NEW YORK (AP) — Leon Thomas is such a believer of talking desires into existence that the artist-producer has been patiently awaiting — but anticipating — his present second of musical appreciation.
“I feel like this is like a 20-year-long, overnight success, and I’m really enjoying just the process. I feel ready for the moment,” stated the choice R&B artist, who’s releasing his “MUTT Deluxe: HEEL” album on Friday. “Not to get too spiritual, but I feel like the steps I’m on are ordered, and it’s just my time to show the world what I can do.”
After successful a Grammy final 12 months as co-producer on SZA’s track “Snooze,” Thomas is now experiencing his own solo success. The single “MUTT,” from his 2024 critically acclaimed sophomore album of the identical title, reached No. 1 on a number of Billboard charts, together with Scorching R&B Songs, Grownup R&B airplay and R&B Streaming Songs. It additionally peaked at No. 13 on Billboard’s Scorching 100, boosted by a current Chris Brown-remix that can seem on the deluxe.
As soon as recognized for his function on the Nickelodeon sequence “Victorious” of the 2010s, the R&B-rock-funk artist recruited heavyweight options for “HEEL,” together with Large Sean, Kehlani and Halle Bailey. 9 new songs have been added, each originals and remixes.
“It’s God’s plan … Coming from the world of acting, I’d had my fair share of fame and taste of what the high life felt like. But starting off with my debut album, really having to grind and play really small rooms and build from scratch was such a humbling experience,” stated Thomas of “Electric Dusk” which dropped in 2023. “That really built me, and I wouldn’t trade that experience for the world.”
The 31-year-old, who’s produced songs for Drake, Kanye West, Toni Braxton and Babyface, spoke with The Related Press about getting into the highlight, vulnerability and being protecting of Ariana Grande. The dialog has been edited for brevity and readability.
AP: How have you ever managed the transition from in-demand producer to solo artist?
THOMAS: I prayed on this. I did the interior work to be prepared for what comes with the highlight. And, I don’t know, I’m simply taking it one step at a time.
I discovered rather a lot from working behind the scenes, although. I used to be in a position to watch everyone’s climb to the highest … and it was good to be a fly on the wall to a variety of my buddies’ greatness earlier than I had a chance to climb the mountain myself.
AP: How did your “Rather Be Alone” collaboration with Halle Bailey come collectively?
THOMAS: It was very natural … I performed her the document and she or he actually resonated with it, and I really feel like it is best to write your life, and it is best to discover methods to make use of your expertise because the paint on the canvas. And I believe each of us have been going by way of fairly loopy breakups. So, I believe it was necessary to guide with that track as a result of it’s just like the truest document proper now on the challenge.
AP: It looks like this period of R&B does not embrace vulnerability like in earlier a long time. Why the place you each so clear?
THOMAS: It’s a technology of filters. However I believe among the craziest and most viral moments are with none of the bells and whistles. And that’s the entire Catch-22. It’s like there’s numerous technological developments, however I believe issues which might be actual, that actually like rejoice the human expertise, will all the time be celebrated.
AP: How have been you in a position to efficiently get away of the Nickelodeon field and transition into music?
THOMAS: It’s actually arduous being a Black male coming from the Nickelodeon-Viacom area as a result of that is epic branding everywhere in the world. I imply, that is like 80 nations … which might be sort of fed that picture of you. So, I believe for me, the largest factor was actually taking the time to review appearing.
Even after I stepped over into music, it’s not like I simply jumped into it as a result of I had some followers who grew up watching me. I made a decision to review below the legendary Babyface, began working with Ty Dolla $ign, Boi-1da, Drake — I used to be round some epic legends within the subject, and I really feel like the perfect trainer is expertise.
AP: Do you ever reminisce with Adriana Grande about your time as “Victorious” castmates?
THOMAS: We completed our final two years of highschool collectively in a small classroom with one trainer and spent many … weekends hanging out and watching films and kicking it. That’s actually my pal, and I’m so pleased with her. … There’s a lot progress that occurred, and I’m very protecting over her and she or he’s the identical about me. And it’s simply good to have actual buddies on this (trade) — it may be sort of difficult.
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Comply with Related Press leisure journalist Gary Gerard Hamilton at @GaryGHamilton on all his social media platforms.
