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Leon Thomas III

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
For the jazz singer, see Leon Thomas.
Leon Thomas III
Thomas in an interview with WHTA in 2023
Thomas in an interview with WHTA in 2023
Background information
Birth nameLeon George Thomas III[1]
Born (1993-08-01) August 1, 1993 (age 31)
New York City, U.S.
GenresR&B
Occupations
  • Singer
  • songwriter
  • record producer
  • actor
Years active2003–present
Labels
Member ofThe Rascals

Leon George Thomas III (born August 1, 1993)[1] is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, and actor. After early roles in Broadway and providing the singing voice of Tyrone on the Nick Jr. animated series The Backyardigans (2006–2008), he played Andre Harris on the Nickelodeon series Victorious (2010–2013), for which he received an NAACP Image Award nomination.

Thomas signed to Columbia and Rostrum Records, and sought success for his songwriting, and as a member of the production duo the Rascals. He has earned writing credits on former Victorious co-star Ariana Grande's Positions, Drake's Certified Lover Boy, Kanye West and Ty Dolla Sign's Vultures Vol. 1, and Toni Braxton and Babyface's Grammy Award-winning album Love, Marriage & Divorce (2014). Thomas earned a Grammy Award for Best Rap Song nomination at the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards, for co-writing the song "Gold Roses" by Rick Ross (featuring Drake).[3] He later won a Grammy Award for Best R&B Song at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards, for his contribution to the song "Snooze" by SZA.

Life and career

[edit]

Thomas was born in Brooklyn, New York City, to Jayon Anthony and Leon Thomas II.[1][4] He made his Broadway debut at the age of 10[1] in 2003 as Young Simba in the Broadway production of The Lion King. In 2004, he appeared as Jackie Thibodeaux in the original Broadway cast of Tony Kushner's Caroline, or Change. and toured with the company during its five-month run in Los Angeles and San Francisco, California. Thomas also performed in the Broadway production of The Color Purple. In 2007, Thomas appeared in the film August Rush as Arthur, performing the song "La Bamba", and briefly after signed a development deal with Nickelodeon appearing as the singing voice for Tyrone in the animated series The Backyardigans. Thomas has also guest-starred on Jack's Big Music Show and Just Jordan. He also appeared as Harper in the iCarly episode "iCarly Saves TV" and was featured on The Naked Brothers Band "Christmas Special".

He played a main character on Victorious, portraying Andre Harris, which premiered on Nickelodeon on March 27, 2010. Thomas also appeared as Andre in the crossover episode between Victorious and iCarly, iParty with Victorious. He also appeared as himself in an episode of True Jackson, VP. On August 2, 2011, the soundtrack album Victorious: Music from the Hit TV Show was released, with Thomas featured in the songs "Song 2 You" and "Tell Me That You Love Me". On June 5, 2012, Victorious 2.0: More Music from the Hit TV Show was also released, with Thomas featured in the songs "Countdown" and "Don't You (Forget About Me)". Victorious ended production in July 2012 and the series' last episode aired on February 2, 2013.

Thomas in 2013

In 2012, Thomas started to record his first mixtape called Metro Hearts;[5] it was released on August 1, 2012.[6] Songs on the mixtape include "Forever", "Bad", "Moving On", "Vibe", "Like Clay", and "Never Look Back". The mixtape also included a cover of Drake's "Take Care" with Ariana Grande.[7] Thomas co-wrote the song "Ain't No Other Me" for the British girl group Stooshe, which features as a deluxe edition track on their debut album, London with the Lights On. Thomas co-wrote four songs on his former co-star Ariana Grande's 2013 album Yours Truly. He also co-produced four songs on the album, in addition to the song "Last Christmas" from Grande's EP Christmas Kisses, as a member of production duo the Rascals.[8] His production work under the Rascals was also included on Toni Braxton and Babyface's Grammy Award-winning album Love, Marriage & Divorce, contributing to the solo "I'd Rather Be Broke", performed by Braxton.

On September 24, 2013, Thomas released a new single, "Hello How Are You" (featuring Wiz Khalifa). On January 1, 2014, Thomas released a new mixtape, V1bes, under the name Leon Thomas, via DatPiff.[9] He also announced that a music video for "Hello How Are You" was in the works. In 2016, he served as a co-producer for Post Malone's album Stoney.

In 2016, Thomas released the mixtape Before the Beginning via SoundCloud, which compiled eight songs which he had "[held on] for a long time".[10] In 2017, he appeared in the Kathryn Bigelow-directed film Detroit.

Thomas in 2020

2018 saw the release of Thomas' debut EP Genesis, which featured guest appearances from Buddy and Tayla Parx. The next year, Thomas earned a Grammy Award for Best Rap Song nomination at the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards for co-writing and co-producing the song "Gold Roses" by Rick Ross (featuring Drake). Thomas would also go on to write and produce more records under the Rascals production duo, as well as a solo producer, co-writing, and co-producing two songs on Ariana Grande's Positions, and three songs on Drake's Certified Lover Boy.[11]

In May 2022, Ty Dolla Sign signed a joint venture deal with Motown for his newly launched EZMNY Records imprint, announcing Thomas to be the label's first artist.[12]

He was one of the writers and producers on the track "Burn" by ¥$ (Kanye West and Ty Dolla Sign) from their album Vultures 1, released on February 10, 2024.[13]

Filmography

[edit]
Film
Year Title Role Notes
2003 Robin and Roger Boy "The Plan" (season 1, episode 3); nine-episode series
2007 August Rush Arthur [14]
2010 Rising Stars JR
2014 Bad Asses Tucson
2015 Runaway Island Evan Holloway
2017 Detroit Darryl
Television
Year Title Role Notes
2006 Just for Kicks Ty 2 episodes
2006–2008 The Backyardigans Tyrone Main singing voice role (seasons 2–3)
2007 Just Jordan Ronnie Episode: "Revenge of the Riff"
Jack's Big Music Show Leon Episode: "Laurie's Big Song"
2008, 2011 iCarly Harper Episode: "iCarly Saves TV"
Andre Harris Crossover movie: iParty with Victorious
2008 The Naked Brothers Band Leon Williams Episode: "Christmas Special"
2010 2010 Kids' Choice Awards Himself
2010–13 Victorious Andre Harris Main role, 57 episodes
2011 True Jackson, VP Himself Episode: "True Fame"
2011 Kids' Choice Awards
2012 Figure It Out Panelist (episodes 20, 23, 31, 38)
2014 Satisfaction Mateo Recurring role, 6 episodes
Robot and Monster Monster's singing voice
2015 Fear the Walking Dead Russell Episode: "Pilot"
2017 Insecure Eddie Recurring role

Discography

[edit]

Studio albums

[edit]
Title Details
Electric Dusk
  • Released: August 18, 2023
  • Label: EZMNY, Motown
  • Format: Digital download, streaming

Mixtapes

[edit]
List of mixtapes
Title Mixtape details
Metro Hearts
V1bes
  • Released: January 1, 2014
  • Format: CD, digital download
  • Label: Rostrum
Before the Beginning[15]
  • Released: October 25, 2016
  • Formats: Digital download
  • Label: Rostrum

Extended plays

[edit]
List of extended plays
Title Extended play details
Genesis[16]
  • Released: August 24, 2018
  • Formats: Digital download
  • Label: Rostrum

Singles

[edit]

As lead artist

[edit]
List of singles as lead artist, with selected chart positions, showing year released and album name
Title Year Peak chart positions Album
US
Adult R&B
[17]
"Hello How Are You"
(featuring Wiz Khalifa)[18] 		2013 — Non-album single
"Favorite"
(featuring Buddy)[19] 		2018 17 Genesis
"Sunken Place"[20] —
"X-Rated"
(featuring Benny the Butcher) 		2022 — Electric Dusk
"Love Jones"
(featuring Ty Dolla Sign) 		—
"Breaking Point" —
"Crash & Burn" 2023 —
"Breaking Point (Remix)"
(featuring Victoria Monét) 		—
"Dangerous Game”
(with ESTA.) 		2024 — FRANCIS
"—" denotes releases that did not chart or were not released in that territory.
[edit]
List of singles as featured artist, showing year released and album name
Title Year Album
"Snapchat"
(Yonni featuring Leon Thomas, Eric Bellinger, A-Roc, and Rayven Justice)[21] 		2015 Non-album singles
"Rendezvous"
(Kronic featuring Leon Thomas)[22] 		2017
"Sho Enough"
(Philly Swain featuring Leon Thomas and Safaree)[23]
"Aimless"
(Bizzy Crook featuring Lexii Alijai and Leon Thomas)[24] 		2018 Before I Jump[25]
"Too Much"
(Bizzy Crook featuring Leon Thomas)[26] 		2019 Confetti
"Settle"
(Kosine featuring Leon Thomas)[27] 		2021 Truth Serum[28]
"Lucky"
(Tish Hyman featuring Larussell & Leon Thomas) 		2023 TBA
"Sweetness”
(Elmiene featuring Leon Thomas) 		2024

Promotional singles

[edit]
List of promotional singles, with selected chart positions, showing year released and album name
Title Year Peak chart positions Album
US
Kid
[29]
"It's You"
(with Jessie Payo) 		2010 — Rising Stars
"Countdown"[30]
(Victorious cast featuring Leon Thomas III and Victoria Justice) 		2012 10 Victorious 2.0: More Music from the Hit TV Show
"Come Clean"
(with Michelle DeShon) 		2014 — Non-album single
"PLW"[31] 2018 — Genesis
"Until the End of Time"
(with Coco Jones) 		2023 — Non-album single
"—" denotes releases that did not chart or were not released in that territory.

Other charted songs

[edit]
List of other charted songs, with selected chart positions, showing year released and album name
Title Year Peak chart positions Album
US
Kid
[29]
"Song 2 You"
(Victorious cast featuring Leon Thomas III and Victoria Justice) 		2011 8 Victorious: Music from the Hit TV Show
"Tell Me That You Love Me"
(Victorious cast featuring Victoria Justice and Leon Thomas III) 		11

Guest appearances

[edit]
List of non-single releases, showing year released and album name
Title Year Other artist(s) Album
"Sing the Day" 2006 Anika Noni Rose, Harrison Chad, Marcus Carl Franklin Bambi II
"La Bamba" 2007 None August Rush
"I Like That Girl" 2008 iCarly: Music from and Inspired by the Hit TV Show
"Free to Fall" 2010 Kyle Riabko, Jessie Payo, Natalie Hall Rising Stars
"A Better Day" Kyle Riabko
"All I Want"[32] 2011 Roshon Fegan Non-album song
"365 Days" 2012 Victorious cast Victorious 3.0: Even More Music from the Hit TV Show
"Yes We Can" 2013 Nat & Alex Wolff, Natasha Bedingfield Throwbacks
"Can We Talk" Berner, Erk tha Jerk Drugstore Cowboy
"Show Us"[33] 2014 None Non-album songs
"Miss You"[34]
"Nothing" The Best of Both Offices Compilation Vol. 4[35]
"Too Long"[36] 2015 Non-album song
"Fire" 2016 Finding Noyvon, J.Kelr Believe in MPLS[37]
"Teacher" Yonni #TheGift[38]
"Balance" 2017 RichGains, GLC, Nate Mercereau Gains[39]
"Zen" 2018 Bizzy Crook Before I Jump[25]
"Arcadia (For the Land)" 2020 WavelQ Arcadia[40]
"Lord Knows" 2022 Steelo, Dej Loaf Eldorado Excursions
"Patience (Remix) Eric Bellinger New Light: The Remixes
"Cowrie Charms" 2023 Yussef Dayes, Barbara Hicks Black Classical Music
"Is There Someone New?" 2024 Yung Bleu Jeremy

Music videos

[edit]
List of music videos, showing year released, other artists featured and directors
Title Year Other artist(s) Director(s) Ref.
As an artist
"All I Want" 2011 Roshon Fegan Un­known [41]
"Hello How Are You" 2013 Wiz Khalifa [42]
"Snapchat" 2015 Yonni, Eric Bellinger, A-Roc, Rayven Justice [43]
"Favorite" 2018 Buddy [44]
"PLW" None €¥£$ [45]
"X-Rated" 2022 Benny the Butcher Cameron Dean, Leon Thomas
"Love Jones" Ty Dolla Sign Cameron Dean
"Breaking Point" 2023 none
Guest appearances
"Make It Shine" 2010 Victorious cast, Victoria Justice Un­known [46]
"Freak the Freak Out" Marcus Wagner [47]
"Beggin' on Your Knees" 2011 [48]
"Leave It All to Shine" iCarly and Victorious casts, Miranda Cosgrove, Victoria Justice Un­known [49]
"All I Want Is Everything" Victorious cast, Victoria Justice Lex Halaby [50]
"Make It in America" 2012 Anna Mastro [51]
"L.A. Boyz" Victorious cast, Victoria Justice, Ariana Grande Un­known [52]
"Here's 2 Us" Victorious cast, Victoria Justice [53]
"You Don't Know Me" Victorious cast, Elizabeth Gillies [54]

Production and songwriting credits

[edit]
See also: The Rascals (producers)
Title Year Artist(s) Album Notes
"Honeymoon Avenue" 2013 Ariana Grande Yours Truly Co-writer
"Tattooed Heart"
"Lovin' It"
"You'll Never Know"
"Love Is Everything" Christmas Kisses
"Snow in California"
"I'd Rather Be Broke" 2014 Toni Braxton Love, Marriage & Divorce
"Can I Get a Moment?" Jessica Mauboy Beautiful
"Kinda Miss You" 2015 Deborah Cox Non-album single
"Shake That" Samantha Jade, Pitbull Nine
"Something New" 2016 Zendaya, Chris Brown Non-album single
"Yours Truly, Austin Post" Post Malone Stoney Co-producer and co-writer
"Geek'd" 2018 Bhad Bhabie, Lil Baby 15 Co-writer
"Butterfly" 2019 Kehlani While We Wait
"Gold Roses" Rick Ross, Drake Port of Miami 2
"Scary Nights" G-Eazy Scary Nights
"Summer Magic" Ai It's All Me, Vol. 1 Co-producer and co-writer
"Safety Net" 2020 Ariana Grande, Ty Dolla Sign Positions Co-writer
"Nasty" Ariana Grande
"In the Bible" 2021 Drake, Lil Durk, Giveon Certified Lover Boy Co-producer and co-writer
"Love All" Drake, Jay-Z
"Pipe Down" Drake
"For Tonight" Giveon Give or Take
"Wicked Freestyle" Nardo Wick Who Is Nardo Wick?
"Rent Free" 6lack "Rent Free" / "By Any Means" single
"High School Crush" 2022 Buddy Superghetto
"Rich Shit" Lil Gotit, Lil Keed, Ty Dolla Sign The Cheater
"Poison" Jack Harlow, Lil Wayne Come Home the Kids Miss You
"Another Heartbreak" Giveon Give or Take
"Scarred"
"Let Me Go"
"Lost Me"
"July 16th"
"Get to You"
"All Wolves Go to Heaven" YoDogg, Cardo Raised by Wolves
"Snooze" SZA SOS
"Wolves" 2023 Lauren Jauregui, Russ, Ty Dolla Sign In Between
"Gone" Kiana Ledé, Bryson Tiller Grudges
"Undefeated" Mike Dimes Texas Boy
"Burn" 2024 ¥$ Vultures 1

Broadway appearances

[edit]

Tours

[edit]

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Year Association Category Work Result
2008 Young Artist Awards Best Performance In A Feature Film - Supporting Young Actor (Fantasy or Drama) August Rush Won[55]
2012 NAACP Image Awards Outstanding Performance by a Youth (Series, Special, Television Movie or Limited-series) Victorious Nominated[56]
2020 Grammy Awards Best Rap Song "Gold Roses" Nominated
2024 Best R&B Song Snooze Won[57]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d Navarro, Mireya (September 23, 2007). "When Childhood Is a Tough Role". The New York Times. Retrieved August 29, 2011.
  2. ^ "Official website". Archived from the original on 2021-06-09. Retrieved 2017-05-16.
  3. ^ "Leon Thomas III". Grammy.com. Retrieved August 1, 2024.
  4. ^ Vinson, Kristi (April 20, 2011). "Nickelodeon Star Paints With Teens". Kennesaw Patch. Retrieved August 29, 2011.
  5. ^ "Leon Thomas - Official Site". Leonthomas3.com. Archived from the original on 2013-05-25. Retrieved 2013-10-31.
  6. ^ "Leon Thomas - Official Site". Leonthomas3.com. Archived from the original on 2012-08-09. Retrieved 2013-10-31.
  7. ^ "Leon Thomas - Metro Hearts on". Official.fm. Archived from the original on 2013-11-02. Retrieved 2013-10-31.
  8. ^ "NYU News : Christmas album comes with Grande promise". Nyunews.com. 10 December 2013.
  9. ^ "Leon Thomas - V1bes". DatPiff. Archived from the original on 2014-01-27. Retrieved 2014-01-31.
  10. ^ Grant, Stacey. "Andre From Victorious Dropped New Music And Hollywood Arts Would Be Proud". MTV. Archived from the original on October 27, 2016. Retrieved 14 May 2022.
  11. ^ "Reintroducing Leon Thomas III, Drake's Certified Secret Weapon". Spin.com.
  12. ^ Cho, Regina. "Motown inks joint venture with Ty Dolla Sign's EZMNY Records". Revolt.tv. Retrieved 14 May 2022.
  13. ^ "Leon Thomas shares reflective "Crash and Burn" single". Revolt.tv.
  14. ^ Ebert, Roger (October 20, 2009). Roger Ebert's Movie Yearbook 2010. Andrews McMeel Publishing. pp. 20–. ISBN 978-0-7407-8536-8. Retrieved August 17, 2011.
  15. ^ "City Of Angels". Retrieved June 16, 2021 – via SoundCloud.
  16. ^ Thomas III, Leon (August 24, 2018). "Genesis by Leon Thomas III on Apple Music". music.apple.com.
  17. ^ "Leon Thomas III Billboard". Billboard. Retrieved July 20, 2018.
  18. ^ "Hello How Are You (feat. Wiz Khalifa) - Single by Leon Thomas III on Apple Music". 24 September 2013. Retrieved October 8, 2020 – via Apple Music.
  19. ^ "Favorite (feat. Buddy) - Single by Leon Thomas III on Apple Music". 19 January 2018. Retrieved March 7, 2021 – via Apple Music.
  20. ^ "Sunken Place - Single by Leon Thomas III on Apple Music". 28 June 2018. Retrieved March 7, 2021 – via Apple Music.
  21. ^ "Snapchat (feat. Leon Thomas, Eric Bellinger, A-Roc & Rayven Justice) - Single". iTunes. 20 January 2015. Retrieved May 18, 2021.
  22. ^ "Rendezvous (feat. Leon Thomas) - Single". iTunes. 31 March 2017. Retrieved May 18, 2021.
  23. ^ "Sho Enough (feat. Leon Thomas & Safaree) - Single". iTunes. Archived from the original on May 19, 2021. Retrieved May 18, 2021.
  24. ^ "Aimless (feat. Lexii Alijai Leon Thomas) - Single". iTunes. 20 June 2018. Retrieved May 18, 2021.
  25. ^ a b Bizzy Crook (July 27, 2018). "Before I Jump by Bizzy Crook on Apple Music". music.apple.com.
  26. ^ "Too Much (feat. Leon Thomas)". Spotify. 22 November 2019. Retrieved May 18, 2021.
  27. ^ "Settle (feat. Leon Thomas) - Single". iTunes. 26 March 2021. Archived from the original on 11 June 2021. Retrieved May 3, 2021.
  28. ^ Kosine (May 7, 2021). "Truth Serum by Kosine on Apple Music". music.apple.com.
  29. ^ a b "Billboard". Billboard.
  30. ^ ""Countdown" by Leon Thomas III and Victoria Justice". iTunes. Retrieved December 30, 2010.
  31. ^ "PLW - Single by Leon Thomas on Spotify". 17 August 2018. Retrieved March 7, 2021 – via Spotify.
  32. ^ "First Listen: "All I Want" By Roshon Fegan And Leon Thomas!". 22 December 2011. Archived from the original on 14 May 2021. Retrieved May 10, 2021 – via Tigerbeat.
  33. ^ "New music: Leon Thomas Show Us". Retrieved June 14, 2021 – via You Know I Got Soul.
  34. ^ "Leon Thomas - Miss You". Djbooth. Retrieved June 14, 2021 – via DJ Booth.
  35. ^ "Best of Both Offices Compilation Vol. 4". Retrieved June 15, 2021 – via SoundCloud.
  36. ^ "New Music: Leon Thomas III Releases Break Up Track "Too Long" [AUDIO]". 2 September 2015. Retrieved June 14, 2021 – via Glamber Girl.
  37. ^ Finding Noyvon; J.Kelr (July 21, 2016). "Believe in Mpls by Finding Novyon & J.Kelr on Apple Music". music.apple.com.
  38. ^ Yonni (December 27, 2016). "#TheGift by Yonni on Apple Music". music.apple.com.
  39. ^ RichGains (April 28, 2017). "Gains by RichGains on Apple Music". music.apple.com.
  40. ^ WavelQ (May 1, 2020). "Arcadia by WavelQ on Apple Music". music.apple.com.
  41. ^ "All I Want RO•SHON Leon Thomas III". YouTube. 2011-12-30. Archived from the original on 2021-12-21. Retrieved 2021-08-25.
  42. ^ "Leon Thomas Ft Wiz Khalifa Hello How Are You Official Video". YouTube. 2011-12-30. Archived from the original on 2021-12-21. Retrieved 2021-08-25.
  43. ^ "Yonni - Snapchat (Official Video) ft. Leon Thomas, Eric Bellinger, Aroc, Rayven Justice". YouTube. 2015-04-10. Archived from the original on 2021-12-21. Retrieved 2018-08-04.
  44. ^ "Leon Thomas - Favorite ft. Buddy". YouTube. 2018-03-29. Archived from the original on 2021-12-21. Retrieved 2021-08-25.
  45. ^ "Leon Thomas - PLW". YouTube. 2018-12-13. Archived from the original on 2021-12-21. Retrieved 2021-08-25.
  46. ^ "TheSlap | Hollywood Arts' Victorious - The Clips". Archived from the original on May 28, 2010. Retrieved March 21, 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  47. ^ ""Freak the Freak Out" music video by Victoria Justice and Victorious cast". YouTube. September 20, 2012. Archived from the original on 2021-12-21.
  48. ^ ""Beggin' on Your Knees" music video by Victoria Justice and Victorious cast". YouTube. 22 March 2011. Archived from the original on 2021-12-21.
  49. ^ Leave It All To Shine (featuring Miranda Cosgrove & Victoria Justice) on YouTube
  50. ^ ""All I Want Is Everything" music video by Victoria Justice and Victorious cast". YouTube. September 21, 2012. Archived from the original on 2021-12-21.
  51. ^ ""Make It in America" music video by Victoria Justice and Victorious cast". YouTube. 20 September 2012. Archived from the original on 2021-12-21.
  52. ^ "L.A. Boyz Music Video | TheSlap | Hollywood Arts' Victorious". Archived from the original on October 23, 2012. Retrieved August 26, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  53. ^ "Here's 2 Us | TheSlap | Hollywood Arts' Victorious". Archived from the original on November 28, 2012. Retrieved August 26, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  54. ^ "Jade's Music Video! | TheSlap | Hollywood Arts' Victorious". Archived from the original on December 6, 2012. Retrieved August 26, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  55. ^ "29th Annual Young Artist Awards - Nominations / Special Awards". Young Artist Awards. Archived from the original on 2008-07-06.
  56. ^ "NAACP Image Awards 2012: Full list of nominees". ABC7 Los Angeles. Archived from the original on 2012-02-22. Retrieved 2012-01-20.
  57. ^ Minsker, Evan (November 10, 2023). "Grammy Nominations 2024: See the Full List Here". Pitchfork. Retrieved November 10, 2023.
[edit]
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