Leon Thomas Announces New Album ‘Mutt’
Grammy Award-winning artist, producer, and songwriter Leon Thomas announces the release date for his highly-anticipated sophomore album, MUTT, out September 27 via EZMNY Records/Motown Records. MUTT offers a vivid exploration of love’s many faces—from the rush of singlehood to the delicate balance of deep emotional connections—while also delving into the intricate dance between ambition and the personal sacrifices that accompany it. Through themes of fame, emotional detachment, and the search for genuine connection, Thomas crafts a narrative that fearlessly peels back layers of vulnerability. Pre-Order HERE.
“The album ‘Mutt’ was created shortly after a significant break-up,” Leon reflects on the inspiration behind the album. “During the relationship, my ex had given me a dog, and as I started working on the album in my new home, I began to notice similarities between my dog’s behavior and my own. My puppy had never received formal training, and his behavior inspired the song I was writing. It made me think about the give and take in relationships, and the struggle for obedience. My dog is not a pure breed; he’s a mutt. While writing the title track for my album, I came up with the theme for this collection of songs. Even though my dog may sometimes make a mess in the house or bark loudly at the neighbors, I know he means well. This became a metaphor for not being a perfect partner but having good intentions.”
Alongside the announcement of his album, Leon Thomas is dropping a remix of his single “MUTT,” featuring Freddie Gibbs. The original track delves into the struggles of vulnerability and trust in love, while Gibbs adds a nefarious edge, embodying a ‘mutt’ who navigates transient relationships with an elusive aura. In contrast, Thomas explores the ‘mutt’ metaphor as a dynamic journey through love’s contrasts, celebrating the liberation of singlehood and the complexities of deep connections. Praised by VIBE as a “captivating slow-burn” and UPROXX for its “gritty and laid-back” vibe, the remix brings a fresh intensity, merging Gibbs’ raw flow with the track’s emotive essence.
This fall, Thomas will join BLXST as a special guest on his North American I Will Always Come Find You tour, starting October 1 at House of Blues in Houston and includes a highly anticipated show on October 17 at Pier 17 Rooftop in New York City. Tickets are available HERE. Thomas and BLXST previously collaborated on a remix of “Crash & Burn” from Thomas’s critically acclaimed 2023 debut album, Electric Dusk.
To mark the one-year anniversary of Electric Dusk, EZMNY Records/Motown Records released a special vinyl edition on August 16. Order HERE.
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. Check out our previous coverage on Leon Thomas here.
PC: Phil Meyer