| GRAMMY Award-winning artist Leon Thomas has released his highly anticipated new album, MUTT, available now via EZMNY Records/Motown Records. Leon’s bold and introspective second studio album pushes the boundaries of modern R&B, intertwining soulful melodies with rock influences and experimental production. Featuring collaborations with Ty Dolla $ign, Freddie Gibbs, Wale, and more, MUTT vividly explores the multifaceted nature of love—from the exhilarating rush of singlehood to the nuanced depths of emotional intimacy. Thomas weaves a narrative that fearlessly peels back layers of vulnerability, grappling with themes of fame, emotional detachment, and the quest for genuine connection. Listen HERE. Reflecting on the album’s inspiration, Leon shares, “‘MUTT’ was an album I made after a long-term relationship. I was both advancing in my personal career and learning about myself in solitude. During my journey of being newly single, I began to document through my music examples of our need for control within the modern dating climate. In my previous relationship, I was gifted a dog, and after studying his behavior, I discovered similarities. He’s currently untrained and surviving on his natural 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. I explored themes from jazz, rock & roll, hip-hop, and R&B, giving myself no parameters for personal expression. This project delves into every part of me: the balance between control and chaos.” In the standout track “Feelings on Silent” featuring Wale, Thomas delves into the emotional chasms that arise when communication falters. With richly resonant vocals, Leon navigates the internal struggle of wanting to connect amidst unspoken feelings, stating, “If I could put my feelings on silent,” which embodies the desire to protect oneself from emotional turmoil. Wale’s reflective verse complements Thomas’s soulful delivery, creating a raw exploration of vulnerability and the delicate dance between self-preservation and longing. Listen HERE. Alongside the album release, Leon Thomas unveils the noir-infused black-and-white video for “MUTT (Remix)” featuring Freddie Gibbs, directed by Daniil Demichev. Set in a moody, abandoned theater, Leon navigates shadowy corridors, accompanied by women—a creative nod to the ‘mutt’ metaphor that delves into the nuances of love. Freddie Gibbs brings his nefarious energy to this dreamlike atmosphere, accentuating the tension between freedom and entrapment and adding a raw intensity that complements Leon’s introspective exploration of vulnerability and trust. Watch HERE. Leon Thomas recently dropped his latest single and video, “Far Fetched” featuring Ty Dolla $ign, the second offering from MUTT. On the track, Thomas navigates the tension between vulnerability and emotional boundaries, while the accompanying 360-degree cinematography in the video reflects the cyclical nature of relationships and his ongoing quest for forgiveness. Listen HERE. Watch HERE. Additionally, Thomas revisited “MUTT” with a remix featuring Freddie Gibbs, adding a grittier, raw edge to the song’s exploration of flawed love. Gibbs brings a darker, more elusive perspective, underscoring the complexities of emotional detachment and survival in transient connections. Listen HERE. Leon Thomas has further earned praise for his distinctive approach to R&B, with BET lauding him as “on a mission to take R&B to another level,” further stating, “There are certain artists who seem to have all the gifts. They sing, write, compose, produce, and give electric live performances. Without question, Leon Thomas is in that select group of musicians.” VIBE called the title track “MUTT,” “a captivating slow-burn,” while UPROXX highlighted the track for its “gritty and laid-back energy.” This fall, Thomas takes MUTT on the road for his 13-stop North American headline tour. Starting October 27 at Atlanta’s One Music Fest, the tour will hit major cities like New York, Toronto, and Houston before wrapping up at Los Angeles’ El Rey on November 29. Tickets are available at www.leonthomas.com. In addition to headlining his own headline tour, Thomas will also join BLXST’s I Will Always Come Find You tour as a special guest this fall, kicking off October 1 at House of Blues in Houston. Thomas and BLXST previously teamed up for the remix of “Crash & Burn” from Thomas’s 2023 debut album Electric Dusk. With over 50 million streams on Spotify alone, Electric Dusk showcases standout tracks like “Breaking Point,” “Love Jones” (feat. Ty Dolla $ign), and “X-Rated” (feat. Benny the Butcher). ThisisRnB praised the album for Thomas’s thematic narration, stating he “runs the gamut of emotions, bringing the listener in… delivering a profound perspective on today’s romance market.” UPROXX adds that Thomas’ Electric Dusk marks “an official entry to the R&B world” with “songwriting that proves why he’s one of the best in the industry.” Leon Thomas, the first artist signed to EZMNY Records by Ty Dolla $ign and Shawn Barron, continues to make a notable impact as a multi-talented artist. His GRAMMY® win for co-producing SZA’s “Snooze” with Babyface and his work with top artists like Post Malone, Kehlani, Ariana Grande, Drake, and recently his work with Kanye West on Vultures 2, alongside his acting roles in HBO’s Insecure, Victorious, and more highlight his diverse talent and multifaceted career. |
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