Leon Thomas‘ breakout hit “Mutt” claims the top spot on the Billboard Adult R&B Airplay chart this week.
The D. Phelps and Freaky Rob-produced track rises from No. 4 to No. 1 in its 28th week on the list. It marks Thomas’ first No. 1 on the Adult R&B Airplay chart.
Elsewhere on Billboard, “Mutt” is No. 1 on Hot R&B Songs (fifth week), No. 1 on R&B Streaming Songs (sixth week), No. 2 on R&B Digital Song Sales chart (No. 1 peak) and No. 5 on Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay.
“Mutt” is the lead single and title track to Thomas’ sophomore album, released in September 2024 via Ty Dolla $ign‘s EZMNY Records/Motown Records.
The album featured additional collaborations with Ty, Masego, Wale, Baby Rose and Freddie Gibbs, who appeared on the first “Mutt (Remix).”
Regarding MUTT, Thomas explained, “The album MUTT was created shortly after a significant break-up. During the relationship, my ex had given me a dog, and as I started working on the album in my new home, I began to notice similarities between my dog’s behavior and my own. My puppy had never received formal training, and his behavior inspired the song I was writing.”
He added, “It made me think about the give and take in relationships, and the struggle for obedience. My dog is not a pure breed; he’s a mutt. While writing the title track for my album, I came up with the theme for this collection of songs. Even though my dog may sometimes make a mess in the house or bark loudly at the neighbors, I know he means well. This became a metaphor for not being a perfect partner but having good intentions.”
In March, Thomas teamed with Chris Brown for his “Mutt (CB Remix),” which reached No. 1 on the R&B Digital Song Sales chart.
Thomas is gearing up to release his MUTT (Deluxe), which will also include his recently shared “Rather Be Alone” with Halle.
In a recent interview on the Jennifer Hudson Show, Thomas confirmed the deluxe will include collaborations with Kehlani, Big Sean, and Marsha Ambrosius, among others. This deluxe was very special to me. It was an opportunity to collaborate with more of my amazingly talented friends,” he told Hudson.
A release date has not been announced for the deluxe album.
Listen to “Mutt” by Leon Thomas below.
