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Top Picks from Leon Thomas’ latest release, ‘MUTT’
When was the last time you put your phone down and listened to an album in full? Leon Thomas’ fresh new release, ‘MUTT’, may be that distraction you’re needing.
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of Leon’s latest drop, let’s delve into how Leon discovered his passion for music, particularly his sultry, velvety sounds of jazz, R&B, and soft rock interwoven throughout his musical catalogue.
Born in Brooklyn, Leon was raised by his vocalist mother and opera-singing godfather and stepfather, who played guitar for B.B. King. For a young Thomas, pursuing a music career was somewhat inevitable.
From a young age, Leon was no stranger to being in the spotlight, performing in countless Broadway shows including ‘The Lion King’, ‘Caroline, Or Change’, and ‘The Colour Purple’.
At the age of 10, Leon starred as a young Simba on Broadway’s The Lion King and even worked on Nickelodeon before signing his first deal with Columbia Records, where he was mentored by legendary producer Babyface.
Leon’s soulful jazz, R&B-infused sound stems from a collection of many influences who have shaped his musical taste throughout his life, such as Art Blakey, Miles Davis, to rock icons like Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin, as well as iconic innovators like Stevie Wonder, D’Angelo, Musiq Soulchild, and Maxwell.
Not one to shy away from collaborations, over the years Leon has worked with some of the best in the business, including Ariana Grande, Drake, Snoh Aalegra, Jessie Reyez, Chris Brown, and many more.
Last year, Leon’s collaboration with SZA on the dreamy R&B ballad, ‘Snooze,’ won Best R&B song at the 2024 Grammy Awards.
Since signing to Ty Dolla $ign’s EZMNY Records in 2022, Leon’s overall sound has matured to even greater heights.
Making his debut with ‘Electric Dusk’ released under EZNMY Records/Motown Records, featured notable collaborations with Victoria Monet, Benny the Butcher, and Ty Dolla $ign.
The album’s title was named after a Los Angeles drive-in theatre and explores themes of love, heartbreak, and personal growth through a cinematic lens, all deeply inspired by Thomas’ own life experiences and passion for film.
Of course, Leon collaborated with various co-producers and writers to help him realise his vision; however, much of Leon’s initial creation for the record was in isolation.
“Isolation was a big part of being able to zone in and hear what I was trying to say for my inner voice,” Leon told Rated R&B.
Leon’s latest sophomore album, titled ‘MUTT’, was inspired by Leon’s German Shepherd-Husky dog named Terry, but beyond the cover reveals a narrative that is much more cathartic, as Leon reflects on coming to terms with a breakup and betrayal.
“Even though my dog may sometimes make a mess in the house or bark loudly at the neighbours, I know he means well. This became a metaphor for not being a perfect partner but having good intentions,” Leon told Uproxx.
The album explores control in relationships and how dating in this generation can be so complex, and at times confusing, particularly amidst the rise of social media.
In essence, ‘MUTT’ is about embracing one’s true self amid the intense societal pressures and expectations. This is an album that reminds us not to be afraid to step outside of what everyone else is doing, and the importance of being vulnerable and loyal to who we are as individuals.
More than just an album, Leon’s intentional songwriting and production remind us to reflect on our perceptions of self-worth and trust, but also to give ourselves grace in the ups and downs of life.
Here are my top three fave tracks:
- ‘MUTT’
- ‘Vibes Don’t Lie’
- ‘Lucid Dreams’ featuring Masego
This July, Leon will be kicking off his world tour, which includes shows in Australia early next year. Snap up your tickets here before they sell out here.
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Who Am I Listening To: Rimon
If there’s one artist I’m obsessed with at the moment, it’s the magical voice and lyrical genius of Rimon.
A breath of fresh air, RIMON’s musical versatility and delicate but wholesome vocals is the perfect balance between spiritual and sensual neo-soul.
Born in Eritrea, Ethiopia and raised in Amsterdam, RIMON has been named one of the most intriguing singers of her generation and she’s only just getting started.
As a young child, RIMON always had a passion for music, when she was 10 years old, she created her first song, ‘Friends’ which she recorded and submitted to Junior Eurovision.
First time listeners should be prepared to hear a bit of everything, particularly a blend of dancehall, neo-soul and hip hop elements.
When it comes to following your dreams and passions, RIMON’s best advice is to just go for it.
“Regardless of what people think, you’ve got to live your life. Also, people forget everything! If you do something really awkward, don’t stress, people forget. In our minds, we think about things so much and overthink, but we have to learn to let go and live.”
Here are just three RIMON tunes you need to add to your playlist.
‘Build Me A House’ featuring Tiggs Da Author
If you need an escape RIMON’s ‘Build Me A House’ is your answer.
Collaborating with renowned L.A. based producer Mike Hector, who’s worked with the likes of Kendrick Lamar and Doja Cat, ‘Build Me a House’ shows elements of clarity amongst chaos.
RIMON’S echoing vocals melt into your ears as she confronts the unstable parts of her upbringing, recreating chaos as a woman who feels peace in discomfort. However, the tune also echoes the importance of not dwelling on vices and finding a love that’s a bit less unrequited.
‘Out Of My Way’
Produced by Samuel Kareem, marking the third track from RIMON’s sophomore EP, ‘I Shine U Shine’, this playful tune channels those early 2000s vibes. In this tune, RIMON explores a ‘hard to get’ situation, while delving into the various complexities and layers of love.
‘What They Called Me’
A mix of fiction and reality, this short film follows RIMON on a journey of self-discover.
Far from anything ‘perfect’, the aesthetically pleasing visuals show the struggles of coming to terms with self-acceptance from RIMON’s perspective.
Want more RIMON goodness in your speakers, listen to her Spotify here.
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Top Picks from Beyonce’s Renaissance Album
Surprise, we back! It wouldn’t be a celebration without digging into the behind the scenes of Beyonce’s seventh solo studio album, ‘Renaissance’.
I know we are definitely a bit late to the party, but Beyonce sure knows how to make a reappearance.
So, what makes this record so unique you may ask?
Well, Beyonce actually recorded this during the chaotic height of the COVID-19 pandemic to simply get the world dancing and smiling again.
“Creating the album allowed me a place to dream and to find escape during a scary time for the world.
“It allowed me to feel free and adventurous at a time when little else was moving,” Beyonce told Time Magazine.
As the worse of the pandemic drifts away, a new renaissance calls, and after 25 years in the game Beyonce wants us to escape the world and meet her at the club.
Why the club you may be asking?
Simply put, Beyonce wants us to go to a place, in our minds and in our souls, where we can be free, explore our sensuality unapologetically and celebrate queer culture.
In fact, the album was actually dedicated to her uncle Johnny, who she describes as being one of the first people to expose her to a lot of the music and culture that inspired the creation of ‘Renaissance’.
For Beyonce, it was Johnny living his truth, being unapologetically brave during a time when his country wasn’t as accepting as it is today that inspired her and ultimately can inspire any listener to live courageously into their true self, in their own unique way.
Here are your girls top three picks from ‘Renaissance’, let’s go.
‘Break My Soul’
Hitting you straight in the feels, ‘Break My Soul’ is just brimming with positivity and is the lead single from the album for all the right reasons.
From the moment you press play, you can instantly hear the heavy sampling from Robin S.’s 1990 dance hit, ‘Show Me Love’ interwoven alongside Big Freedia’s 2014 record, ‘Explode’.
Setting the tone right for what’s to come, the full house production handled by Beyonce, Tricky Stewart and The-Dream, is designed for the club, you can just imagine the big glowing disco ball glittering from the floor to the ceiling.
That’s not all, the acapella version will take you from the club to the car for the ultimate Beyonce road trip singalong.
‘Cuff It’
Yes, this is the track we were all waiting for, just admit it you need a tune like this in your life. If you’re in need of the ultimate living room dance tune or hype track before a girls night out, ‘Cuff It’ must be on your playlist.
There’s something about this tune that just takes you back with its infusion of those undeniably dreamy elements of the late 70s and early 90s.
Beyonce soars in true Beyonce style among the dance-pop, funk-fuelled production, memorable for its heavy brass instrumentals that almost take you straight to a live concert.
Sometimes simplicity is best, this track is really just about falling in love, having fun, not caring what people think and ‘cuffing’ the things you love.
‘Move’ featuring Grace Jones and Tems
Just like the title of the song, this tune is guaranteed to get you moving, not just in a physical sense but also mentally too. The hard-hitting, solid bassline alongside the chanting chorus almost propels you to move out of your own way, no matter how uncomfortable that may feel.
The song is extra special as it marks the first collaboration between Beyonce, Grace Jones and Tems.
There are so many layers to the entire production of the track, which elevates as each artist adds their own texture and flavour. Both Grace and Tems have their own space which draws your attention in with anticipated suspense to keep listening.
What are you waiting for? Check out ‘Renaissance’ here.
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