Leon Thomas Explains How the ‘Elvis’ Biopic Paved the Way Towards His Breakout Hit ‘Mutt’

The journey to Leon Thomas's chart-dominating solo single, "Mutt," began with a quiet evening at home in 2022. The Brooklyn-born artist, watching the "Elvis" biopic with his dog Terry, found himself inspired by the legendary performer's story. "It mentioned the hound dog, and I immediately thought about creating my own version of that iconic energy—but through a completely original lens," Thomas remembers. This moment catalyzed his shift from a highly successful behind-the-scenes career to stepping into the spotlight as a leading performer. Before this, Thomas, now 32, was best known for his role as Andre Harris on Nickelodeon's popular show "Victorious" and as a Grammy-nominated songwriter for major artists like SZA and Ariana Grande. His co-writing credit on SZA's smash "Snooze" even won him a 2023 Variety Hitmaker award, cementing his status as a craftsman of hits for others before claiming the spotlight for himself.

His official launch as a solo act came with signing to Ty Dolla $ign's EZMNY Records in 2022, where he was named the label's flagship artist. This partnership enabled the release of his debut album "Electric Dusk" and the subsequent project that shares its name with the breakout single. Thomas crafted "Mutt" with a clear, strategic vision, intending it to be the project's undeniable centerpiece. He constructed the song beginning with its chorus, then contacted collaborator Bizzy Crook to flesh out the verses before producers D. Phelps and Freaky Rob completed the production. A key creative decision was increasing the track's tempo by roughly 10 BPM. Thomas, evaluating its potential for mass connection, targeted what he calls the 'drunken fun' principle. "The test is whether someone could belt this out confidently at a bar or a concert after a few drinks. If it's too complicated, it likely won't have lasting reach," he notes, emphasizing a pursuit of organic, enduring resonance over temporary online buzz.

This careful methodology produced a historic outcome. After its August debut, "Mutt" began a slow, persistent climb up the charts, eventually securing a spot in the Top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100. Its ascent marked one of the third-longest journeys to the top tier in the chart's 65-year history. Music industry analysts often point out that such a gradual rise typically indicates a song with substantial cultural staying power, as opposed to tracks that experience a brief, viral spike before rapidly fading. This sustained success was validated with major industry acclaim, resulting in six Grammy nominations for Thomas, including the prestigious Best New Artist category. Reflecting on his evolution from child actor to in-demand songwriter and now celebrated solo artist, he observes, "It's deeply satisfying. This feels like the perfect moment to demonstrate how personal growth can align perfectly with destiny."

The triumph of "Mutt" underscores the power of collaboration, with songwriting contributions from Leon Thomas, Rob Gueringer (Freaky Rob), David Kenneth Phelps (D. Phelps), Lazaro A. Camejo, Michael Stokes, and Emanuel Johnson. Production was handled by Freaky Rob and D Phelps. The executive leadership for the release included Ty Dolla $ign—the multifaceted artist behind hits like "Or Nah" who serves as CEO/Co-Founder of EZMNY Records—alongside label co-founder Shawn Barron. Managerial direction was provided by Jonathan Azu, CEO/Founder of the artist management company Culture Collective. The release is a joint venture between EZMNY Records and the legendary Motown Records. Founded by Berry Gordy Jr. in 1959, Motown Records became a cultural institution, launching the careers of icons like The Supremes and Stevie Wonder and defining the "Motown Sound" that shaped a generation. Publishing is administered through a partnership involving Eclectic Collective Publishing and Kobalt Music Services, highlighting the intricate, multi-faceted network behind a contemporary hit.