Leon Thomas III

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.

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 30)
New York City, U.S.
GenresR&B
Occupations
  • Singer
  • songwriter
  • record producer
  • actor
Years active2003–present
Labels
Member ofThe Rascals

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

Filmography edit

Film
YearTitleRoleNotes
2003Robin and RogerBoy"The Plan" (season 1, episode 3); nine-episode series
2007August RushArthur[14]
2010Rising StarsJR
2014Bad AssesTucson
2015Runaway IslandEvan Holloway
2017DetroitDarryl
Television
YearTitleRoleNotes
2006Just for KicksTy2 episodes
2006–2008The BackyardigansTyroneMain singing voice role (seasons 2–3)
2007Just JordanRonnieEpisode: "Revenge of the Riff"
Jack's Big Music ShowLeonEpisode: "Laurie's Big Song"
2008, 2011iCarlyHarperEpisode: "iCarly Saves TV"
Andre HarrisCrossover movie: iParty with Victorious
2008The Naked Brothers BandLeon WilliamsEpisode: "Christmas Special"
20102010 Kids' Choice AwardsHimself
2010–13VictoriousAndre HarrisMain role, 57 episodes
2011True Jackson, VPHimselfEpisode: "True Fame"
2011 Kids' Choice Awards
2012Figure It OutPanelist (episodes 20, 23, 31, 38)
2014SatisfactionMateoRecurring role, 6 episodes
Robot and MonsterMonster's singing voice
2015Fear the Walking DeadRussellEpisode: "Pilot"
2017InsecureEddieRecurring role

Discography edit

Studio albums edit

TitleDetails
Electric Dusk
  • Released: August 18, 2023
  • Label: EZMNY, Motown
  • Format: Digital download, streaming

Mixtapes edit

List of mixtapes
TitleMixtape 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
TitleExtended 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
TitleYearPeak chart positionsAlbum
US
Adult R&B

[17]
"Hello How Are You"
(featuring Wiz Khalifa)[18]
2013Non-album single
"Favorite"
(featuring Buddy)[19]
201817Genesis
"Sunken Place"[20]
"X-Rated"
(featuring Benny the Butcher)
2022Electric Dusk
"Love Jones"
(featuring Ty Dolla Sign)
"Breaking Point"
"Crash & Burn"2023
"Breaking Point (Remix)"
(featuring Victoria Monét)
"—" denotes releases that did not chart or were not released in that territory.

As featured artist edit

List of singles as featured artist, showing year released and album name
TitleYearAlbum
"Snapchat"
(Yonni featuring Leon Thomas, Eric Bellinger, A-Roc, and Rayven Justice)[21]
2015Non-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]
2018Before I Jump[25]
"Too Much"
(Bizzy Crook featuring Leon Thomas)[26]
2019Confetti
"Settle"
(Kosine featuring Leon Thomas)[27]
2021Truth Serum[28]
"Lucky"
(Tish Hyman featuring Larussell & Leon Thomas)
2023TBA

Promotional singles edit

List of promotional singles, with selected chart positions, showing year released and album name
TitleYearPeak chart positionsAlbum
US
Kid
[29]
"It's You"
(with Jessie Payo)
2010Rising Stars
"Countdown"[30]
(Victorious cast featuring Leon Thomas III and Victoria Justice)
201210Victorious 2.0: More Music from the Hit TV Show
"Come Clean"
(with Michelle DeShon)
2014Non-album single
"PLW"[31]2018Genesis
"Until the End of Time"
(with Coco Jones)
2023Non-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
TitleYearPeak chart positionsAlbum
US
Kid
[29]
"Song 2 You"
(Victorious cast featuring Leon Thomas III and Victoria Justice)
20118Victorious: 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
TitleYearOther artist(s)Album
"Sing the Day"2006Anika Noni Rose, Harrison Chad, Marcus Carl FranklinBambi II
"La Bamba"2007NoneAugust Rush
"I Like That Girl"2008iCarly: Music from and Inspired by the Hit TV Show
"Free to Fall"2010Kyle Riabko, Jessie Payo, Natalie HallRising Stars
"A Better Day"Kyle Riabko
"All I Want"[32]2011Roshon FeganNon-album song
"365 Days"2012Victorious castVictorious 3.0: Even More Music from the Hit TV Show
"Yes We Can"2013Nat & Alex Wolff, Natasha BedingfieldThrowbacks
"Can We Talk"Berner, Erk tha JerkDrugstore Cowboy
"Show Us"[33]2014NoneNon-album songs
"Miss You"[34]
"Nothing"The Best of Both Offices Compilation Vol. 4[35]
"Too Long"[36]2015Non-album song
"Fire"2016Finding Noyvon, J.KelrBelieve in MPLS[37]
"Teacher"Yonni#TheGift[38]
"Balance"2017RichGains, GLC, Nate MercereauGains[39]
"Zen"2018Bizzy CrookBefore I Jump[25]
"Arcadia (For the Land)"2020WavelQArcadia[40]
"Lord Knows"2022Steelo, Dej LoafEldorado Excursions
"Patience (Remix)Eric BellingerNew Light: The Remixes
"Cowrie Charms"2023Yussef Dayes, Barbara HicksBlack Classical Music

Music videos edit

List of music videos, showing year released, other artists featured and directors
TitleYearOther artist(s)Director(s)Ref.
As an artist
"All I Want"2011Roshon FeganUn­known[41]
"Hello How Are You"2013Wiz Khalifa[42]
"Snapchat"2015Yonni, Eric Bellinger, A-Roc, Rayven Justice[43]
"Favorite"2018Buddy[44]
"PLW"None€¥£$[45]
"X-Rated"2022Benny the ButcherCameron Dean, Leon Thomas
"Love Jones"Ty Dolla SignCameron Dean
"Breaking Point"2023none
Guest appearances
"Make It Shine"2010Victorious cast, Victoria JusticeUn­known[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 JusticeUn­known[49]
"All I Want Is Everything"Victorious cast, Victoria JusticeLex Halaby[50]
"Make It in America"2012Anna Mastro[51]
"L.A. Boyz"Victorious cast, Victoria Justice, Ariana GrandeUn­known[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

TitleYearArtist(s)AlbumNotes
"Honeymoon Avenue"2013Ariana GrandeYours TrulyCo-writer
"Tattooed Heart"
"Lovin' It"
"You'll Never Know"
"Love Is Everything"Christmas Kisses
"Snow in California"
"I'd Rather Be Broke"2014Toni BraxtonLove, Marriage & Divorce
"Can I Get a Moment?"Jessica MauboyBeautiful
"Kinda Miss You"2015Deborah CoxNon-album single
"Shake That"Samantha Jade, PitbullNine
"Something New"2016Zendaya, Chris BrownNon-album single
"Yours Truly, Austin Post"Post MaloneStoneyCo-producer and co-writer
"Geek'd"2018Bhad Bhabie, Lil Baby15Co-writer
"Butterfly"2019KehlaniWhile We Wait
"Gold Roses"Rick Ross, DrakePort of Miami 2
"Scary Nights"G-EazyScary Nights
"Summer Magic"AiIt's All Me, Vol. 1Co-producer and co-writer
"Safety Net"2020Ariana Grande, Ty Dolla SignPositionsCo-writer
"Nasty"Ariana Grande
"In the Bible"2021Drake, Lil Durk, GiveonCertified Lover BoyCo-producer and co-writer
"Love All"Drake, Jay-Z
"Pipe Down"Drake
"For Tonight"GiveonGive or Take
"Wicked Freestyle"Nardo WickWho Is Nardo Wick?
"Rent Free"6lack"Rent Free" / "By Any Means" single
"High School Crush"2022BuddySuperghetto
"Rich Shit"Lil Gotit, Lil Keed, Ty Dolla SignThe Cheater
"Poison"Jack Harlow, Lil WayneCome Home the Kids Miss You
"Another Heartbreak"GiveonGive or Take
"Scarred"
"Let Me Go"
"Lost Me"
"July 16th"
"Get to You"
"All Wolves Go to Heaven"YoDogg, CardoRaised by Wolves
"Snooze"SZASOS
"Wolves"2023Lauren Jauregui, Russ, Ty Dolla SignIn Between
"Gone"Kiana Ledé, Bryson TillerGrudges
"Undefeated"Mike DimesTexas Boy
"Burn"2024¥$Vultures 1

Broadway appearances edit

Tours edit

Awards and nominations edit

YearAssociationCategoryWorkResult
2008Young Artist AwardsBest Performance In A Feature Film - Supporting Young Actor (Fantasy or Drama)August RushWon[55]
2012NAACP Image AwardsOutstanding Performance by a Youth (Series, Special, Television Movie or Limited-series)VictoriousNominated[56]
2020Grammy AwardsBest Rap Song"Gold Roses"Nominated
2024Best R&B SongSnoozeWon[57]

References edit

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  2. ^ "Official website". Archived from the original on 2021-06-09. Retrieved 2017-05-16.
  3. ^ www.grammy.com https://www.grammy.com/artists/leon-thomas-iii/252034. Retrieved 2022-04-17. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  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. Retrieved 14 May 2022.
  11. ^ "Reintroducing Leon Thomas III, Drake's Certified Secret Weapon". www.spin.com.
  12. ^ Cho, Regina. "Motown inks joint venture with Ty Dolla Sign's EZMNY Records". REVOLT. Retrieved 14 May 2022.
  13. ^ "Leon Thomas shares reflective "Crash and Burn" single". www.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.
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  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.
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  31. ^ "PLW - Single by Leon Thomas on Spotify". 17 August 2018. Retrieved March 7, 2021 – via Spotify.
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  34. ^ "Leon Thomas - Miss You". Djbooth. Retrieved June 14, 2021 – via DJ Booth.
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  39. ^ RichGains (April 28, 2017). "Gains by RichGains on Apple Music". music.apple.com.
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  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.
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  48. ^ ""Beggin' on Your Knees" music video by Victoria Justice and Victorious cast". YouTube. 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. 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)
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  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.

External links edit