Grammy-winning singer Leon Thomas has joined podcast host and producer Rory on his new song “Who Are You Anyway?” It’s the first single from Rory’s upcoming second album.
On the introspective track, Thomas realizes he’s becoming a stranger to himself. “Are you sure that we met? / I don’t recognize that face / Who are you anyway?” he croons over driving percussion and delicate keys.
The lyrics are written in a way that could also apply to a relationship, where one partner no longer recognizes the person they once knew.
Regarding “Who Are You Anyway?” Rory shares, “The sound is certainly a departure from the last album, but it is a continuation of how things tend to differ from our original plans.”
He adds, “‘Who Are You Anyway?’ represents the lack of clarity we have within ourselves and others; when we don’t ask the questions that we know will have uncomfortable answers.”
As for collaborating with R&B’s latest star, Rory says, “Leon Thomas is by far one of the greatest talents we have in R&B today, it was humbling and an absolute honor to work with him and be a part of his already incredible legacy.”
Rory, co-host of New Rory & MAL, released his debut album, I Thought It’d Be Different, in 2023 via Avant Garden.
The collaborative 13-track set included the singles “I Want You But You’ll Never Know…” with DRAM and Alex Isley, “Not Me” with RAAHiiM and Shantel May, “Don’t Go” with Pink Sweat$ and Sinéad Harnett and “My Phone Can Die” with Ari Lennox and James Fauntleroy.
“Who Are You Anyway?” follows Thomas’ appearance on Coco Jones’ “Here We Go (Uh Oh) [Remix].”
In September 2024, Thomas released his second album, MUTT, which was met with critical acclaim. The album includes his breakout hit “Mutt,” which earned Thomas his first entry on the Billboard Hot 100 chart this week.
MUTT also includes his Ty Dolla $ign-assisted track “Far Fetched” and additional features from Wale and Baby Rose. Thomas supported the album on his headlining MUTT Tour last fall.
Stream Rory and Leon Thomas’ new song “Who Are You Anyway?” below.
