Kobalt, the largest independent music publisher in the world, today announced the signing of Bizzy Crook, the acclaimed songwriter who played a pivotal role in crafting Leon Thomas’ breakout hit “Mutt.” The track has soared to #16 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #3 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop chart, continuing its upward momentum and solidifying Thomas’s status as a rising star in R&B.
Thomas has consistently praised his creative partnership with Bizzy Crook, highlighting the unique synergy they bring to the songwriting process. In a 2024 interview with Blavity, Leon described their collaboration as both dynamic and complementary, saying, “I have amazing co-writers that I work with. One in particular is Bizzy Crook. Bizzy Crook is a rapper and he’s really good at coming up with outlandish things and bars, and I have all of the melodies. I’ll usually do the hooks and he’ll have really cool ideas for verses, and I’ll shape out a pre-chorus that really brings everything together. It’s kind of like playing Tetris with words.” Their partnership has played a crucial role in shaping the sound of Mutt, blending sharp lyricism with rich melodic textures to create songs that resonate deeply with listeners.
“Mutt,” released on August 8, 2024, serves as the lead single from Thomas’s sophomore album of the same name. The song has been streamed over 51 million times on Spotify and has garnered widespread acclaim for its blend of old-school balladry, contemporary R&B, and guitar-driven rock elements. Billboard named Mutt the #1 R&B album of 2024, praising Thomas’s versatility and emotional depth. In addition to the original release, “Mutt” has been remixed twice, with notable collaborations including Freddie Gibbs and Chris Brown. The latest remix featuring Chris Brown, released on March 21, 2025, has further amplified the song’s popularity and reach.
“We’re beyond excited to welcome Bizzy Crook to the Kobalt family,” said Genevieve Huguely, Kobalt’s Manager, Creative. “His talent as a songwriter and storyteller is undeniable, and his work on ‘Mutt’ is a testament to the kind of creativity and vision we love to support. Bizzy brings a fresh perspective and a unique voice to everything he touches, and we’re proud to be part of this next chapter in his journey.”
“Ultimately, after 15 years of grinding, being told no, and never giving up; then finally catching my first #1 record, ownership was important to me,” said Bizzy “I felt like Kobalt best understood my journey, my vision, and my value.”
