Billboard Crowned Leon Thomas’ New Album Mutt the Best R&B Album of 2024
Billboard has acclaimed Leon Thomas’ new album, Mutt, as the Best R&B Album of 2024. This honor emphasizes the creativity and adaptability the songwriter has established in his career.
Released this summer, Mutt caught listeners’ ears with its distinct style. The album is a skillful mixture of traditional R&B, jazz, neo-soul, and hip-hop that outlines Thomas’ personal and professional experiences. Critics have lauded Mutt for its bold experimentation and sincere storytelling, features that make it unique from other albums in the genre.
In an interview with Essence, Thomas discussed how he made the album, stating it’s very personal. “Mutt is about embracing all the pieces of who I am,” he mentioned. “The title itself speaks to being multifaceted, unafraid to explore different musical identities and experiences.”
Songs like “Crossroads” and “Broken Harmony” prove how great Thomas is at singing and writing deep lyrics. Songs like “Echoes of Blue” depict that he can make complex melodies that will be stuck in your head long after the music stops. These songs and the rest of the album are complimented for being honest with creative production.
Mutt stood out not only for its musicality but also for its cultural impact. The themes of this record—self-discovery, resilience, and identity—have struck a chord with listeners around the globe, making it one of the defining works of this year.
Time square is showing love! Thank you again @pandora for including me in Artists To Watch 2025: Pandora Ten! pic.twitter.com/rwgevobaJq
— Leon Thomas (@leonthomas) December 14, 2024
Thomas’ path to this exalted seat has been anything but typical. He began as a child actor on series such as Victorious before seamlessly moving into music and becoming a Grammy-winning songwriter and producer before going solo.
In an interview with HuffPost, he spoke candidly about the obstacles and victories that helped shape Mutt. “This album is me claiming my space,” he stated. “It’s about honoring my past while stepping boldly into the future.”
As 2024 draws to a close, Leon Thomas’ Mutt doesn’t just bookend the year in R&B, but it also cements his place as one of the creative leaders in music.
Mutt is available on all streaming platforms.
