Honestly, if you haven't been paying attention to what Leon Thomas is doing lately, you’re missing the actual pulse of R&B. The guy just dropped a new track called "Yes It Is," and it feels like a victory lap for a year that most artists only dream about. It’s smooth. It’s restrained. It doesn't try too hard to be a "radio hit," which is exactly why it works.
Leon Thomas has spent years behind the scenes, literally crafting the hits you scream in the car—we’re talking SZA’s "Snooze" and tracks for Drake. But with the Leon Thomas new song, he’s not just the guy behind the curtain anymore. He’s the main event.
What Makes "Yes It Is" Different?
Most R&B right now is obsessed with being toxic or overly processed. "Yes It Is" goes the other way. It’s grounded in this raw, emotional clarity that feels almost old-school but sounds like the future. The production is polished but stays out of the way, letting his vocals do the heavy lifting. You can tell he’s a producer at heart because the pacing is perfect—it never feels rushed.
It actually feels like a conversation. You’ve probably had those late-night talks where everything just clicks and you’re being 100% honest for the first time? That’s the vibe here. It’s about self-recognition. It’s about confidence.
The PHOLKS EP and the Evolution
This track isn't just a random one-off. It’s part of a bigger momentum following his PHOLKS EP and the massive success of his album MUTT.
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- The Funk Factor: Leon has been vocal about moving into a "funkier" and "more psychedelic" space. He even mentioned being inspired by a Coachella run-in with the legend George Clinton.
- The Transition: He’s moving away from just writing for others—though he’s still finishing up some stuff for heavy hitters like Beyoncé—to focus almost entirely on his solo vision.
- The Live Energy: If you’ve seen the videos from his Mutts Don’t Heel tour, you know he’s a beast on the instruments. He’s been shredding on the Fender Strat and even jumping on the drums mid-show.
Leon Thomas: The New King of R&B?
Ty Dolla $ign literally called him the "new king," and at this point, who’s going to argue? Winning Best New Artist at the 2025 BET Awards wasn't a fluke. The guy is currently sitting on six Grammy nominations for 2026, including Album of the Year for MUTT. That’s insane for an artist who many people still associated with Nickelodeon just a few years ago.
The Leon Thomas new song "Yes It Is" actually highlights how much he's grown since the Electric Dusk days. While his older stuff was great, there’s a new level of "grown man" energy in his recent releases. He isn't hiding behind 808s or heavy synths.
Why the Critics are Obsessed
The industry loves him because he’s a "musician’s musician." He isn't just a singer who gets handed a beat. He builds the world from the ground up. Critics have pointed out that "Yes It Is" leans into vulnerability without being weak. It’s a delicate balance.
"Leon is a beast in the studio, lyrically and production wise," Disclosure said after working with him on their recent collab "Deeper." They aren't wrong.
What’s Next for Leon?
If you're looking to catch this energy in person, you're in luck, but you'll have to act fast. The Mutts Don't Heel world tour is rolling through Europe and the UK right now.
- Helsinki: March 5, 2026
- Stockholm: March 7, 2026
- London: April 3, 2026 (at the Eventim Apollo, which is a huge step up)
- Australia: Finishing the run in mid-April in Perth.
The fact that he's selling out venues from Dallas to Dublin shows that the demand for "real" R&B is at an all-time high. People are tired of the "vibe" era where songs have no structure. They want the soul. They want the songwriting.
Actionable Steps for Fans
If you want to dive deeper into the world Leon is building, don't just stop at the new single.
- Listen to the "Mutt (Live from NPR’s Tiny Desk)" EP. It’s arguably the best way to hear his vocal range without any studio tricks.
- Check out the PHOLKS EP. Specifically "Just How You Are." It’s got that gritty, rock-infused R&B edge that explains where he’s heading next.
- Watch the "Yes It Is" music video. It’s a masterclass in minimalist aesthetic that matches the song's restrained production perfectly.
Leon Thomas is proving that you can take the long way to the top and actually stay there because you have the talent to back it up. "Yes It Is" isn't just a new song; it's a statement of intent for 2026.