Photo: Greg Doherty/Contributor via Getty Images
  /  01.26.2023

From “Lion King” on Broadway to Nickelodeon’s “Victorious,” Leon Thomas grew up in front of us, but he matured in the rooms where music is born. As a student of Babyface, protégé of Ty Dolla $ign and creative confidant of Ariana Grande, Thomas has grown into a musician whom the biggest artists trust.

“[SZA’s “Snooze”] wasn’t even originally for her album. It was a collaboration she was doing for Babyface’s new album, Girls Night Out. We were essentially just getting creative and having Babyface walk in and out of the room and lay parts,” Thomas reveals to REVOLT. “We did the beat that same day, and she recorded the song on the same day. That was a year and a couple of months ago.”

In this installment of “Studio Sessions,” the Grammy-nominated producer/songwriter/artist explains the real-life vulnerability of his latest single “Breaking Point,” how Ty Dolla $ign records like a rapper, getting three placements on Drake’s Certified Lover Boy, and more.

Check out how some of your favorite records were made in our exclusive REVOLT interview with Leon Thomas below.

You and Babyface helped co-produce “Snooze” from SZA’s SOS album. What is it like to work with her?

She works by having a separate studio room for us, and she has her own room because she needs space just to build and do her thing. I respect that because I’m very much like that myself as an artist. She was so gracious to have us in her space when we were there. The collaborative process was still there, but it was beautiful to have her in her own space, and we were feeding her ideas to work on. That song wasn’t even originally for her album. It was a collaboration she was doing for Babyface’s new albumGirls Night Out. We were essentially just getting creative and having Babyface walk in and out of the room and lay parts. Building the whole thing from scratch was beautiful. There was no ego; we were trying to make something cool that day. We did the beat that same day, and she recorded the song on the same day. That was a year and a couple of months ago. 

What’s your identifiable contribution to the record?

For a lot of the tracks I’m on, you’ll always be able to recognize if it’s me based on a technique I use where I’ll sing in a different key a lot slower, and I’ll speed up my vocal. Then, I’ll do what they call “vocal chops” and chop it up throughout the beat. It may be kind of scatting. It may be ad-libs. It’s like when Kanye West would speed up those old samples from Michael Jackson or Aretha Franklin. So, on “Snooze,” that’s me singing [near the end].

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Leon Thomas (@leonthomas)

In the Summer of 2022, you signed with Ty Dolla $ign’s label, EZMNY Records. How did you first get on his radar?

A friend of mind — a very talented pianist and producer — was playing keys for Ty on tour and producing certain records with him for his album. So, he invited me to the studio to hang out with Ty. We just hit it off, man. Ty’s a real musician, and there was definitely immediate respect and camaraderie there. Over time, [we] built an amazing friendship. 

What is your dynamic with him in the studio?

There’s a song that just got placed on a new record Ty’s doing with DJ Mustard that’s a great example of how we work. He’s in there, usually, recording close to five songs a day. He’s a singer, but he records like a rapper. That was one of those days when I was kind of hanging out at the studio. He finished recording a song and asked me if I had some beats. I played him this track idea I did, and he enjoyed it. I called a friend of mine, Sevn Thomas, to come in. Sevn did the drums over. My role is usually the melody guy. So, I play keys, bass, and guitar, and I’ll sing vocals on things and work with the format. Then, I’ll usually get a drum programmer to add that slap to it. 

Ty went into that booth and cut that song in less than two hours. It was an immediate vibe. Sometimes, when you’re writing a song, you might get stuck at the moment, but that was a stream of consciousness, and I was really excited to see him in there. Ty’s one of those people who doesn’t need a vocal producer, so I’m just kind of checking the vibe out. And if I hear something, I might say something, but for the most part, he’s just such a master at his craft. 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Leon Thomas (@leonthomas)

The studio is a safe space for vulnerability. What was a particularly emotional session you’ve been in?

I have a new single out right now called “Breaking Point.” This was a song I was writing for myself.  It was like a journal entry, to be honest with you. It was a time when I was going through something really deep with my ex-girlfriend, and we really weren’t seeing eye to eye. I wasn’t sure if somebody I spent 2 1/2 years building with would end up being my forever or if this was possibly the end.

I wrote a song that explained all of that. It was one of those songs I couldn’t even play for her because I was so emotionally attached to it. I didn’t play it for a lot of people when I first made it. I pulled out some genuine emotions, and it’s hard to say goodbye to a real friend. Being in that emotional place made that song one of the most vulnerable records I’ve ever put out in my life.

From your work together on the Nickelodeon series “Victorious” to producing her album, you’ve collaborated extensively with Ariana Grande. What’s her creative process like?

First, that’s my friend, and she’s funny (laughs). We’re definitely in there goofing off for probably 2 1/2 hours before we get any work done, which is fun. We’re comfortable with each other, so we can just talk about things that are going on in our lives [that] you might not be as comfortable sharing with the producer you just met. That’s turned into some cool songs. There’s no process to it. We’re scrolling through tracks I’ve already made and then trying to see how we can get the best song. She’s a great writer, so she doesn’t need too much guidance. It’s about letting her guide the room and find that concept that sticks. 

“Safety Net” is a good example. At that time, I had just started dating my now ex-girlfriend, and she was also dating her current husband. We were just talking about relationships and where we were at in life. I feel like the conversation just really flowed very naturally. Sometimes, it’s just hard to really open up to people — especially in her position. Even being on TV as long as I have, it’s hard to kind of fall for somebody with no safety net, knowing that it could go left. So, we just decided to write about that feeling.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Malia Fields (@imagine.boyfriend)

You said she’s funny. Give me an example of that Ariana Grande humor.

One of the funniest moments was early on when I was like 21, and we were working on her first album, Yours Truly. We were listening to the mixes, and she just got up on the island of the studio table and was dancing and vibing out. She was sitting up there the whole time. I remember thinking about how much of a character she was. People see her as very reserved in public, but I know how funny she is.

I can’t let you go without asking about the story behind you getting three placements on Drake’s Certified Lover Boy — “Pipe Down,” “Love All,” and “In The Bible.” 

This is the story: I produced the Drake song “Gold Roses” with a really good friend of mine, Oz. We also did a song called “Love All” for Drake that he put JAY-Z on. That was the first official record we did for the album. At that time, a version of the album leaked online. So, a bunch of songs that were going to be put on the album leaked. He had to start over because people were essentially listening to the whole album during the pandemic. So, I get a call from my manager saying, “Yo, Drake wants you to fly out.” My passport was super beat up, and I didn’t have any ID. My passport was so beat up, the airport wouldn’t let me fly to the Bahamas. I’m running around LA during COVID trying to get a new passport to have this life-changing opportunity. Luckily, it worked out. There was this lady I called who could push the process forward, and I got a brand-new passport rushed to me. I fly out to the Bahamas and kick it with Drake, making beats and getting to know the guy.

All the records I did for the album were made on that trip. We did a version of “Pipe Down” in the Bahamas, but he changed the beat around. I co-produced another track, and he then put some of those lyrics on the new track. The original version sounded like a J Dilla beat with old-school, neo-soul boom-bap drums. But we switched it around to something more modern. 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Leon Thomas (@leonthomas)

What can we expect from you in 2023?

I’m doing songs for other artists. I’m finishing my album, Electric Dusk. I’m also getting back in the gym and getting ready to get back in front of the camera for acting. It’s important for me to access that gift. I am just looking to have more records on other people’s projects and [for] myself and more content. That’s the mission.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

View More

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

View More

Trending

Walmart has everything you need for the tech enthusiast on your shopping list

Check out our gift guide that highlights some of our favorite Walmart finds in time for Black Friday.

  /  11.10.2023

Walmart has the home essentials for everyone on your holiday shopping list

Below, our gift guide highlights some of our favorite Walmart finds for anyone in need of a home refresh.

  /  11.24.2023

5 things you need to know about the 2023 Billboard Music Awards

“REVOLT Black News” correspondent Kennedy Rue counts down the top five moments from the 2023 Billboard Music Awards, including surprising wins, historic firsts, and dope performances. Sponsored by Amazon.

  /  11.20.2023

Walmart's HBCU Black and Unlimited Tour kicks off at Central State University

On Oct. 10, Walmart unveiled a brand new, state of the art creative studio on the campus of Central State University.

  /  11.14.2023

The Walmart HBCU Black & Unlimited Tour visited Mississippi Valley State University

The Walmart HBCU Black & Unlimited Tour made its final stop at Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU) and left a lasting impact on students and alumni alike.

  /  11.22.2023

Walmart continues HBCU Black & Unlimited Tour during lively Virginia State University stop

After unveiling their state of the art creative studio on the campus of Central State University, Walmart brought the HBCU Black & Unlimited Tour to Virginia State University (VSU) on Oct. 13.

  /  11.14.2023

Walmart HBCU Black & Unlimited Tour brings attention and wisdom to North Carolina Central University

On Oct. 17, Walmart brought the third stop of the HBCU Black & Unlimited Tour to North Carolina Central University (NCCU).

  /  11.15.2023

Walmart's HBCU Black and Unlimited Tour kicked off at Central State University

In October, Walmart unveiled a brand new, state of the art creative studio on the campus of Central State University. The HBCU located in Wilberforce, OH was the first stop on Walmart’s Black and Unlimited HBCU Tour.

  /  11.28.2023

Groovey Lew on hip hop style, Johnell Young's industry secrets, BGS salon's wig mastery and more | 'Black Girl Stuff'

Fashion King Groovey Lew on masterminding hip-hop’s most iconic looks. Actor Johnell Young reveals the secret to breaking into the entertainment industry. Celebrity hairstylist Dontay Savoy and got2B ambassador Tokyo Stylez are in the BGS Salon with the perfect wig install. Plus, comedian Lauren Knight performs.

  /  11.15.2023

Pheelz talks expressing himself through music & his biggest inspirations | 'On In 5'

On this all-new episode of “On In 5,” multitalented Nigerian artist Pheelz opens up about waiting for his opportunity to fully express himself through music, his inspirations and emotions, and the musical icons he grew up admiring. Watch!

  /  07.11.2023

Kareem Cook talks growing up in The Bronx, studying at Duke & networking | 'The Blackprint with Detavio Samuels'

On this all-new episode of “The Blackprint with Detavio Samuels,” the host and REVOLT CEO sits down with Kareem Cook. Throughout the introspective episode, Cook talks growing up in The Bronx, studying at Duke and being nervous to be in the South at the time, network vs. education, taking advantage of your opportunities, and connecting with Debbie Allen. Watch!

  /  07.10.2023

Tiffany Haddish on therapy, wild fan interactions & the upcoming 'Haunted Mansion' movie | 'The Jason Lee Show'

On this all-new episode of “The Jason Lee Show,” the one and only Tiffany Haddish sits for a must-watch conversation about wild interactions with fans, her new movie ‘Haunted Mansion,’ bringing her therapist on dates, and being present. Watch the hilarious interview here.

  /  07.12.2023

BNXN talks leaving IT for music, linking with Wizkid, going viral & new album | 'On In 5'

For this all-new episode of “On In 5,” singer-songwriter BNXN discusses his journey from IT to music, finding his voice and originality, linking up with Wizkid for their hits “Mood” and “Many Ways,” and what fans can expect from him this year — including a new album. Watch the full episode here!

  /  08.08.2023

From city lots to lush gardens: The power of urban farming with Karen Washington

This is the inspiring story of Karen Washington, a pioneering urban farmer who has been revolutionizing urban spaces by transforming them into vibrant community gardens and educational hubs. Sponsored by State Farm.

  /  11.17.2023

Investing in stocks in a recession | 'Maconomics'

Host Ross Mac provides useful advice for preparing your personal finances in the event of a recession. He emphasizes the importance of budgeting properly, building an emergency fund, and maintaining discipline when investing.

  /  11.21.2023

Madam DA Fani Willis proclaims, “A lie has been told on African American men”

“Every time I’m in trouble, it’s been Black men that have come to my aid,” Madam DA Fani Willis said at REVOLT WORLD while speaking on the stereotype that they are not dependable or worth dating.

  /  10.11.2023

Lauren London sparks conversation on how Black parents unintentionally give kids negative outlook on money

At the live taping of “Assets Over Liabilities” at REVOLT WORLD, Lauren London opened up about how witnessing the financial decisions adults made during her childhood fueled her outlook on money. 

  /  10.26.2023

Black media leaders stress the space's importance because we're always antagonists in mainstream's storytelling

“I definitely feel those ‘heavier is the crown’ moments. But I also believe that Black entrepreneurs are uniquely positioned to be successful in the future,” Detavio Samuels said at AfroTech.

  /  11.03.2023

Machel Montano opens up about life as a child star, new music, and exciting business moves

In an exclusive interview with REVOLT, Machel Montano dove into his musical journey, childhood stardom, and an exciting new chapter in business.

  /  11.03.2023

Halftime Report | Professional athletes who've dropped rap albums

From Master P to Chris Webber, Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal, Deion Sanders, Damian Lillard and more, these athletes got bars. Check out our list here!

  /  11.01.2023
View More
Revolt - New Episodes