"Mutt" (stylized in all caps) is a song by American singer Leon Thomas, released on August 8, 2024, as the lead single from his second studio album of the same name (2024). It was produced by D. Phelps, Robert Gueringer and Michael Stokes. Two official remixes have been released, one with American rapper Freddie Gibbs on August 30, 2024, and the other with American singer Chris Brown on March 21, 2025. It peaked at number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, becoming Thomas's first top ten hit.
Background Leon Thomas stated in an interview with Rated R&B:
The album Mutt was created shortly after a significant break-up. During the relationship, my ex had given me a dog, and as I started working on the album in my new home, I began to notice similarities between my dog's behavior and my own. My puppy had never received formal training, and his behavior inspired the song I was writing. It made me think about the give and take in relationships, and the struggle for obedience. My dog is not a pure breed; he's a mutt. While writing the title track for my album, I came up with the theme for this collection of songs. Even though my dog may sometimes make a mess in the house or bark loudly at the neighbors, I know he means well. This became a metaphor for not being a perfect partner but having good intentions.
Thomas wrote the song in 2022, on his living room floor while microdosing psychedelic drugs and watching his dog and cat fight.
Composition "Mutt" is an R&B and soul ballad with drums and bass. The song's primary melody interpolating "Silly Love Song" by Enchantment, Leon Thomas sings about being ready to take another chance at love, even if he would end up breaking his heart.
Live performances On February 7, 2025, Leon Thomas performed the song on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Thomas also performed the song live on June 9, 2025, at the 2025 BET Awards. Thomas performed the song at a February 2025 Tiny Desk Concert, releasing the live version as a single on August 9, 2025.
Charts
Weekly charts + Weekly chart performance for "Mutt" Chart (2025–2026) Peakposition Australia (ARIA) 19 Australia Hip Hop/R&B (ARIA) 3 Canada (Canadian Hot 100) 41 Canada CHR/Top 40 (Billboard) 8 Canada Hot AC (Billboard) 36 Global 200 (Billboard) 28 Ireland (IRMA) 51 Lithuania Airplay (TopHit) 62 Malaysia (Billboard) 22 Malaysia International Streaming (RIM) 15 New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ) 2 Philippines (Philippines Hot 100)23 Singapore (RIAS) 28 South Africa Airplay (TOSAC) 16 US Billboard Hot 100 6 US Adult Pop Airplay (Billboard) 16 US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard) 1 US R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay (Billboard) 1 US Pop Airplay (Billboard) 4 US Rhythmic (Billboard) 1
Monthly charts + Monthly chart performance for "Mutt" Chart (2025) Peakposition Lithuania Airplay (TopHit) 79
Year-end charts + Year-end chart performance for "Mutt" Chart (2025) Position Australia (ARIA) 57 Canada (Canadian Hot 100) 92 Global 200 (Billboard) 124 New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ) 12 UK Singles (OCC) 100 US Billboard Hot 100 22 US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard) 6 US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay (Billboard) 3 US Rhythmic (Billboard) 2
Certifications
Release history +Release dates and formats for "Mutt"RegionDateFormat(s)VersionLabel(s)VariousAugust 8, 2024OriginalUnited StatesApril 8, 2025Rhythmic contemporary radioChris Brown remixJune 24, 2025Contemporary hit radio
References