R&B Sensation Leon Thomas Drops Funky New EP 'PHOLKS'

Just one month after gracing the cover of Billboard's R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players issue, rising R&B star Leon Thomas has officially announced his next musical endeavor, PHOLKS. The forthcoming EP, set to release on October 24 via EZMNY/Motown Records, will feature seven new songs that build upon the sonic world of Thomas' acclaimed 2024 sophomore album, Mutt.

Leading the charge is the funky single "Just How You Are," accompanied by a stylish, hazy music video starring Forever actress Lovie Simone. The track blends elements of funk, rock, and R&B, with Thomas' soulful vocals wrapping around the live instrumentation. "And if you know you had my heart/ Could never finish what you started/ You love to pick my world apart/ But that's just how you are are are," he sings in the chorus, exploring the complexities of a turbulent love affair.

Just a week after the PHOLKS EP drops, Thomas will kick off his Mutts Don't Heel world tour on October 30 at Dallas' House of Blues. The extensive trek will see the Grammy winner play nearly 50 dates across North America, Europe, and Australia, wrapping up in Perth on April 19, 2026. This comes on the heels of Thomas' recent headlining performance at Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop LIVE in New York City, where he also accepted the breakthrough of the year award at the R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players event.