|
Thomas will be honored June 25 at ASCAP’s private,
invitation-only celebration of top hip-hop, R&B and gospel
songwriters in Los Angeles. Previous recipients of the Vanguard
Award include Victoria Monét, Migos and Janelle Monáe.
“Leon Thomas is one of R&B’s most creative forces today and is
reshaping its sound with his boundary-breaking artistry,” Nicole
George-Middleton, ASCAP executive vice president and head of
creative membership, said in a statement. “His passion,
creativity and undeniable talent have established him as a
defining voice of this generation.”
Thomas first emerged as a child performer on Broadway in “The
Lion King” before becoming widely known for his role on
Nickelodeon’s “Victorious.” After the show’s end, he built a
successful career behind the scenes as a songwriter and producer
for artists such as Ariana Grande, Drake, Chris Brown and
Kehlani.
In 2024, Thomas earned ASCAP’s R&B/Hip-Hop and Rap Song of the
Year award for co-writing SZA's “Snooze,” which won a Grammy in
2022.
Thomas later stepped further into the spotlight with his
sophomore album “Mutt,” released in 2024. The project featured
the breakout title track, which climbed to No. 1 on Billboard’s
Radio Songs chart and earned double-platinum certification. The
album also included the single “Yes It Is,” which recently
achieved gold certification from the Recording Industry
Association of America.
“Mutt” helped solidify Thomas as one of contemporary R&B’s
rising stars, earning Grammy wins for best R&B album and best
traditional R&B performance for “Vibes Don't Lie.”
Thomas recently released his EP “PHOLKS” and is touring select
markets with Bruno Mars on “The Romantic Tour.”
All contents © copyright 2026 Associated Press. All rights reserved
|
|
