your thing, have fun, and good luck,” he said, laughing.
Thomas feels like a rockstar in many ways. He brings his guitar to almost every performance and engages with the crowd in ways that send them into a frenzy with minimal action. On tour, there were moments when he would stand still after a song often garnered the most energetic responses, speaking to his magnetic appeal. His production was simple yet impactful, featuring a neon red “Leon Thomas” sign and pyrotechnics. It’ll be interesting to see how a larger stage and more elaborate production pair with his performance style.
Nonetheless, Thomas recognizes the privilege of connecting with his fans in person globally. “Touring my music has been an amazing experience, finally getting the chance to meet fans I don’t often see and seeing how my music touches people in states I’ve never been to before. It’s such a cool experience, and I’m really looking forward to doing more touring, not just in the States but also overseas. I’m getting a lot of love from the UK, so I’m excited to continue that mission.”
While Thomas is still elevating as a solo artist, he brings years of performance skills to the table via television, theater, and voice acting. He intentionally taps into that part of his creativity. “I definitely bring my acting experience to the stage. I like to tell a story, get into the emotion of the lyrics, and genuinely express what I was feeling when I wrote them. I think that’s a powerful skill I need to keep using on stage. It’s kind of like Broadway when you’re performing in a musical—bringing a little drama. I’m trying to bring the drama back to R&B.”
