Leon Thomas Cracks No. 1: A New R&B Star Emerges
Plenty of R&B artists grind for years before they taste mainstream chart glory. For Leon Thomas, that moment just exploded into reality. His single 'Mutt' just jumped three spots to grab the No. 1 ranking on Billboard’s Hot R&B Songs chart for April 12, 2025. That climb comes with fireworks: it's Thomas’ first time at the top, and the track shows no signs of slipping anytime soon.
What’s got listeners hooked? Thomas brought out the heavy artillery for a remix, calling in Chris Brown—a move that sent 'Mutt' ricocheting up the charts. That collaboration pushed the song beyond R&B purists, giving it fresh muscle on streaming and radio. In the U.S. alone, the track sold about 90,000 units, and the Chris Brown remix actually made up close to half of those numbers. When you see a humble, soulful song transformed by a high-powered feature, you can’t help but pay attention.
'Mutt' is more than just a single—it's the front runner for Thomas’ sophomore album, also named MUTT, dropped in September 2024 on EZMNY Records and Motown. Thomas didn't play it safe with his guest list, bringing in Ty Dolla $ign, Masego, Wale, Baby Rose, and Freddie Gibbs (who hopped on the first remix). The album feels like a roll call of R&B’s most creative voices, but it’s Thomas at the wheel, steering the ship with his raw vocals and honest songwriting.
A Crossover Smash: Radio, Streaming, and Sales Domination
The ‘Mutt’ momentum didn’t stop at the Hot R&B Songs chart. By May 2025, the single shot to No. 1 on the Adult R&B Airplay chart after a slow climb—28 weeks in, it finally took over the top spot. Over on the Hot 100, Thomas carved out his first-ever spot in the top 40, peaking at No. 21. The R&B Streaming Songs chart also kept ‘Mutt’ locked at No. 1 for six weeks straight, and digital sales soared when both versions hit listeners’ playlists.
Some songs burn bright and then fizzle; ‘Mutt’ is more like a rocket that just keeps climbing. Radio hosts can’t seem to play it enough. Streaming platforms show no signs of fatigue, with fans keeping it in heavy rotation, especially after the Chris Brown remix hit social media circles hard.
The song’s popularity isn’t just about big names and catchy beats. Thomas went deep when he wrote it, drawing inspiration from personal heartbreak and growth. He admits that his ex gave him a dog after their breakup, and that little moment turned into something bigger—a reflection on loyalty, vulnerability, and moving forward. Those real-life themes are baked into every line and chorus, making the track hit home for so many listeners.
So where does this all leave Leon Thomas? With ‘Mutt’ now a bona fide chart-topper and the Billboard Hot R&B Songs crown on his head, he’s stepped fully into the musical spotlight. It’s hard to imagine 2025’s R&B scene without his name on the charts. And he’s shown—sometimes, all it takes is the right song at the right time to shift everything.
