GRAMMY Award-winning artist Leon Thomas is releasing his new single “RATHER BE ALONE” featuring multi Grammy-nominated artist and actress, Halle. A hypnotic blend of R&B infused with smoky soul and rock influences, the track is a soulful reckoning about walking away when love no longer serves you, and choosing personal peace over the chaos of what once was. Unfolding like a slow-burning confession, wrapped in hazy guitar and swelling strings, Leon’s smooth vocals intertwine seamlessly with Halle’s airy delivery, adding a subtle, psychedelic touch.
Leon’s boldly introspective and highly acclaimed second studio album, MUTT, continues to push the boundaries of modern R&B, blending soulful melodies with rock influences and experimental production. Amassing over 1.1 billion streams, the album’s title track originally entered the Billboard Hot 100 in February 2025 and is steadily climbing, recently jumping from #28 to #21–marking Leon’s first Top 40 hit and his debut entry on the Hot 100. “MUTT” also reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Songs chart, as well as the R&B Digital Song Sales and R&B Streaming Songs charts, fuelled in part by a high-impact remix featuring Chris Brown that introduced the record to an even broader audience. 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.
Leon Thomas continues to redefine modern R&B, becoming an emblem of the genre and shaping its cultural landscape. MUTT has garnered widespread critical acclaim, named the #1 R&B Album of 2024 by Billboard and VIBE. It has also earned spots on several other Best of 2024 lists, further solidifying its status as one of the year’s standout releases. Billboard describes him as “one of the hottest names in R&B,” with MUTT being hailed as “the most stunning R&B album of 2024.” VIBE called it “one of the best R&B albums of the year,” while Essence celebrated it for pushing the boundaries of Black music, cementing Leon as “one of R&B’s most exciting voices.”
Leon continues to cement himself as a generational star. His NPR Tiny Desk performance went viral, peaking at #2 on YouTube and #5 on X, further iconizing his influence in music and culture. This year, he was named Billboard’s Chartbreaker and MTV PUSH’s Artist of the Month, in addition to making his TV debut on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and first cover with GUAP Magazine.
Last year, Leon Thomas took MUTT on the road for his completely sold-out 13-stop North American headline tour. He also joined BLXST’s I Will Always Come Find You tour as a special guest, bringing their collaboration on the “Crash & Burn” remix from Thomas’s 2023 debut album Electric Dusk to life on stage. With back-to-back sold-out shows and high-profile tour appearances, Thomas continues to cement himself as one of R&B’s most dynamic live performers.
With over 191+ 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, alongside his acting roles in HBO’s Insecure, Victorious, and more highlight his diverse talent and multifaceted career.
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