You probably remember him as André Harris, the chill, musically gifted kid from Nickelodeon’s Victorious. He was always at the piano, helping Tori Vega find her voice. But while most child stars struggle to find a second act, Leon Thomas III spent the last decade quietly becoming the secret weapon of modern R&B and Hip-Hop.
Honestly, it’s wild how many people have no idea he’s the pen behind some of the biggest radio hits of the 2020s. He isn't just "that guy from the show" anymore. He’s a Grammy winner who has written for Drake, SZA, and Ariana Grande. If you've had a song stuck in your head lately, there is a very high chance Leon Thomas wrote it.
The SZA Connection: Behind the Magic of "Snooze"
Let’s talk about the song that basically redefined Leon’s career: "Snooze" by SZA.
👉 See also: Why Barbie from Barbie Life in the Dreamhouse is Secretly the Best Version of the Icon
If you haven't lived under a rock, you’ve heard this track. It’s soulful, it’s hypnotic, and it earned Leon a Grammy for Best R&B Song in 2024. The story of how it happened is actually pretty legendary. Leon was at Babyface’s studio just messing around with some ideas. He was pitching his voice up to sound more like a female artist to see how the melodies would land.
SZA happened to be walking through the hallway.
She heard the vibe, stopped in her tracks, and asked, "What the hell is that?"
They finished the song right then and there. It wasn't a corporate boardroom decision; it was just two massive talents catching a vibe in a hallway. That’s the thing about Leon Thomas—his writing feels organic. It doesn't sound like it was manufactured in a lab.
What Songs Did Leon Thomas Wrote for Drake and the OVO Camp?
Working with Drake is usually the "I’ve made it" moment for any writer. Leon didn't just get one placement; he became a frequent collaborator during the Certified Lover Boy era.
If you look at the credits for that album, his name—Leon Thomas III—is everywhere. He contributed to:
- "Pipe Down" – A fan favorite that showcases that moody, melodic R&B Drake is known for.
- "Love All" (feat. JAY-Z) – Imagine writing a song that features two of the greatest rappers of all time. Leon did that.
- "In the Bible" (feat. Lil Durk and Giveon) – His touch on the production and melody here helped bridge the gap between street rap and smooth R&B.
He also co-wrote and co-produced "Gold Roses" by Rick Ross featuring Drake. That track earned him a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Song back in 2020. People often forget that Leon is part of a production duo called The Rascals with his partner Kristopher Riddick-Tynes. Together, they’ve been the architects behind some of the most sophisticated sounds in the industry.
The Ariana Grande Evolution: From Nickelodeon to "Positions"
The bond between Leon and Ariana Grande goes back to their teenage years on the set of Victorious. While many child star friendships fade when the cameras stop rolling, these two kept creating.
✨ Don't miss: Kinds of Kindness Explained: Why Yorgos Lanthimos Just Made His Weirdest Movie Yet
Leon was heavily involved in her debut album, Yours Truly, co-writing tracks like "Honeymoon Avenue" and "Tattooed Heart." These songs were pivotal because they proved Ariana wasn't just a pop act—she had real R&B soul.
Fast forward to her album Positions, and Leon was still in the room. He co-wrote and produced:
- "Nasty" – A standout track that fans still cite as one of her best vocal performances.
- "Safety Net" (feat. Ty Dolla $ign) – A complex, emotional record that shows how much they’ve both grown since their "Hollywood Arts" days.
A Discography That Doesn't Stop
It isn't just the "Big Three" of Drake, SZA, and Ariana. Leon has spread his talent across the board. He wrote "Something New" for Zendaya and Chris Brown. He worked with Ella Mai on the hit "Not Another Love Song." He’s even worked with legends like Toni Braxton and Babyface on their project Love, Marriage & Divorce.
His versatility is his greatest strength. He can write a bubblegum pop hook, a gritty rap bridge, or a neo-soul ballad that makes you want to cry in your car at 2:00 AM.
Recent Hits and 2025-2026 Momentum
As of early 2026, Leon is no longer just "the writer." His solo album MUTT became a massive success, leading to six Grammy nominations at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards. He’s up for Album of the Year and Best New Artist, which is hilarious considering he’s been in the industry for nearly 20 years.
He also contributed to:
- "Burn" by Kanye West and Ty Dolla $ign (from Vultures 1)
- "For Tonight" by Giveon
- "Yes It Is" (His own breakout solo hit)
Why He’s Still the "Writer’s Writer"
Even with his solo fame exploding, Leon hasn't stopped writing for others. He recently collaborated with artists like Elmiene on "Sweetness" and joined forces with Disclosure for the track "Deeper" in late 2025.
The industry respects him because he understands the "science" of a hit but keeps the "soul" of the music. He’s mentored younger artists and proved that you don't have to be the loudest person in the room to be the most influential.
If you want to dive deeper into his work, start with the Electric Dusk and MUTT albums. They give you a clear window into the mind of the man who has been shaping the sound of your favorite superstars for over a decade. Check out his production credits on Tidal or Spotify for Artists—the list is over 120 songs long, and it's growing every month.
👉 See also: Why the And the Green Grass Grows All Around Lyrics Still Get Stuck in Your Head
Go listen to the bridge on SZA's "Snooze" one more time. Now that you know Leon Thomas wrote it, you can hear his specific melodic DNA all over it. It’s a masterclass in songwriting.
To truly appreciate Leon's impact, your next step should be listening to his "Live from NPR’s Tiny Desk" session. It strips away the studio magic and shows exactly how these massive hits were built from the ground up on just a piano or guitar. After that, compare the songwriting on Ariana Grande's Yours Truly to her Positions album to see the evolution of his pen across a decade of collaboration.