Leon Thomas reveals tracklist for “Mutt” deluxe album “Heel;” Big Sean, Halle, and more featured
Leon Thomas to feature Chris Brown, Big Sean and more on “Heel”
Leon Thomas is making serious waves in the R&B scene. With his 2024 debut solo album MUTT, he proved he’s far more than a former Nickelodeon star. Now, with the release of his deluxe edition titled HEEL coming May 30, Thomas is doubling down on emotion, introspection, and sonic experimentation.
If you’ve been paying attention to the Billboard charts, you probably noticed the rise of Leon’s self-titled single “Mutt.” It soared to No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100. The MUTT album itself hit No. 96 on the Billboard 200. Not bad for a debut full-length.
But HEEL? It’s more than just a deluxe. It’s a statement.
From MUTT to HEEL: The Evolution of an Artist
The title HEEL might sound cryptic, but Leon Thomas chose it with purpose. It’s about healing. It’s about growth. And yes, it’s about obedience to one’s own inner compass. MUTT was chaotic, reflective of heartbreak and emotional duality. HEEL takes that energy and tames it.
Musically, expect more genre-blending. Think psychedelic R&B, touches of soul, and even sprinkles of rock. Fans of Frank Ocean or Childish Gambino’s more experimental work will find familiar vibes — but Leon Thomas still maintains his own sonic fingerprint.
The Features: A-list Collaborators, Fresh Energy
Thomas has attracted some major names to his deluxe album — a strong sign of respect from the industry. Big Sean lends his lyrical firepower, while Chris Brown brings a seasoned R&B edge. But perhaps most exciting is the presence of Halle Bailey, a rising star in her own right, whose voice blends seamlessly with Thomas’s layered harmonies.
Also notable is Kehlani, who brings a smooth, soulful balance to the project. Her appearance emphasizes Thomas’s dedication to lifting up women’s voices in R&B — a fresh shift from the male-dominated feature list of MUTT.
Why HEEL Is About More Than Just Music
In a recent interview, Thomas described HEEL as a “meditation.” It’s a word we don’t often associate with deluxe albums, which can sometimes feel like leftovers. Not here. Thomas dives deep into personal narratives — love, mental health, identity. These are not bonus tracks. They’re chapters in an evolving story.
This aligns with a broader trend in R&B: storytelling with purpose. Artists like SZA, Brent Faiyaz, and Summer Walker have shown that audiences crave depth. Thomas taps into that same energy, but with a twist — he fuses his theatrical background into his songwriting, bringing an almost cinematic flair to his music.
R&B Is Changing — Leon Thomas Is Leading the Shift
The genre has always been fluid. From Motown to New Jack Swing, from 2000s slow jams to today’s alternative wave, R&B evolves constantly. Leon Thomas represents this next chapter: emotionally raw, sonically experimental, and unapologetically personal.
The success of “Mutt” proves that fans are open to something different. They want vulnerability. They want layers. They want music that makes you feel something — and makes you think.
This is why Thomas’s approach is resonating. He’s not chasing trends; he’s setting his own.
Tracklist Tease: What to Expect on HEEL
Here’s what we know so far. HEEL includes nine new tracks. The confirmed features are:
- Big Sean
- Halle Bailey
- Chris Brown
- Kehlani
Expect a variety of moods — some upbeat, some haunting. The production quality is top-tier, and Thomas’s vocals remain front and center. He’s a trained musician, a songwriter, a producer, and it shows.
His ability to convey emotional complexity through melody and lyrics sets him apart in today’s music landscape.
Why You Should Pay Attention
If you’re new to Leon Thomas, HEEL is the perfect entry point. It’s polished but honest. Accessible but layered. You don’t need to be an R&B expert to appreciate what he’s doing — you just need ears and a heart.
Thomas is proof that you can grow up in the spotlight and still emerge with something meaningful to say. And as R&B continues to evolve, artists like him are shaping the genre’s future.
How to Explore Modern R&B
Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the genre, here are a few ways to keep your playlist fresh and stay engaged with evolving R&B sounds:
- Create genre-blending playlists. Mix classics (Marvin Gaye, Lauryn Hill) with new school artists (Leon Thomas, H.E.R., Daniel Caesar).
- Support deluxe editions. They’re more than filler — many artists use them to refine their original vision.
- Watch interviews and behind-the-scenes content. Artists like Thomas often reveal deeper meanings in these spaces.
- Follow indie R&B labels. A lot of innovation is happening outside the mainstream.
Leon Thomas’s HEEL is more than just a deluxe release. It’s a reflection of where R&B is headed — a blend of old-school soul, new-school creativity, and deeply personal storytelling. With its official drop on May 30, it could mark a defining moment in his career and in the genre as a whole.