music
March 27, 2026
‘A broken heart can turn somebody into a bad Casanova’: breakout R&B star Leon Thomas on defiance, D’Angelo and his ‘doggie’ persona
Winning two Grammys last month cemented the New Yorker’s transition from producer for the likes of Drake to guitar-soloing superstar. Now he has Stevie Wonder calling him up – though he’s conscious of living up to the greats
TL;DR
- Leon Thomas has achieved breakout success as a solo R&B artist, earning multiple Grammy awards.
- He transitioned from working as a producer for artists like Drake and Ariana Grande to a prominent solo career.
- Thomas is known for blending rock and funk influences into his R&B music, aiming to uphold live musicianship.
- He has collaborated with and received recognition from music legends such as George Clinton, Stevie Wonder, and Babyface.
- Thomas has developed a unique 'doggie' persona, which embodies vulnerability and the complexities of heartbreak, combined with a sense of bravado.
- He expresses concern about the future of R&B in the age of AI and aims to create music that challenges the status quo.
- Thomas's musical journey began with a background in acting and was influenced by his parents' experience in the Black Rock Coalition.
- He views his career path as an example of perseverance and artistic integrity, encouraging others not to give up on their dreams.