Leon Thomas accepted the Vanguard Award at the 2026 ASCAP Rhythm and Soul Awards on Thursday, June 25, and used the moment to speak directly to fellow songwriters about protecting their creative identity.
According to Billboard, Thomas arrived in a gray-green suit and black-out shades. Grammy and Oscar winner Paul Williams led the presentation, with ASCAP executive vice president Nicole George-Middleton also on hand. Ty Dolla $ign, co-founder of the EZMNY imprint where Thomas is signed, delivered remarks via video from Paris Fashion Week.
"Leon is a once-in-a-lifetime, generational talent who inspires everyone around him, including me," Ty Dolla $ign said in the message. "He's proof that authenticity and real music will take you to the T-O-P… thank you for friendship and sharing your gift with the whole world."
Thomas, who joined ASCAP at age 16, reflected on the 16 years since. "At 16 years old, ASCAP was my choice [of PRO], and 16 years later, it's been so many moments that I'm extremely grateful for… Along this journey, it's been a lot of ups and downs," he said. "As a songwriter and producer, there were times when you had to dim your light in order to get where you wanna go."
He also spoke about his label situation and the support that helped him break through as a solo artist. "Shoutout to my brother Shawn Barron at EZMNY, who recognized that a lot of the music I was making was songs that didn't quite fit on any other artist. I knew I would be the only voice that could genuinely take it there," Thomas said.
His career stretches back further than many of his fans may realize. He appeared on Broadway as a child and later played Andre Harris on the Nickelodeon sitcom Victorious. He earned his first Grammy nomination in 2020 for writing and production contributions to Rick Ross and Drake's "Gold Roses." In 2024, he won his first Grammy for Best R&B Song for his work on SZA's "Snooze," which reached No. 2 on the Hot 100.
His own single "Mutt" reached No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100, cementing his position as a solo artist rather than simply a behind-the-scenes collaborator. Earlier mentorship from Babyface also shaped his development, and he contributed production to Ariana Grande's 2013 debut album Yours Truly.
Previous recipients of the ASCAP Vanguard Award include Victoria Monét, Migos, Janelle Monáe, and the Beastie Boys. Thomas is set to appear on the red carpet at the 2026 BET Awards on June 28.
