In today’s streaming-driven music world, where algorithms often confine artists to rigid categories, Stephen Thomas is proving that authenticity is stronger than labels. The Charleston, West Virginia native, five-time Grammy-considered and recently highlighted by The Source as an “Artist to Watch in 2025”, has released his boldest project yet: The Universal Me.
The five-track EP is a fearless tapestry of sound, merging R&B, country, pop, hip-hop, and alt-rock into one cohesive journey through love, loss, resilience, and personal discovery. Thomas calls it more than music; he calls it his declaration of artistic freedom.
Owning Every Side
Within just hours of release, The Universal Me had already surpassed 130,000 streams, signaling its global appeal. For Thomas, those numbers represent more than momentum; they symbolize validation for choosing creative honesty over industry expectations.
“Early in my career, I felt the pressure to stick to hip-hop,” he explained. “But once I stopped boxing myself in, I discovered freedom. This project is me embracing every layer of who I am: hip-hop, R&B, rock, country, and pop, and proving that when it’s real, music has no boundaries.”
That mindset has fueled his rise, from the viral traction of “Back Home”, which hit the Active Rock Radio Top 60 and drew half a million TikTok views in a single day to the heartfelt tribute “Stay Strong”, which honored both military heroes and those living with autoimmune conditions.
A Blend of Roots and Innovation
Each track on the EP carries a distinct identity while staying tied to Thomas’s core authenticity. “Breaking Hearts” unravels raw emotions of loss, while “Come Home to Me” embraces Nashville storytelling layered with R&B soul.
Growing up in Charleston shaped Thomas’s perspective. Surrounded by the sounds of Randy Travis and country greats, he absorbed that influence early. “My dad loved Randy Travis, and I was always drawn to country legends. Remixing Carrie Underwood and Darius Rucker records showed me how to merge that style with my own R&B background. Blending the two feels natural; it’s in my DNA as an artist,” he said.
Honoring the Past, Reimagining the Future
Thomas has never shied away from drawing inspiration while adding his own spin. On “Outstanding”, a collaboration with DJ Unk, he salutes The Gap Band’s iconic anthem while infusing it with a modern edge. Meanwhile, “Strange Love” tackles the tangled realities of relationships through a contemporary lens.
“I always respect the origins, but I rewrite the story through my experience,” Thomas explained. “I study the essence of a genre, then let my own perspective reshape it. The goal is for the music to feel familiar yet refreshingly unique.”
His versatility has led to comparisons with genre-crossing stars such as MGK, Jelly Roll, Carrie Underwood, and Shaboozey, proof that his genre-fluid approach resonates across audiences.
Viral Power, Real Connection
While Thomas’s songs have captured viral attention, like “Back Home” pulling in 500,000 views in just 24 hours, he insists that the true power comes from emotional honesty.
“Music is healing. When you’re genuine, people connect, even if they’ve never heard of you before,” he said. “That’s why viral moments stick. They’re rooted in something real.”
For Thomas, social media is more than promotion; it’s storytelling. By sharing the emotions behind the music, he builds deeper connections that cut across genre divides.
The Rise of the Universal Genre
Thomas’s recognition from MTV, Revolt TV, and placement on major playlists across Spotify, Amazon Music, and Tidal underscores the growing momentum behind what he calls the Universal genre.
“I think the future of music has no ceiling,” Thomas said. “Audiences care less about fitting into categories; they just want to feel something authentic. The Universal Me is proof that when you create without boundaries, your music can reach people wherever they are.”
His message to fellow artists is direct: “Honor the roots, but don’t let fear hold you back. Authenticity will always find its audience.”
From Charleston to National Spotlight
Thomas’s career arc, from his first signing with SkeeloMusik/Sony RED in 2013 to his present home with Creative Hearts Entertainment, reflects his steady commitment to staying true to himself. Along the way, he’s walked red carpets at the BET Live Experience, toured nationally, and shared stages with major names, without ever compromising his individuality.
With The Universal Me, he offers more than a collection of songs. He delivers a manifesto for a new kind of artistry, one where borders are blurred, emotions are amplified, and the human experience takes center stage.
As Stephen Thomas continues to chart this Universal genre path, his journey stands as both inspiration and roadmap for artists unwilling to be confined. In a world often shaped by formulas and algorithms, The Universal Me reminds us that music’s greatest power lies in authenticity, and in the courage to be everything you are.