Leon Thomas headlined Billboard’s R&B/Hip-Hop LIVE concert at Webster Hall in New York City on Friday (Sept. 5).
The fast-rising R&B star — who recently received the Breakthrough of the Year Award at Billboard’s R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players 2025 event — was one of several artists to take the stage at the free show.
Presented by State Farm, Ralph Lauren and UnitedMasters, the packed event served as the centerpiece of Billboard’s Hip-Hop & R&B Week. The night’s lineup also featured GELO, Odeal, Ravyn Lenae and Armanii.
“Billboard has always been at the forefront of recognizing and promoting emerging talent,” Billboard CEO Mike Van said ahead of the show. “This concert is a testament to the vibrant future of hip-hop and R&B and our commitment to celebrating artists who are shaping the music landscape.”
Armanii launched the night with his blend of dancehall and hip-hop, performing crowd-pleasers like “8:00 PM” and “JUMP (Bounce).” GELO, recently named Billboard‘s Hip-Hop Rookie of the Year, followed with tracks from his debut album, League of My Own. Billboard’s African Rookie of the Year, Odeal, then energized the crowd with performances of “Soh-Soh,” “London Summers” and “Miami.” Lenae later brought a mystical calm to the room with renditions of “One Wish” and “Love Me Not.”
Closing out the evening, Thomas delivered a powerful headlining set, highlighted by a surprise appearance from Ty Dolla $ign, who joined him on stage to perform his verse on “Far Fetched” and sing “Carnival,” his Billboard Hot 100 chart-topping hit from Vultures 1.
In addition to the live performances, fans enjoyed interactive brand experiences, including a State Farm-sponsored custom T-shirt printing station and a L’Oréal–Ralph’s Club photo booth.
Ravyn Lenae
Image Credit: Erica Harris DeValve/Billboard Ravyn Lenae performs onstage at the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop LIVE held at Webster Hall on September 05, 2025 in New York, New York.
Ravyn Lenae
Image Credit: Erica Harris DeValve/Billboard Ravyn Lenae performs onstage at the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop LIVE held at Webster Hall on September 05, 2025 in New York, New York.
GELO
Image Credit: Deanie Chen/Billboard GELO performs onstage at the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop LIVE held at Webster Hall on September 05, 2025 in New York, New York.
GELO
Image Credit: Deanie Chen/Billboard GELO performs onstage at the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop LIVE held at Webster Hall on September 05, 2025 in New York, New York.
Webster Hall Marquee
Image Credit: Erica Harris DeValve/Billboard Marquee at the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop LIVE held at Webster Hall on September 05, 2025 in New York, New York.
Armanii
Image Credit: Deanie Chen/Billboard Armanii performs onstage at the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop LIVE held at Webster Hall on September 05, 2025 in New York, New York.
Armanii
Image Credit: Deanie Chen/Billboard Armanii performs onstage at the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop LIVE held at Webster Hall on September 05, 2025 in New York, New York.
Ty Dolla Sign
Image Credit: Deanie Chen/Billboard Ty Dolla Sign performs onstage at the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop LIVE held at Webster Hall on September 05, 2025 in New York, New York.
Ty Dolla Sign
Image Credit: Deanie Chen/Billboard Ty Dolla Sign performs onstage at the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop LIVE held at Webster Hall on September 05, 2025 in New York, New York.
Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop LIVE crowd
Image Credit: Deanie Chen/Billboard Atmosphere at the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop LIVE held at Webster Hall on September 05, 2025 in New York, New York.
Leon Thomas
Image Credit: Erica Harris DeValve/Billboard Leon Thomas performs onstage at the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop LIVE held at Webster Hall on September 05, 2025 in New York, New York.
Leon Thomas
Image Credit: Erica Harris DeValve/Billboard Leon Thomas performs onstage at the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop LIVE held at Webster Hall on September 05, 2025 in New York, New York.
Leon Thomas
Image Credit: Deanie Chen/Billboard Leon Thomas performs onstage at the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop LIVE held at Webster Hall on September 05, 2025 in New York, New York.
Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop LIVE crowd
Image Credit: Deanie Chen/Billboard Atmosphere at the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop LIVE held at Webster Hall on September 05, 2025 in New York, New York.
Odeal
Image Credit: Deanie Chen/Billboard Odeal performs onstage at the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop LIVE held at Webster Hall on September 05, 2025 in New York, New York.
Odeal
Image Credit: Deanie Chen/Billboard Odeal performs onstage at the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop LIVE held at Webster Hall on September 05, 2025 in New York, New York.
