Leon Thomas teams with rapper Benny The Butcher for “X-Rated,” his debut single under Ty Dolla $ ign’s EZMNY Records in partnership with Motown Records.
Rather than attempt to unload a love or breakup song on fans equipped with moans and crooning, Thomas sees more pleasure in machine soul where the extracurricular moves of a shameless woman are the hot topic.
Repetition is on Thomas’ side for the lusty lyrics, highlighting how the self-proclaimed innocent are typically waiting with nothing on after the first date. Neither Thomas nor his Griselda co-star is going out of their way to save this sex-positive girl. Instead, they’re going along with her polyamorous lifestyle.
“‘X-Rated’ is an ode to my love of boom bap and early 90’s instrumentals. Benny The Butcher brought authentic bars and helped further the theme of this record,” explains Thomas.
His new single is accompanied by a brightly colored, psychedelic visual. In addition to looks from both Thomas and The Benny The Butcher, the self-directed video features a cameo from Ty Dolla $ign.
As reported by Billboard, Thomas announced his deal with Ty Dolla $ ign’s EZMNY Records early this month.
“Leon’s talent was just a higher level from every other singer or producer that I was hearing, and the fact that he was doing everything himself from playing bass to working Logic and Pro Tools [was amazing],” said Dolla $ign.
If you’ve been following Thomas, you’re aware that his last output was 2018’s Genesis. The seven-track EP was powered by songs such as “Favorite” featuring Buddy and “PLW.” Other EP co-stars included Elle Varner and Tayla Parx.
Though Thomas has been plotting his next solo move for some time, he has stayed engaged with the current music. His resumé includes Ella Mai, Drake, Givēon, and Ariana Grande, to name a few.
Take a listen to “X-Rated” by Leon Thomas below.
