Leon Thomas has announced that he’ll be following up his celebrated 2024 sophomore album, MUTT, with an expanded deluxe edition entitled HEEL. The updated collection will arrive on May 30 via EZMNY/Motown Records.
Collaborators on HEEL include Kehlani, Big Sean, Halle, and more. “MUTT has always been about embracing complexity in sound, in identity, in experience,” Leon shares. “HEEL is me leaning even deeper into that chaos, and finding beauty in it.”
Leon began teasing the expanded edition last month when he shared “RATHER BE ALONE,” which features the aforementioned artist and actress Halle. While strands of R&B stand front and center, Thomas showcases the evolution of the MUTT and HEEL era by fusing this sound with soul and rock influences. Lyrically, the artist is as vulnerable as ever. Thomas and Halle sing during the chorus: “I’d rather be alone, rather be alone/ Than in a broken home/ I’d rather be alone/ Rather be alone/ Tryin’ to do this for the both of us on my own.”
Featuring collaborations with Ty Dolla $ign, Freddie Gibbs, Wale, and more, MUTT explores all the dimensions of love—from the thrilling initial highs of singlehood to the complexities of emotional intimacy. Thomas also examines ideas of vulnerability, fame, emotional detachment, and the quest for genuine connection.
In a March interview with Billboard, Thomas shared some thoughts on HEEL, and its role as an introduction into new sounds and styles within his arsenal. He said: “There [are] sides to me that I haven’t shown the world yet, so I’m spoon-feeding them. You need to hide the medicine in the candy. This deluxe is me stepping deeper into my purpose.”
The pending arrival of HEEL continues this exciting era of Thomas’ musical journey, which recently included a viral Tiny Desk performance to BET nods and “Mutt” rising up the Hot 100 chart.
