'Mutt' Unseats Industry Giants and Shakes Up Urban Radio
Here’s something you don’t see every week: Leon Thomas, once recognized for blend-in pop and TV roles, has now firmly planted his flag with his first urban radio No. 1. His hit, 'Mutt', didn’t just sneak onto the charts—it leaped from No. 4 to the very top on Mediabase’s urban radio chart during the week of May 18-24. The numbers jump off the page: 5,685 spins and 14.98 million audience impressions. This massive wave even edged out a Drake single ('Nokia'), which slid down to fifth place as Thomas took command.
The competition isn’t exactly light right now. SZA and Kendrick Lamar are both keeping the pressure on with their collaborative tracks, holding firm at the second and third spots. But Thomas’ track, motivated by a personal twist—likening the chaos of an untrained dog to post-breakup life—just seems to connect on another level right now.
Streak Continues Across Billboard Charts
'Mutt' isn’t just making noise on the radio. Thomas has managed to turn one big win into a whole string of chart victories. For 16 weeks straight, the single has ruled the Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart— that’s four months of consistent domination. It’s also sitting at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Songs for seven weeks in a row. Meanwhile, digital sales are staying strong, with the track ranking No. 3 in R&B Digital Song Sales after previously reaching the top spot.
Even outside strictly urban and R&B lanes, 'Mutt' is showing real crossover staying power. It has climbed as high as No. 13 on the Hot 100, and hit No. 19 on the overall Radio Songs chart—a sign that listeners from all backgrounds aren’t just hearing, but loving this track. It’s currently holding onto No. 5 on the Rhythmic Airplay chart, a solid marker for any artist looking to break into broader formats.
What’s fueling the fire? A big part of this hot streak comes down to a bold remix featuring Chris Brown. After first dropping last September as the centerpiece of Thomas’ sophomore album, that remix gave it a second life, putting fresh ears on the track and boosting its performance everywhere you look. The album—released under Ty Dolla $ign’s EZMNY Records in partnership with Motown—does more than just feature a few high-profile names. Ty Dolla $ign, Masego, Wale, Baby Rose, and Freddie Gibbs all bring their unique sounds to the project, creating a mix that feels both personal and elevated.
When asked about the inspiration behind the project, Thomas keeps things real. He points to the unpredictable behavior of his own dog and draws a line to the confusion and messiness of picking yourself up after a breakup. That sense of honest vulnerability, amplified by catchy hooks and dynamic collaborations, has carved out a lane for 'Mutt' that listeners clearly can’t get enough of. Thomas isn’t just having a moment. He’s showing he might be here to stay.