Before scoring his highest-peaking #Hot100 hit yet as a performer with "Mutt," leonthomas grew up as the primary source of representation for young Black Nickelodeon viewers in the 2010s — consciously steering clear of any actions that might have alienated his audience.⁠ ⁠ “I probably would have benefited from [a rebellious break], but I knew I had kids following me,” he explains. “I decided to stay behind the scenes. I wasn’t trying to edit myself online, but I made sure I was paying homage to the role model I used to be."⁠ ⁠ Read more on how he reflects on growing up in the spotlight in his Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players cover story at the link in bio. ⁠ ⁠ 📸: austinhargrave