Mutt

Leon Thomas III’s debut album Electric Dusk already proved he’s not just a multi-hyphenate talent, but a serious force in R&B. A year later, he’s back in the studio working on a follow-up—and from the sound of it, he’s leveling up even more.

His latest project, Mutt, dives deep into the highs and lows of love, and it’s clear Leon’s putting his whole soul into this one. The opening track, “How Fast,” sets the tone with him belting about always having a big-picture vision, while “Safe Place” gets real about wanting to let someone in but knowing the vibes aren’t right. Then there’s “Dancing with Demons,” which drifts into this hauntingly late-night mood as he sings about chasing fleeting feelings. Meanwhile, “Vibes Don’t Lie” keeps it funky and direct—he’s basically saying the vibes never lie, even if people do.

The features on here are fire, too. Masego hops on “Lucid Dreams,” a laid-back duet about those messy “we’re just on a break” situations, and Wale comes through on “Feelings on Silent,” which is easily the standout track. Conductor Williams delivers a drumless beat that lets Leon and Wale shrug off all the noise from their haters—just smooth confidence all around.

“Answer Your Phone” is one of the rawest moments on the album, a gut-punch piano ballad where Leon’s begging for a call back, while “Yes It Is” slows things down even more with some trippy production and introspection. Ty$ joins him on “Far Fetched,” a heartbreak anthem about how pricey it’ll be if their relationships really fall apart. And just when you think things can’t get more emotional, the Freddie Gibbs remix of the title track mixes R&B and boom bap perfectly, with Leon asking, “Why rush?”

The back end of the album leans into spirituality and reflection. “I Do” has this gospel vibe where Leon thanks God for bringing the right person into his life, and “I Used To” (with Baby Rose) wraps things up on a bittersweet note, looking back on a love that didn’t last.

Mutt is Leon fully in his element. His vocals are insane, the writing cuts deep, and he’s not afraid to get vulnerable while experimenting with different sounds. It’s not just a step forward—it’s a full leap, cementing Leon as one of R&B’s modern greats. If Electric Dusk was him making his mark, Mutt is him carving out his legacy.

LEON THOMAS III - MUTT

RATING - 9.1/10

FAVORITE TRACK - Mutt

GENRE - Rnb, Pop, Soul, Electronic, Hip-Hop