Latest news with #Snooze
Winnipeg Free Press
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Winnipeg Free Press
Leon Thomas is ‘ready for the moment' with new album ‘MUTT Deluxe: HEEL'
NEW YORK (AP) — Leon Thomas is such a believer of speaking dreams into existence that the artist-producer has been patiently awaiting — yet expecting — his current moment of musical appreciation. 'I feel like this is like a 20-year-long, overnight success, and I'm really enjoying just the process. I feel ready for the moment,' said the alternative R&B artist, who's releasing his 'MUTT Deluxe: HEEL' album on Friday. 'Not to get too spiritual, but I feel like the steps I'm on are ordered, and it's just my time to show the world what I can do.' After winning a Grammy last year as co-producer on SZA's song 'Snooze,' Thomas is now experiencing his own solo success. The single 'MUTT,' from his 2024 critically acclaimed sophomore album of the same name, reached No. 1 on multiple Billboard charts, including Hot R&B Songs, Adult R&B airplay and R&B Streaming Songs. It also peaked at No. 13 on Billboard's Hot 100, boosted by a recent Chris Brown-remix that will appear on the deluxe. Once known for his role on the Nickelodeon series 'Victorious' of the 2010s, the R&B-rock-funk artist recruited heavyweight features for 'HEEL,' including Big Sean, Kehlani and Halle Bailey. Nine new songs were added, both originals and remixes. 'It's God's plan … Coming from the world of acting, I'd had my fair share of fame and taste of what the high life felt like. But starting off with my debut album, really having to grind and play really small rooms and build from scratch was such a humbling experience,' said Thomas of 'Electric Dusk' which dropped in 2023. 'That really built me, and I wouldn't trade that experience for the world.' The 31-year-old, who's produced songs for Drake, Kanye West, Toni Braxton and Babyface, spoke with The Associated Press about stepping into the spotlight, vulnerability and being protective of Ariana Grande. The conversation has been edited for brevity and clarity. AP: How have you managed the transition from in-demand producer to solo artist? THOMAS: I prayed on this. I did the internal work to be ready for what comes with the spotlight. And, I don't know, I'm just taking it one step at a time. I learned a lot from working behind the scenes, though. I was able to watch everybody's climb to the top … and it was good to be a fly on the wall to a lot of my friends' greatness before I had an opportunity to climb the mountain myself. AP: How did your 'Rather Be Alone' collaboration with Halle Bailey come together? THOMAS: It was very organic … I played her the record and she really resonated with it, and I feel like you should write your life, and you should find ways to use your experience as the paint on the canvas. And I think both of us were going through pretty crazy breakups. So, I think it was important to lead with that song because it's like the truest record right now on the project. AP: It seems like this era of R&B doesn't embrace vulnerability like in earlier decades. Why where you both so transparent? THOMAS: It's a generation of filters. But I think some of the craziest and most viral moments are without any of the bells and whistles. And that's the whole Catch-22. It's like there's lots of technological advancements, but I think things that are real, that really like celebrate the human experience, will always be celebrated. AP: How were you able to successfully break out of the Nickelodeon box and transition into music? THOMAS: It's really hard being a Black male coming from the Nickelodeon-Viacom space because this is epic branding all over the world. I mean, this is like 80 countries … that are kind of fed that image of you. So, I think for me, the biggest thing was really taking the time to study acting. Even when I stepped over into music, it's not like I just jumped into it because I had some fans who grew up watching me. I decided to study under the legendary Babyface, started working with Ty Dolla $ign, Boi-1da, Drake — I was around some epic legends in the field, and I feel like the best teacher is experience. AP: Do you ever reminisce with Adriana Grande about your time as 'Victorious' castmates? THOMAS: We finished our last two years of high school together in a small classroom with one teacher and spent many … weekends hanging out and watching movies and kicking it. That's really my friend, and I'm so proud of her. … There's so much growth that happened, and I am very protective over her and she's the same about me. And it's just good to have real friends in this (industry) — it can be kind of tricky. ___ Follow Associated Press entertainment journalist Gary Gerard Hamilton at @GaryGHamilton on all his social media platforms.
San Francisco Chronicle
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- San Francisco Chronicle
Leon Thomas is ‘ready for the moment' with new album 'MUTT Deluxe: HEEL'
NEW YORK (AP) — Leon Thomas is such a believer of speaking dreams into existence that the artist-producer has been patiently awaiting — yet expecting — his current moment of musical appreciation. 'I feel like this is like a 20-year-long, overnight success, and I'm really enjoying just the process. I feel ready for the moment,' said the alternative R&B artist, who's releasing his 'MUTT Deluxe: HEEL' album on Friday. 'Not to get too spiritual, but I feel like the steps I'm on are ordered, and it's just my time to show the world what I can do.' After winning a Grammy last year as co-producer on SZA's song 'Snooze,'' Thomas is now experiencing his own solo success. The single 'MUTT,' from his 2024 critically acclaimed sophomore album of the same name, reached No. 1 on multiple Billboard charts, including Hot R&B Songs, Adult R&B airplay and R&B Streaming Songs. It also peaked at No. 13 on Billboard's Hot 100, boosted by a recent Chris Brown-remix that will appear on the deluxe. Once known for his role on the Nickelodeon series 'Victorious' of the 2010s, the R&B-rock-funk artist recruited heavyweight features for 'HEEL,' including Big Sean, Kehlani and Halle Bailey. Nine new songs were added, both originals and remixes. 'It's God's plan ... Coming from the world of acting, I'd had my fair share of fame and taste of what the high life felt like. But starting off with my debut album, really having to grind and play really small rooms and build from scratch was such a humbling experience,' said Thomas of 'Electric Dusk' which dropped in 2023. 'That really built me, and I wouldn't trade that experience for the world.' The 31-year-old, who's produced songs for Drake, Kanye West, Toni Braxton and Babyface, spoke with The Associated Press about stepping into the spotlight, vulnerability and being protective of Ariana Grande. The conversation has been edited for brevity and clarity. I learned a lot from working behind the scenes, though. I was able to watch everybody's climb to the top … and it was good to be a fly on the wall to a lot of my friends' greatness before I had an opportunity to climb the mountain myself. AP: How did your 'Rather Be Alone' collaboration with Halle Bailey come together? THOMAS: It was very organic … I played her the record and she really resonated with it, and I feel like you should write your life, and you should find ways to use your experience as the paint on the canvas. And I think both of us were going through pretty crazy breakups. So, I think it was important to lead with that song because it's like the truest record right now on the project. AP: It seems like this era of R&B doesn't embrace vulnerability like in earlier decades. Why where you both so transparent? THOMAS: It's a generation of filters. But I think some of the craziest and most viral moments are without any of the bells and whistles. And that's the whole Catch-22. It's like there's lots of technological advancements, but I think things that are real, that really like celebrate the human experience, will always be celebrated. AP: How were you able to successfully break out of the Nickelodeon box and transition into music? THOMAS: It's really hard being a Black male coming from the Nickelodeon-Viacom space because this is epic branding all over the world. I mean, this is like 80 countries … that are kind of fed that image of you. So, I think for me, the biggest thing was really taking the time to study acting. Even when I stepped over into music, it's not like I just jumped into it because I had some fans who grew up watching me. I decided to study under the legendary Babyface, started working with Ty Dolla $ign, Boi-1da, Drake — I was around some epic legends in the field, and I feel like the best teacher is experience. AP: Do you ever reminisce with Adriana Grande about your time as 'Victorious' castmates? THOMAS: We finished our last two years of high school together in a small classroom with one teacher and spent many ... weekends hanging out and watching movies and kicking it. That's really my friend, and I'm so proud of her. … There's so much growth that happened, and I am very protective over her and she's the same about me. And it's just good to have real friends in this (industry) — it can be kind of tricky. ___
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Hailey Bieber Just Reacted to Justin Kissing SZA's Hand on Stage as Fans Claim He ‘Humiliated' His Wife
Rumors have swirled about the state of Hailey Bieber and Justin Bieber's marriage lately. It's gotten to the point where the Rhode founder has even addressed it herself, with Bieber opening up to Vogue about her experiences with Post Partum Depression after giving birth to Jack Blues, and dealing with the rumors about her marriage to Justin Bieber. 'Being postpartum is the most sensitive time I've ever gone through in my life, and learning a new version of myself is very difficult,' she told the fashion magazine. 'And to be doing that all the while going on the internet every day and people being like, 'They're getting divorced' and 'They're this' and 'They're not happy,' it is such a mindf—-. I cannot even begin to explain it. It's a crazy life to live.' More from StyleCaster The Truth to Rumors Justin Bieber Is Balding After Fans Call Out His 'Insane' Hair Transformation Selena Gomez Just Reacted to Hailey Bieber in Vogue After Justin Told Her She'd 'Never Be on the Cover' Related: Here's the Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco relationship timeline However, Bieber's assurances aside, there continues to be speculation about her life and the state of her marriage. In fact, social media has recently been flooded with fans coming to Hailey Bieber's defense and calling out Justin's behavior towards his wife, specifically pointing out ways in which he 'humiliates' her. And it all got worse after Justin Bieber made a surprise appearance at SZA's show at SoFi Stadium to perform a duet to their 2022 single 'Snooze,' with people calling out both SZA and Bieber for that moment. 'Justin humiliates hailey like 40 times this month but its sza fault apparently,' one fan wrote. When SZA liked a video that criticized the Biebers' relationship, another fan wrote, 'Sza YOU WEIRD AF.' Hailey Bieber's response? She shared a video of SZA holding Justin Bieber's face before he kisses her hand multiple times and dances with her, captioning the Instagram Stories clip with five holding back tears emojis and a smiley face with hearts. Not just that, she also wrote on another video of the performance by the two, 'My 2 favorite artists.' So, it seems like there's truly no trouble in paradise, despite the rumors. A performance is just that, a performance, and Hailey Bieber seems to be very clear about not just, but about where she stands in her marriage. 'It's not real,' Hailey recently told Vogue about the rumors. 'And that's the thing: I have a real life. My real life is that I get to wake up to my beautiful family and my son and my friends and I have people that know me and love me and I love them.' This comes after reports that Hailey Bieber's friends Kendall and Kylie Jenner had tried to stage an intervention because they're worried about not just the state of her marriage, but Justin Bieber himself. 'Kendall's been desperately trying to persuade Hailey to get a group of their close friends together to do an intervention for Justin,' sources said. 'She wants to help their marriage.' However, Hailey Bieber is choosing to ignore the noise. 'I've been in a position where I've tried to tell my side of a story or correct a narrative or tell the truth of a lie and then they go, Well, she's lying. Imagine how trapping that feels,' she also told Vogue, adding that this is something she'd learned from her husband. 'He's been doing this literally since he was a child and he has had to face the most scrutiny of any person that I know. He was like, 'Baby, trust me, I've been here before many, many times. You're not going to win. There is no winning.' ' No drama here, apparently. Not that fans are convinced. Best of StyleCaster The 26 Best Romantic Comedies to Watch if You Want to Know What Love Feels Like These 'Bachelor' Secrets & Rules Prove What Happens Behind the Scenes Is So Much Juicier BTS's 7 Members Were Discovered in the Most Unconventional Ways
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Justin Bieber's Behaviour Backstage at SZA Concert Was ‘Erratic,' Claim ‘Sources'
Last week, during SZA and Kendrick Lamar's Grand National tour, joined the 'Nobody Gets Me' singer on stage in a show in Los Angeles. The Canadian singer surprised fans by giving an electrifying performance on a rendition of his and SZA's popular collaboration, 'Snooze.' However, as reported by The US Sun, 'sources' claimed that the 'Peaches' singer, who has been finding himself at the center of several speculations lately, appeared to be 'not fully himself' at the show. Justin Bieber reportedly showed inconsistent and cryptic behavior at the recent Los Angeles show as part of SZA and Kendrick Lamar's Grand National tour. Per The US Sun, 'sources' told them that throughout the night, the Canadian singer looked 'erratic' and 'disconnected. He was allegedly 'not fully himself.' In the meantime, a member of the crew from the LA show's production informed the news outlet that Justin Bieber appeared to be 'a ghost walking around.' The person further claimed that the 'Yummy' singer often had conversations with himself and said things that 'didn't make much sense.' The 'insider' also said to the news outlet that Justin Bieber was having drinks and also 'smoking' right before he placed his foot on the stage. The person went on to claim, 'The kisses at the end felt forced.' They continued, 'like he was doing it to grab attention.' The 'source' further said, 'Backstage, a lot of us were surprised.' The person continued, 'It felt like the wrong moment for that kind of display, especially with everything going on in his life.' They added, 'Honestly, when he left, we all looked at each other like—this guy needs help.' Another 'source' close to Kendrick Lamar and SZA's team said, 'It wasn't the Justin we know.' The person continued, 'He kept asking the same questions over and over, like if he had said hi already ten times.' 'He just seemed out of it, like his mind wasn't there,' the insider added. Originally reported by Nikita Nath on Reality Tea. The post Justin Bieber's Behaviour Backstage at SZA Concert Was 'Erratic,' Claim 'Sources' appeared first on Mandatory.
USA Today
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Justin Bieber's SZA performance, those videos and why fans are freaking out
Justin Bieber's SZA performance, those videos and why fans are freaking out Show Caption Hide Caption Justin Bieber apologizes for telling wife Hailey she'd never get a Vogue cover Justin Bieber has apologized to his wife, Hailey, for once saying that she would 'never be on the cover of Vogue' during an argument. unbranded - Entertainment Fans are freaking out over Justin Bieber — again. The 30-year-old Canadian pop star is back in the spotlight after joining SZA on SoFi Stadium's stage on Friday to sing their 2022 track "Snooze." Audience videos show Bieber closing his eyes while belting the sensual duet with SZA, who is on tour with Kendrick Lamar. As Bieber sings, SZA cups his chin with her hand. Bieber smiles at his song partner, then kisses her palm. Videos of the one-stage moment drew millions of views, and fans are expressing everything from admiration to concern. The internet is debating whether the emotive interaction was merely an intimate exchange between peer artists or an indication that Bieber is not doing as well as his fans would hope. Some said SZA's holding Bieber's face showed her "support and encouragement" for him, especially because he canceled his world tour to prioritize his health. Meanwhile, others said SZA made this gesture to "reel" Bieber in during the performance, claiming his ardent display of affection toward her was a sign Bieber is going through something unbeknownst to fans. Bieber has always had a fevered, dedicated fan base. He's grown up in front of them. Because his music illustrates their lives, some Beliebers have developed a parasocial relationship with the star: They claim to know him as well as they claim his art knows them. "We are encouraged through the nature of social media, through the nature of fandom ... to perceive ourselves as being in some sort of relationship with artists whose music we love," Rebekah Moore, assistant professor of music at Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts, previously told USA TODAY. But we can never really know what's going on with a star, despite how public their life seems. Bieber, a new father who has dealt with health issues in recent years as well as a microscopic intensity focused on his marriage to Hailey Bieber, may appear to be available for anyone to know. But whether it's his wife's "Vogue" cover or a performance in a sold-out arena, these interactions are mere pixels of a bigger picture and shouldn't be taken as a complete reality. "Whether or not the songs are actually about them (artists), we interpret these songs as something that reflects their inner workings, their emotional realities, their relationship realities," Moore said. "We think we know them because of their art." Bieber deserves as much space as anyone else − though privacy hardly comes easy these days. "In the age of social media, the general public has become trained to share not only their most private moments, but to also expect others to do the same," psychologist Reneé Carr previously told USA TODAY. Whatever Bieber is going through, it's not our business to speculate. "Public figures need privacy to cope, heal, and develop a strategy to move forward just like everyone else," explained Amy Morin, psychotherapist, author of "13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do" and the host of a podcast. "Working through issues privately can give them space to manage their emotions and strategize how to move forward without the distraction of outside opinions." Contributing: David Oliver and Greta Cross
