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Leon Thomas’ a lot anticipated “Tiny Desk Live performance” is right here finally, and it’s secure to say he lived as much as all of R&B followers’ expectations. On Thursday (Feb. 20), the singer and producer handled NPR’s workplace to a medley that includes tracks from MUTT.
Opening the set, Thomas put his greatest vocals ahead with “VIBES DON’T LIE,” which unsurprisingly earned a spherical of applause from the room. “This must be probably the most lit workplace of all time. I’m f**king with y’all,” he stated earlier than segueing into “YES IT IS” and “MUTT.”
From there, the artist took it again only a tad bit with “Breaking Level” and “Treasure In The Hills,” two of the higher songs from his debut album, 2023’s Electrical Nightfall. Have a look beneath.
Rightfully so, Thomas’ dwell efficiency was met with loads of reward on-line. On Twitter, one fan known as it a present “for us older Gen Z’s”: “In case you grew up watching ‘The Backyardigans,’ ‘August Rush,’ and ‘Victorious,’ then you realize Leon’s mic has been on, and he can play!”
One other consumer argued that the singer-songwriter put an finish to the “R&B is useless” debate: “It’s simply not on the radio.” The one actual criticism — should you may even name it that — was that his 19-minute set wasn’t almost lengthy sufficient, particularly contemplating how a lot MUTT has to supply. “I would like the prolonged model,” one individual stated.
MUTT, which narrowly missed out on claiming the No. 1 spot in Rap-Up’s Greatest R&B Albums of 2024 checklist, arrived with gems like “I DO,” “FEELINGS ON SILENT,” and “LUCID DREAMS.” Thomas additionally gave us among the higher R&B collaborations of the 12 months with the Child Rose-assisted “I USED TO” and “FAR FETCHED” that includes Ty Dolla Signal. Extra contributions got here from Masego, Wale, Axlfolie, and Freddie Gibbs, who appeared on a remix of the LP’s title observe.
“What I actually love about a variety of these data is that almost all of the options have been completed with the artist within the room,” Thomas instructed ESSENCE of the collaborative genius behind all of it. “It wasn’t our A&Rs making an attempt to place us collectively or our labels looking for a very good match to get extra publicity. It was two artists coming collectively and telling a very cool story.”