Leon Thomas to Receive ASCAP Vanguard Award

Leon Thomas is set to add another major industry honor to a breakout run. ASCAP has announced that the singer, songwriter and producer will receive its Vanguard Award at a private event in Los Angeles on June 25.

The award is reserved for artists whose work is pushing music forward, and Thomas has become one of contemporary R&B's most compelling voices. AP reported that the Brooklyn-raised artist first drew attention through Broadway and Nickelodeon's “Victorious” before building a strong songwriting and production résumé behind artists including Ariana Grande and Drake.

Thomas' recent rise has been especially visible through his own releases, with his sophomore album “Mutt” helping cement him as a lead artist rather than only a behind-the-scenes force. Rated R&B also reported the ASCAP honor, underscoring just how quickly Thomas' profile has grown inside and outside the genre.