Leon George Thomas III has been on the scene for a while now, most familiarly known for his role as Andre on Nickelodeon’s Victorious. After an early career breakout which began in theatre, television and film, he is now dominating the music space. With the release of his recent album Mutt, here’s all you need to know about Leon Thomas.
1. The album features several collaborations.
Mutt, Thomas’ second album, includes several impressive names as part of its discography. Among them are Ty Dolla $ign, Freddie Gibbs, and Wale. The names on the album speak to the calibre that Thomas is aiming for on this second album – he’s levelled up significantly since the release of the previous album Electric Dusk.
2. Mutt has a super interesting backstory.
Leon said the following regarding what inspired the album – and it’s way deeper than you’d think it might be. Coming out of a long-term relationship, he “was advancing in my career and learning about myself in solitude. During my journey of being newly single, I began documenting through my music examples of our need for control within the modern dating climate. In my previous relationship, I was given a dog, and after studying his behaviour, I discovered similarities. He’s currently untrained and surviving on his instincts, while I, as his owner, am constantly in a position to demand obedience. ‘MUTT’ is a metaphor for our need and desire as human beings to exert some control over our partners.” With its explorations surrounding the multifaceted nature of love, Mutt will no doubt be a relatable album to many.
3. He’s got credits with a lot of big names outside his own releases.
Thomas has contributed to many record-making albums, including Positions by Ariana Grande (2020) and Certified Lover Boy by Drake (2021). Most recently, however, he picked up a Grammy for Best R&B Song at the 66th awards show for his contributions to SZA’s track ‘Snooze.’ ‘Snooze’ was the 17th best-selling hit of 2023, and considered one of the year’s biggest sleeper hits – making Thomas’ feat even more impressive.
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4. Mutt comes with a headline tour.
While he’s not heading down under this time, Thomas is off on a 13-stop North American tour to celebrate the album’s release. He will also be joining BLXST’s I Will Always Come to Find You tour as a special guest in upcoming months.
5. He’s also performed on Broadway.
Thomas has performed in three Broadway productions, alongside his long list of TV and music achievements: The Lion King, Caroline: Or Change, and The Colour Purple. In fact, his Broadway debut in The Lion King was one of the first gigs he ever booked—as Young Simba in 2003.
6. He’s a big fan of experimenting with genres in his work.
Mutt in no way sticks to one type of sound – Thomas has a unique ability to craft a journey through multiple kinds of music. While it’s primarily hip-hop and R&B, Mutt also incorporates moments of jazzy soul and rock throughout.
7. He comes from a very musical family.
Thomas is no stranger to talent and never has been. With a vocalist mother, an opera-singing grandfather, and a stepfather who played guitar for B.B. King, it’s no wonder he’s grown up to be an absolute powerhouse.
8. Thomas has some classic inspirations.
Among his most important inspirations are Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and Prince – unsurprisingly, considering he grew up around Broadway and Brooklyn. Their clear influences ooze into his current music, which no doubt helps with the varied fanbase he has.
9. It was super hard to break into the R&B scene, however.
Part of the reason Thomas dedicated time to becoming half of a (Grammy-nominated!) production duo with songwriter Khris Riddick-Tynes was his time on Victorious. The side of the industry he wanted to build his long-time career on saw him as a primarily pop singer due to his time on Nickelodeon, which led to him joining the duo and starting a creative journey known as ‘The Rascals.’
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10. His musical discography started way back.
Thomas released his first mixtape, Metro Hearts, in 2012. Since then, alongside the 2 albums he’s put out a total of 3 mixtapes, 1 EP, been lead artist on 11 singles, featured on another 8, had 5 promotional singles and had production credits on 40 among other things. There’s no denying that Thomas has spent time absolutely honing his craft to land him in the top dog position he’s in now – he’s a hustler through and through.
