Latest news with #MUTTDeluxe:HEEL
Black America Web
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
Bark & The Bite: Leon Thomas Announces ‘Mutts Don't Heel' World Tour
Source: Courtesy / Raymond Alva Yesterday (June 10th), Grammy-Award winning artist Leon Thomas kicked off his week by announcing his MUTTS DON'T HEEL World Tour, produced by Live Nation. The tour is in support of HEEL , the deluxe edition of his critically acclaimed sophomore album MUTT , out now via EZMNY/Motown Records. The North American leg kicks off October 30th in Dallas, TX, with stops in Austin, Nashville, Atlanta, Brooklyn, Toronto, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Rising R&B standout Ambré will join as support across the U.S. and Canada. Tickets will be available starting with an artist presale beginning Wednesday, June 11th. Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general on sale beginning Friday, June 13th at 10am local time at In 2026, the tour heads abroad with a run of European dates including London's Eventim Apollo, Paris' Élysée Montmartre, Berlin's Huxleys Neue Welt, and Dublin's 3Olympia Theatre. From there, Leon brings the show to Australia with performances in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth. Source: Courtesy / Live Nation Leon recently released MUTT Deluxe: HEEL , a natural continuation of the original, digging deeper into his sonic universe and fetching a bold blend of psychedelic R&B, rock textures, soul, and boundary-pushing production. New collaborations with Kehlani, Big Sean, and Halle elevate the project's emotional and musical scope, as Leon hones his reflections on singlehood, connection, and self-exposure. With tightly crafted compositions and distinct creative clarity, Thomas delivers a fearless extension of his signature sound–unleashing bite where MUTT once explored duality. HEEL doesn't just follow; it bares its teeth. Listen HERE. Leon is currently the digital cover star of GAFFER Magazine and performed 'NOT FAIR' on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on June 3rd. Last night, he won Best New Artist and tore down the stage at the 2025 BET Awards. Leon Thomas continues to redefine modern R&B, becoming an emblem of the genre and shaping its cultural landscape. The certified platinum 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. From a viral Tiny Desk to BET nods and Hot 100 climbs, Thomas has spent the last year rewriting R&B's rulebook. With MUTT Deluxe: HEEL , Leon pushes his momentum further–fiercer, bolder, and taking his vision even further. Check out the tour's itinerary above. Congrats to Leon Thomas and the run he's currently on! SEE ALSO Bark & The Bite: Leon Thomas Announces 'Mutts Don't Heel' World Tour was originally published on
Axios
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
Where Leon Thomas is headed on his "Mutts Don't Heel" tour
Grammy-winning artist Leon Thomas is launching his "Mutts Don't Heel" world tour, starting in North America this October. The big picture: The tour follows the release of "MUTT Deluxe: HEEL," his album featuring collaborations with Kehlani, Chris Brown, Big Sean and Wale. Catch up quick: Thomas, 31, won the award for best new artist at the BET Awards Monday. Fun fact: Before breaking into the R&B space, the singer, songwriter and actor was a cast member in several television shows, including "Victorious," "The Backyardigans" and "Insecure." What's next: Tickets go on sale at 10am local time Friday. Here are the North American tour dates: Oct. 30: Dallas — House of Blues Nov. 3: Austin — Emo's Nov. 4: Houston — House of Blues Nov. 5: New Orleans — House of Blues Nov. 7: Nashville, Tennessee — Brooklyn Bowl Nov. 9: Atlanta — Tabernacle Nov. 12: Fort Lauderdale, Florida — Revolution Nov. 14: Charlotte, North Carolina — The Fillmore Nov. 15: Raleigh, North Carolina — The Ritz Nov. 16: Silver Spring, Maryland — The Fillmore Nov. 19: Philadelphia — The Fillmore Nov. 20: Boston — House of Blues Nov. 23: Brooklyn, New York — Brooklyn Paramount Nov. 26: Toronto — Danforth Music Hall Nov. 28: Detroit — The Fillmore Nov. 29: Cincinnati — Bogart's Nov. 2: Cleveland — House of Blues Dec. 3: Chicago — House of Blues Dec. 6: Minneapolis — First Avenue Dec. 9: Denver — Summit Dec. 11: Salt Lake City — The Depot Dec. 14: Seattle — The Showbox Dec. 16: Vancouver, British Columbia — Commodore Ballroom Dec. 17: Portland, Oregon — Roseland Theater Dec. 21: Phoenix — The Van Buren
Gulf Today
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
Leon Thomas is ready for the moment with new album
Leon Thomas is such a believer of speaking dreams into existence that the artist-producer has been patiently awaiting — yet expecting — his current moment 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,' said the alternative R&B artist, who's released 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 winning a Grammy last year as co-producer on SZA's song 'Snooze,'' Thomas is now experiencing his own solo success. The single 'MUTT,' from his 2024 critically acclaimed sophomore album of the same name, reached No. 1 on multiple Billboard charts, including Hot R&B Songs, Adult R&B airplay and R&B Streaming Songs. It also peaked at No. 13 on Billboard's Hot 100, boosted by a recent Chris Brown-remix that will appear on the deluxe. Once known for his role on the Nickelodeon series 'Victorious' of the 2010s, the R&B-rock-funk artist recruited heavyweight features for 'HEEL,' including Big Sean, Kehlani and Halle Bailey. Nine new songs were added, both 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,' said 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 about stepping into the spotlight, vulnerability and being protective of Ariana Grande. How have you managed the transition from in-demand producer to solo artist? I prayed on this. I did the internal work to be ready for what comes with the spotlight. And, I don't know, I'm just taking it one step at a time. I learned a lot from working behind the scenes, though. I was able to watch everybody's climb to the top ... and it was good to be a fly on the wall to a lot of my friends' greatness before I had an opportunity to climb the mountain myself. How did your 'Rather Be Alone' collaboration with Halle Bailey come together? It was very organic ... I played her the record and she really resonated with it, and I feel like you should write your life, and you should find ways to use your experience as the paint on the canvas. And I think both of us were going through pretty crazy breakups. So, I think it was important to lead with that song because it's like the truest record right now on the project. It seems like this era of R&B doesn't embrace vulnerability like in earlier decades. Why where you both so transparent? It's a generation of filters. But I think some of the craziest and most viral moments are without any of the bells and whistles. And that's the whole Catch-22. It's like there's lots of technological advancements, but I think things that are real, that really like celebrate the human experience, will always be celebrated. Do you ever reminisce with Adriana Grande about your time as 'Victorious' castmates? We finished our last two years of high school together in a small classroom with one teacher and spent many ... weekends hanging out and watching movies and kicking it. That's really my friend, and I'm so proud of her. ... There's so much growth that happened, and I am very protective over her and she's the same about me. And it's just good to have real friends in this (industry) — it can be kind of tricky. Associated Press
Winnipeg Free Press
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Winnipeg Free Press
Leon Thomas is ‘ready for the moment' with new album ‘MUTT Deluxe: HEEL'
NEW YORK (AP) — Leon Thomas is such a believer of speaking dreams into existence that the artist-producer has been patiently awaiting — yet expecting — his current moment 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,' said the alternative 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 winning a Grammy last year as co-producer on SZA's song 'Snooze,' Thomas is now experiencing his own solo success. The single 'MUTT,' from his 2024 critically acclaimed sophomore album of the same name, reached No. 1 on multiple Billboard charts, including Hot R&B Songs, Adult R&B airplay and R&B Streaming Songs. It also peaked at No. 13 on Billboard's Hot 100, boosted by a recent Chris Brown-remix that will appear on the deluxe. Once known for his role on the Nickelodeon series 'Victorious' of the 2010s, the R&B-rock-funk artist recruited heavyweight features for 'HEEL,' including Big Sean, Kehlani and Halle Bailey. Nine new songs were added, both 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,' said 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 Associated Press about stepping into the spotlight, vulnerability and being protective of Ariana Grande. The conversation has been edited for brevity and clarity. AP: How have you managed the transition from in-demand producer to solo artist? THOMAS: I prayed on this. I did the internal work to be ready for what comes with the spotlight. And, I don't know, I'm just taking it one step at a time. I learned a lot from working behind the scenes, though. I was able to watch everybody's climb to the top … and it was good to be a fly on the wall to a lot of my friends' greatness before I had an opportunity to climb the mountain myself. AP: How did your 'Rather Be Alone' collaboration with Halle Bailey come together? THOMAS: It was very organic … I played her the record and she really resonated with it, and I feel like you should write your life, and you should find ways to use your experience as the paint on the canvas. And I think both of us were going through pretty crazy breakups. So, I think it was important to lead with that song because it's like the truest record right now on the project. AP: It seems like this era of R&B doesn't embrace vulnerability like in earlier decades. Why where you both so transparent? THOMAS: It's a generation of filters. But I think some of the craziest and most viral moments are without any of the bells and whistles. And that's the whole Catch-22. It's like there's lots of technological advancements, but I think things that are real, that really like celebrate the human experience, will always be celebrated. AP: How were you able to successfully break out of the Nickelodeon box and transition into music? THOMAS: It's really hard being a Black male coming from the Nickelodeon-Viacom space because this is epic branding all over the world. I mean, this is like 80 countries … that are kind of fed that image of you. So, I think for me, the biggest thing was really taking the time to study acting. Even when I stepped over into music, it's not like I just jumped into it because I had some fans who grew up watching me. I decided to study under the legendary Babyface, started working with Ty Dolla $ign, Boi-1da, Drake — I was around some epic legends in the field, and I feel like the best teacher is experience. AP: Do you ever reminisce with Adriana Grande about your time as 'Victorious' castmates? THOMAS: We finished our last two years of high school together in a small classroom with one teacher and spent many … weekends hanging out and watching movies and kicking it. That's really my friend, and I'm so proud of her. … There's so much growth that happened, and I am very protective over her and she's the same about me. And it's just good to have real friends in this (industry) — it can be kind of tricky. ___ Follow Associated Press entertainment journalist Gary Gerard Hamilton at @GaryGHamilton on all his social media platforms.
San Francisco Chronicle
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- San Francisco Chronicle
Leon Thomas is ‘ready for the moment' with new album 'MUTT Deluxe: HEEL'
NEW YORK (AP) — Leon Thomas is such a believer of speaking dreams into existence that the artist-producer has been patiently awaiting — yet expecting — his current moment 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,' said the alternative 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 winning a Grammy last year as co-producer on SZA's song 'Snooze,'' Thomas is now experiencing his own solo success. The single 'MUTT,' from his 2024 critically acclaimed sophomore album of the same name, reached No. 1 on multiple Billboard charts, including Hot R&B Songs, Adult R&B airplay and R&B Streaming Songs. It also peaked at No. 13 on Billboard's Hot 100, boosted by a recent Chris Brown-remix that will appear on the deluxe. Once known for his role on the Nickelodeon series 'Victorious' of the 2010s, the R&B-rock-funk artist recruited heavyweight features for 'HEEL,' including Big Sean, Kehlani and Halle Bailey. Nine new songs were added, both 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,' said 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 Associated Press about stepping into the spotlight, vulnerability and being protective of Ariana Grande. The conversation has been edited for brevity and clarity. I learned a lot from working behind the scenes, though. I was able to watch everybody's climb to the top … and it was good to be a fly on the wall to a lot of my friends' greatness before I had an opportunity to climb the mountain myself. AP: How did your 'Rather Be Alone' collaboration with Halle Bailey come together? THOMAS: It was very organic … I played her the record and she really resonated with it, and I feel like you should write your life, and you should find ways to use your experience as the paint on the canvas. And I think both of us were going through pretty crazy breakups. So, I think it was important to lead with that song because it's like the truest record right now on the project. AP: It seems like this era of R&B doesn't embrace vulnerability like in earlier decades. Why where you both so transparent? THOMAS: It's a generation of filters. But I think some of the craziest and most viral moments are without any of the bells and whistles. And that's the whole Catch-22. It's like there's lots of technological advancements, but I think things that are real, that really like celebrate the human experience, will always be celebrated. AP: How were you able to successfully break out of the Nickelodeon box and transition into music? THOMAS: It's really hard being a Black male coming from the Nickelodeon-Viacom space because this is epic branding all over the world. I mean, this is like 80 countries … that are kind of fed that image of you. So, I think for me, the biggest thing was really taking the time to study acting. Even when I stepped over into music, it's not like I just jumped into it because I had some fans who grew up watching me. I decided to study under the legendary Babyface, started working with Ty Dolla $ign, Boi-1da, Drake — I was around some epic legends in the field, and I feel like the best teacher is experience. AP: Do you ever reminisce with Adriana Grande about your time as 'Victorious' castmates? THOMAS: We finished our last two years of high school together in a small classroom with one teacher and spent many ... weekends hanging out and watching movies and kicking it. That's really my friend, and I'm so proud of her. … There's so much growth that happened, and I am very protective over her and she's the same about me. And it's just good to have real friends in this (industry) — it can be kind of tricky. ___
