Singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, actor, and GRAMMY® Award-winning producer Leon Thomas draws on the perfect metaphor to describe his 2018 solo debut EP, Genesis [Priority Records]. “This is in fact a homecooked meal,” he explains. “My touch can be felt everywhere from the musicianship to the lyrics. I’m telling relatable stories and sharing my own experiences. Also, I’m cooking up something I’m very passionate about.” This personal devotion and attention to detail cemented him as a sought-after force behind the scenes. At only 21-years-old, he impressively garnered a 2015 GRAMMY® in the category of “Best R&B Album” for the chart-topping Toni Braxton & Babyface collaboration: Love, Marriage & Divorce. Moreover, he wrote and produced standout cuts for seminal platinum-certified epics such as Post Malone’s Stoney, Ariana Grande’s Yours Truly, and many more. Other credits include Zendaya, Syd the Kyd, and Jessica Mauboy, to name a few. Born to musician parents in Brooklyn, NY, he spent countless hours watching mom and dad rehearse with their band, picking up drums, bass, keyboards, guitar, and saxophone as soon as the practice sessions concluded. With his grandfather not only singing at the Metropolitan opera, but also becoming a gospel favorite, a future in music felt like destiny for Leon… “I was exposed every side of it,” he recalls. “I watched my grandfather at the opera, and then I saw my parents do shows with Earth, Wind & Fire and Chaka Khan. I soaked in all of these different sounds and energies aside from all of the hip-hop I listened to at school. That’s why what I do now is like a gumbo. It’s got moments of experimentation and sampling with some organic old school flavor, but it’s definitely R&B through and through.” The multi-faceted talent introduces this “gumbo” with the 2018 single “Favorite” [feat. Buddy]. Within a month, it generated over 1 million cumulative streams and earned early praise from the likes Rap-Up and many more. The simmering bass groove and synth swing—both performed by Leon—give way to his fiery falsetto and an unshakable hook as he croons, “Never felt this kind of love. I’m addicted to your touch. Just a little’s not enough, cuz you’re my favorite.” “I recently got out of a relationship,” he admits. “I was explaining those moments before the breakup and how I felt prior to all of it falling apart. It’s reminiscing on that type of feeling. It’s something everybody goes through.” Elsewhere, he transforms a seminal scene from Get Out into the follow-up single “Sunken Place.” Showcasing his range over cinematic production, the track examines, “Not being able to lock into another relationship after being so emotionally shaken up...like falling into ‘The Sunken Place’ from the movie.” Then, there’s “Free,” which sees him reteam with Post Malone for an otherworldly anthem that’s impossible to resist. Boasting these tracks and more, Genesis represents the formal beginning of his journey. “Genesis was the most interesting love story I’d ever heard,” he says. “The world’s first man is introduced to the world’s first woman. Of course, it’s inevitably love at first sight. The element of deceit enters into the equation though, and you literally have trouble in paradise. A lot of people go through the honeymoon phase, but end up in a similar place. In such a situation, you need to stay together and figure it all out. For me, this is the first book of many. These seven songs are very important. It’s my first complete statement in the marketplace as an artist. It shows everyone what I’m going to do moving forward.” An all-around and acclaimed entertainer, his talents remain as expansive as his voice. At just 10-years-old, he brought Young Simba to life in The Lion King on Broadway before landing starring roles in The Color Purple, Caroline, Change and August Rush. 2017 saw him join the HBO hit Insecure as Eddie in addition to starring in the critically acclaimed drama Detroit by Academy® Award-winning director Kathryn Bigelow. As he continues acting, music remains a chief focus. In the end, the “homecooked” approach will serve Leon well for a very long time to come. “This is all real,” he leaves off. “It’s a huge step to where I believe my music and artistry should be heading. I want to showcase everything I can do and give everybody an honest story that can stand the test of time.”