Leon Thomas celebrates the one-year anniversary of his breakout hit “Mutt” with the release of “Mutt (Live From NPR’s Tiny Desk).”
He performed the live rendition during his nearly 20-minute Tiny Desk set, which premiered in February.
The Grammy-winning artist took to Instagram to reflect on his journey and the song’s success within the past year.
“I’ve spent 22 years chasing a feeling. From the first time I touched a stage at 10, I knew music held something powerful—something spiritual. I’ve watched it shift the air in a room, seen eyes widen and walls drop. It’s been a long journey—lessons from mentors, friends, strangers, but the greatest lesson came from the fans. It wasn’t until I got really honest that things started to move. And not just out there, but in me. That’s when I saw the goal I’d been chasing. Not fame, not numbers, but connection. Real connection.”
He continued, “This song, ‘Mutt,’ is my reflection. I let myself be seen and that opened a new door. Thank you for sticking by me. For listening when I didn’t have the words. And to the new listeners—thank you for making room. I see you. I feel you. I got you. Keep moving. Keep feeling. And never be afraid to be loud with your truth.”
“Mutt” was released Aug. 9, 2024, via Ty Dolla $ign‘s EZMNY Records/Motown Records.
The D. Phelps and Freaky Rob-produced track was the lead single and title track to Thomas’ sophomore album.
“Mutt” reached No. 1 on multiple Billboard charts, including Hot R&B Songs, Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay, Rhythmic Airplay, R&B Digital Song Sales and R&B Streaming Songs.
The album MUTT was released Sept. 27, 2024. It included his “Mutt (Remix)” with rapper Freddie Gibbs. Thomas later joined forces with Chris Brown for the “Mutt (CB Remix),” which appears onMUTT Deluxe: HEEL.
“MUTT has always been about embracing complexity in sound, in identity, in experience. HEEL is me leaning even deeper into that chaos, and finding beauty in it,” explained Thomas.
On Oct. 30, Thomas will kick off the North American leg of his Mutts Don’t Heel World Tour in Dallas. Joined by special guest Ambré, Thomas will visit Houston, New Orleans, Atlanta, Brooklyn and Phoenix, before wrapping up Dec. 22 in Los Angeles.
Stream Leon Thomas’ “Mutt (Live From NPR’s Tiny Desk)” below.