Leon Thomas isn’t new to this, and finally, the world is catching up. At the 2025 BET Awards, the multihyphenate artist took home the trophy for Best New Artist, a long-overdue acknowledgment for someone who’s been quietly shaping the sound of R&B, pop, and hip-hop from behind the curtain for years.
Known for penning hits for Ariana Grande, Drake, and SZA, Thomas has always been a behind-the-scenes heavyweight. But this year, with his debut album MUTT, he stepped into the spotlight and never looked back.
MUTT isn’t just an album, it’s an exploration of emotional chaos, blurred lines, and personal rebirth. It doesn’t follow the rules; it redefines them.
Leon Thomas performs ‘Mutt’ at the 2025 #BETAwards pic.twitter.com/XhxpN6ElqC
— RNB RADAR (@RNB_RADAR) June 10, 2025
Thomas blends soul, jazz, hip-hop, and psychedelic textures like a chef in his creative prime. The result? A genre-blurring, emotionally resonant, and sonically rich debut that instantly set him apart from his peers.
Tracks like “Breaking Point” and “Sneak” have become lowkey anthems for anyone who’s been through the wringer emotionally. And let’s not forget the single, MUTT, which he performed at the award show and has dominated the radio and streaming charts.
MUTT hits like a text you weren’t ready to read. It’s the type of album that makes you sit with your feelings, and somehow feel better because of it.
Leon Thomas accepts the award for Best New Artist at the 2025 #BETAwards pic.twitter.com/YtjfJoYJ2T
— RNB RADAR (@RNB_RADAR) June 10, 2025
This BET win not only marks a new chapter for Leon Thomas as an artist in his own right, but it also signals a shift in the industry. Substance is winning again. Storytelling is back. And Leon? He’s leading the charge.
Congratulations to the not-so-new Best New Artist. Keep making it messy, moody, and unforgettable.
