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Tiara Thomas
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Tiara Thomas
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Key Information

Tiara Nicole Thomas (born September 12, 1989) is an American R&B singer. She is best known for her guest appearance on Wale's 2013 single "Bad", which peaked within the top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100 and received triple platinum certification by the RIAA.[1][2] That same year, Thomas signed with Rico Love's Division1 record label, an imprint of Interscope Records.

Thomas won Song of the Year at the 2021 Grammy Awards for co-writing H.E.R.'s song "I Can't Breathe".[3] That same year, she received a Golden Globe nomination and won an Academy Award for Best Original Song, for co-writing the song "Fight for You", from Judas and the Black Messiah.[4][5]

Early life

[edit]

Thomas was born in Indianapolis, Indiana. Her parents encouraged her to pursue music. Thomas performed in school and church. She attended Lawrence North High School.[6] A hardcore fan of hip hop and pop music, Thomas developed her sound early and set out to carve her own lane in music by fusing her love for pop and alternative music, ballads, and rap with instrumentation.[7] In June 2012, Thomas graduated from Ball State University.

Career

[edit]

2009–2012: Early career

[edit]

Thomas met founders of The Board Administration, Wale and Le'Greg O. Harrison, in a club in Atlanta, Georgia, during a Wale concert in 2009.[1] After exchanging information and submitting music, she received a response and positive feedback after three months. Shortly thereafter, she traveled to New York City where she opened for Wale and shared the stage with Diggy Simmons, J. Cole, and Fabolous at the Highline Ballroom.[8][9] Thomas signed to The Board Administration in 2011.[10][11][12]

She is well known for viral promotions via Twitter and YouTube and recognized for new online musical content, live performance streams, and cover performances of popular music. On August 3, 2010, the world was introduced to Thomas on "The Cloud" with Wale through his mixtape More About Nothing. Her name trended worldwide on May 30, 2011, on Twitter, the day "The Cloud" video released.[13][14][15]

Thomas was selected as a 2011–2012 Campaign Spokesperson for the American Eagle Outfitters Back to School We The People Campaign.[16] Her likeness is canvassed in New York City's Times Square at the American Eagle Outfitters flagship Store Location and across the continental U.S. in all 900+ stores worldwide. Her original songs for the campaign, "Denim" and "Wassup", are featured on the American Eagle Outfitters website and were circulated to the masses through their social media campaign.[17]

2013–present: "Bad", Dear Sallie Mae, and debut album

[edit]

Thomas worked on her debut LP Sallie Mae, and was featured on Wale's single "Bad".[18] The latter peaked at number 21 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming her first Hot 100 and top 40 entry. In June 2013, it was announced she had left Wale's record label The Board Administration to sign with Rico Love's Division 1 record label in a joint deal with Interscope Geffen A&M.[19]

Thomas released a five-song EP titled Dear Sallie Mae on October 8, 2013.[20]

Discography

[edit]
  • Dear Sallie Mae (EP) (2013)
  • The Bad Influence (2014)[21]
  • Up in Smoke (EP) (2015)[22]
  • Don't Mention My Name (EP) (2017)
  • FWMM (EP) (2018)

As lead artist

[edit]
List of singles, showing year released
Title Year
"One Night" 2014
[edit]
List of singles, with selected chart positions, showing year released and album name
Title Year Peak chart positions Certifications Album
US
[23] 		US
R&B
[24] 		US
Rap
[25]
"Bad"
(Wale featuring Tiara Thomas or Rihanna) 		2013 21 5 3 The Gifted
"Another Day"
(Fat Joe featuring Rick Ross, French Montana and Tiara Thomas) 		2014 — — — Non-album singles
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Tiara Thomas

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from Grokipedia
Tiara Nicole Thomas (born September 12, 1989) is an American R&B singer-songwriter, record producer, and guitarist. She rose to prominence in 2013 as the co-writer, co-producer, and featured vocalist on Wale's multiplatinum single "Bad," which peaked at number 21 on the Billboard Hot 100. Thomas, a graduate of Ball State University with a degree in telecommunications, has since established herself as a versatile artist capable of crafting anthemic tracks rooted in personal experience. Her songwriting accolades include a 2021 Grammy Award for Song of the Year, shared with H.E.R. for "I Can't Breathe," and an Academy Award for Best Original Song for "Fight for You" from the film Judas and the Black Messiah. In recent years, Thomas has focused on her independent solo career, releasing singles such as "Keep Going" (2024), "Kiss Me" (2025), and "Move" featuring H.E.R. (2025), showcasing her guitar-driven production and raw vocal style.

Early life

Childhood and family background

Tiara Thomas was born in , , where she spent her childhood. She grew up in the city alongside an older sister. Both of her parents recognized her musical inclinations from an early age and actively supported her pursuit of music, fostering an environment conducive to her talents. This familial encouragement extended to her performances in local settings, including school events, church activities, and community gatherings, which helped nurture her early interest in performing.

Initial musical development

Thomas displayed early musical talent through performances in church, , and community venues, supported by her parents who recognized and nurtured her abilities from a young age. She sang regularly in these settings, honing her vocal skills amid a church upbringing that emphasized communal expression. At age 12, around 2001, Thomas began teaching herself to play the guitar and piano, drawing inspiration from artists like , whose work motivated her to cover songs and explore instrumentation independently. She also cited as a key influence, accessing music via burned CDs despite limited media exposure at home, which shaped her initial songwriting experiments, including raps and original compositions by her high school freshman year. A devoted listener of hip hop and pop genres, Thomas fused these styles to develop a distinctive sound early on, setting the foundation for her approach while attending in . This self-directed phase reflected her ambition, as she declared at age 12 her intent to win a Grammy, prioritizing personal creativity over formal training.

Career

Early independent efforts (2009–2012)

During her time as a telecommunications student at in , Tiara Thomas began independently writing and recording original songs around 2009, leveraging her self-taught guitar skills developed since age 12 to craft R&B-infused tracks inspired by artists like and Prince. She promoted her early demos through personal networks and , focusing on raw, introspective about relationships and personal struggles, though no formal singles or mixtapes were commercially released during this initial phase. In early 2010, during a spring break trip to with friends, Thomas encountered rapper Wale and Le'Greg O. Harrison—founders of the management entity The Board Administration—at a , where she handed them a demo tape, marking a pivotal shift from solitary creation to industry exposure. This led to her debut feature on "The Cloud," a track from Wale's More About Nothing, released on August 10, 2010, which showcased her layered vocals over atmospheric production and garnered attention within underground hip-hop circles. By 2011, Thomas signed a developmental deal with The Board Administration, enabling her to open for Wale's performances and amplify her presence through YouTube freestyles and Twitter campaigns, including a November 2010 freestyle video that highlighted her improvisational style. She continued independent songwriting, notably crafting "Bad"—an original composition about relational flaws that she uploaded to YouTube as a solo demo—before adapting it for Wale's use, while balancing college commitments and occasional local collaborations like a 2012 remix appearance on Kelson Camp's "Drank In My Cup." These efforts built a grassroots following but remained confined to mixtape features and digital platforms, without major label backing or chart success until later.

Breakthrough and mainstream exposure (2013–2015)

Thomas gained mainstream recognition in early 2013 through her collaboration with rapper Wale on the single "Bad," which she co-wrote, co-produced, and provided vocals for. The track, initially featured on Wale's November 2012 mixtape Folarin, was officially released as the lead single from his album The Gifted on February 5, 2013. Its accompanying music video, directed by Laddie Gale, premiered on March 20, 2013, contributing to the song's visibility. "Bad" achieved commercial success, peaking at number 21 on the and receiving platinum certification from the RIAA for over one million units sold. The collaboration marked Thomas's entry into national prominence, as she had approached Wale with a demo after meeting him at an club, leading to the joint creation of the song inspired by Trillville's "Some Cut." This exposure followed her independent efforts and positioned her as an emerging R&B talent, though she clarified she was not signed to Wale's label and secured her own opportunities post-release. Capitalizing on the momentum, Thomas independently released her debut EP Dear on October 8, 2013, consisting of five tracks including the title song critiquing student loans. The project showcased her guitar skills and songwriting, developed during her college years, and was produced with input from . Despite the buzz from "Bad," the EP maintained an independent vibe, reflecting her versatility beyond the hit collaboration. By 2015, Thomas continued building her profile with the release of the nine-track EP Up In Smoke on August 12, featuring songs like "Get Blowed" and "Mary Jane" that highlighted her confident, unapologetic style and blend of R&B with hip-hop influences. The project, self-released, emphasized themes of independence and sensuality, receiving coverage for its bold expression amid her evolving solo career. Performances at events like the Broccoli City Festival in April 2015 further solidified her presence in live R&B circuits during this period.

Independent evolution and songwriting focus (2016–2023)

Following the release of her 2015 EP , Thomas pursued independent projects emphasizing her self-taught guitar skills and introspective lyricism. In March 2017, she issued the five-track EP Don't Mention My Name, a predominantly acoustic collection featuring raw, stripped-down arrangements that highlighted her and personal storytelling, including covers and originals like the title track. The EP, distributed via platforms like and streaming services, reflected her desire to return to foundational R&B elements without major-label backing, prioritizing authenticity over commercial production. Thomas continued this trajectory with the seven-track EP FWMM (an for "Fuckin' With My Mind") on March 19, 2018, which explored themes of emotional turmoil and self-discovery through wavy, guitar-driven tracks such as "I Need." Self-produced elements underscored her evolution as a multifaceted capable of blending soulful with subtle production, marking a deliberate pivot toward creative control amid a cooling solo presence in mainstream charts. These releases, though not charting highly, solidified her niche following among R&B enthusiasts valuing unpolished craftsmanship over polished hits. By the late 2010s, Thomas increasingly channeled her talents into songwriting and production for other artists, co-authoring tracks that achieved greater commercial and critical acclaim. She contributed nine songs to H.E.R.'s 2021 album Back of My Mind, including the platinum-certified "Slide" featuring YG and the introspective "Damage." This collaboration extended to co-writing H.E.R.'s protest anthem "I Can't Breathe," which earned Thomas a Grammy Award for Song of the Year in 2021, recognizing its lyrical depth on social justice without overt politicization. Her behind-the-scenes work also encompassed credits on Mary J. Blige's "Good Morning Gorgeous" (2022) and various cuts for artists like John Legend, demonstrating a strategic focus on high-impact writing that leveraged her guitar proficiency and narrative precision. Thomas toured globally with H.E.R. during this era, further embedding her influence in live R&B circuits while prioritizing collaborative output over solo promotion. This phase represented a maturation from performer to architect of hits, yielding verifiable successes like Grammy recognition amid a landscape favoring established voices.

Recent releases and collaborations (2024–present)

In 2024, Thomas independently released the single "Keep Going," a motivational track emphasizing perseverance amid personal challenges. She also contributed vocals to "ONE NITE," a collaboration with rapper Lekan, highlighting her continued involvement in feature appearances within the R&B and hip-hop spheres. Transitioning into 2025, Thomas issued "Kiss Me" on July 31, a lighthearted, flirtatious single accompanied by an official directed by herself, signaling a shift toward more playful and self-directed visual content. This was followed by "A Hug" in early September, released with a video on September 4 that explores themes of and closure, marking a departure from prior high-energy collaborations toward introspective solo work. On September 26, 2025, Thomas reunited with longtime creative partner H.E.R. for "Move," their first official joint release after years of co-writing hits like "Damage" and "Intimidated." The downtempo track, distributed via ONErpm, features lyrics focused on establishing boundaries and self-preservation in relationships, blending Thomas's raw vocal delivery with H.E.R.'s harmonies to underscore their enduring synergy in contemporary R&B production. These releases reflect Thomas's focus on independent distribution and thematic evolution, prioritizing vulnerability and empowerment without major label backing.

Songwriting and production work

Key collaborations with other artists

Thomas has established her most extensive songwriting partnership with , co-writing tracks such as "Avenue" from H.E.R.'s 2016 debut EP Vol. 1, "I Can't Breathe" released in June 2020 which earned a Grammy Award for Song of the Year in 2021, and "" from H.E.R.'s 2021 album Back of My Mind that peaked at number 31 on the Hot 100. Their collaboration extended to "Slide" featuring YG, which reached number 52 on the Hot 100, and "Come Through" featuring from the same album. In September 2025, Thomas and released "Move," an empowering single highlighting their ongoing creative synergy that began with organic sessions. Her breakthrough as a performer and co-writer came through the single "Bad" with Wale, where she provided the featured vocals and co-authored the ; the track peaked at number 21 on the and number one on the chart. This collaboration marked Thomas's entry into mainstream recognition, stemming from earlier joint work on Wale's 2010 mixtape More About Nothing. Thomas has also co-written for established artists including Mary J. Blige's "" from the 2022 album of the same name, which charted at number 76 on the Hot 100, and tracks for and . Additional credits encompass songs for ("Situationships"), Fat Joe ("Another Day" featuring and ), Bryson Tiller, JoJo, and Rico Love, demonstrating her versatility across R&B and hip-hop.

Notable credits and industry impact

Thomas co-wrote H.E.R.'s "I Can't Breathe," which received the Grammy Award for Song of the Year at the on March 14, 2021. She also contributed lyrics to H.E.R.'s "Fight for You," featured on the soundtrack, earning the Academy Award for Best Original Song on April 25, 2021. Additional credits with H.E.R. include "Damage" from the 2021 album Back of My Mind, which peaked at number 29 on the , and "Slide," reaching number 54 on the same chart. Her songwriting extends to Mary J. Blige's "Good Morning Gorgeous" from the 2022 album of the same name, as well as tracks for Bryson Tiller, Fabolous, JoJo, Rico Love, and Fat Joe. Thomas has collaborated directly with H.E.R. on her 2025 single "Move," released September 27, 2025, marking a continuation of their creative partnership. In the R&B industry, Thomas's credits have established her as a versatile writer blending rap-infused rhythms with soulful vulnerability, influencing a shift toward genre-hybrid tracks that prioritize emotional authenticity over conventional structures. Her Grammy and Oscar wins underscore a rare crossover success for behind-the-scenes contributors, elevating the visibility of songwriters in award narratives and encouraging raw, narrative-driven compositions amid commercial pressures. This impact is evident in her sustained demand for cuts with established artists, fostering a model where independent evolution precedes mainstream validation.

Personal life

Relationships and privacy

Thomas has maintained strict privacy regarding her romantic relationships, with no confirmed partners or dating history publicly disclosed in reputable sources as of October 2025. In a 2018 interview, she alluded to past "bad ass relationships" that caused emotional pain and informed her songwriting, but provided no specifics on individuals involved. This reticence aligns with her broader emphasis on personal autonomy, as expressed in discussions of self-discovery and avoiding rigid labels in her life. Professional collaborations, such as her long-standing friendship and studio work with H.E.R. since the latter's teenage years, have occasionally been highlighted, but these remain platonic and career-focused. Her approach reflects a deliberate choice to shield intimate details from media scrutiny, prioritizing artistic output over personal revelation.

Public statements on sexuality and identity

In a 2015 MTV News interview, Thomas discussed her sexuality in relation to lyrics from her song "193," where she referenced being "bi as hell," explaining it as an expression of personal experiences without rigid categorization. She emphasized artistic freedom over explicit personal disclosure, noting that such elements in her music reflect lived realities rather than a definitive label. By 2018, amid the release of her EP FWM My Mind and the video for "I Need"—featuring a female romantic interest—Thomas reiterated her reluctance to define her sexuality publicly. In a interview, she stated, "I'll never label my sexuality," arguing that media focus on such revelations often overshadows an artist's work, as "somebody comes out and then [the media] makes everything about that." Similarly, in a Vibe profile, she expressed frustration that discussions of sexuality could eclipse her music, preferring to integrate themes of sensuality and self-discovery into her songwriting without them dominating her narrative. Thomas has also addressed queer visibility, particularly for Black women in R&B. In a 2023 GLAAD interview, she highlighted the importance of representation for those exploring fluid identities, stating she appreciates broader depictions beyond binary labels like "gay," and advocated for self-love amid stigma. These comments align with her broader emphasis on personal autonomy, as seen in her avoidance of prescriptive terms and focus on experiential authenticity over public affirmation.

Musical style and influences

Genre blending and technical skills

Tiara Thomas blends R&B with elements of pop, hip hop, and urban sounds to create a distinctive style that avoids conventional genre boundaries. In describing her approach, she has stated, "I make a lot of sexy R&B music, but my style is to mix genres. Something that sounds urban but with a touch of pop; not straight-up R&B." This fusion is evident in tracks like her contribution to Wale's "Bad" (2013), which combined moody R&B introspection with hip hop rhythms, helping pioneer the "dark R&B" subgenre characterized by brooding, atmospheric production and raw emotional delivery. Her willingness to experiment across genres reflects influences from R&B, where she draws from vocalists who merged soulful melodies with pop accessibility. Technically, Thomas is a self-taught who began playing at age 12, using the instrument as a foundational tool for songwriting and composition. She frequently composes by strumming , as showcased in her 2018 EP Don't Mention My Name, a five-track acoustic project that highlighted her abilities as both performer and arranger without electronic augmentation. Vocally, she employs a versatile range suited to intimate, confessional styles, emphasizing breathy dynamics and harmonic layering over powerhouse belting, which aligns with her genre-mixing ethos. Thomas has also demonstrated production involvement, co-producing early hits and contributing to layered arrangements that integrate live with subtle electronic textures. These skills enable her to maintain artistic control, often starting from guitar-driven demos before expanding into fuller productions.

Inspirations from R&B traditions

Tiara Thomas's musical foundation draws heavily from R&B, a period she credits with shaping her early listening habits and artistic sensibilities. In a 2021 interview, she stated, "I was influenced by a lot of different styles. I listened to a lot of '90s R&B," emphasizing how this era's blend of smooth production, vocal runs, and narrative-driven lyrics informed her approach to songcraft. This tradition, characterized by artists who prioritized groove-oriented rhythms and personal storytelling over rigid genre boundaries, parallels Thomas's own efforts to fuse urban soul with pop accessibility in tracks like her contribution to Wale's "Bad" (2013). Specific inspirations include TLC, whose harmonious group dynamics and fusion of upbeat tempos with introspective themes influenced Thomas's balance of fun and emotional depth in her compositions. She has highlighted Brandy's vocal tone and technical precision as exemplars of R&B's expressive heritage, noting in 2014, "Brandy's tone is crazy," which spurred her self-taught guitar skills to emulate such nuanced delivery. Similarly, .Arie's neo-soul authenticity—rooted in acoustic and raw vocal —served as a primary motivator for Thomas's pursuits, reflecting broader R&B traditions of vulnerability and self-reliance in performance. These R&B roots extend to modern iterations, with John Legend's piano-driven soul ballads inspiring Thomas to incorporate live instrumentation and heartfelt lyricism, as she recalled covering his songs and attending his concert, which ignited her performance ambitions. Overall, Thomas channels these traditions into her "dark R&B" subgenre, preserving causal elements like rhythmic pulse and emotional candor while adapting them to contemporary themes of sensuality and resilience, evident in her Grammy-winning "Fight for You" (2022).

Reception and legacy

Critical assessments

Thomas's songwriting prowess has earned substantial industry validation, including a Grammy Award for Song of the Year in 2021 for co-writing H.E.R.'s "I Can't Breathe," recognized for its poignant social commentary on racial injustice, and an Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2021 for "Fight for You" from the film Judas and the Black Messiah, commended for its emotive delivery and thematic resonance with civil rights struggles. These accolades underscore critical appreciation for her ability to craft lyrics that blend personal introspection with broader cultural narratives, as evidenced by nominations and wins from peer-voted bodies prioritizing artistic merit over commercial metrics. Her solo output, such as the 2018 EP FWMM (Fucking With My Mind), has received favorable assessments from R&B-specialized outlets, with reviewers highlighting its raw exploration of sensuality, mental turmoil, and post-contract artistic liberation through hazy production and vulnerable verses. We Plug Good Music recommended the project for tracks like "I Need," praising Thomas's calm vocal delivery amid upbeat rhythms that convey a need for financial stability and inner peace. Leafly described FWMM as "absolute fire," attributing its strength to Thomas's unfiltered anthems drawn from lived experiences, marking a creative resurgence after exiting a restrictive deal. She Sounds Like Her noted its introspective vibes, appealing to fans of artists like Kehlani and Jhené Aiko for its wavy, alternative R&B aesthetic. Despite these endorsements, Thomas's independent releases have attracted minimal scrutiny from mainstream critics, with no dedicated reviews appearing on platforms like or beyond basic entries, potentially reflecting her emphasis on songwriting for others over solo promotion. Her breakout hook on Wale's 2013 single "Bad," which peaked at number 21 on the , drew attention for its relatable depiction of toxic relationships but elicited mixed commentary on her limited follow-through as a lead artist, as observed in niche blogs noting commercial promise unfulfilled by subsequent solo traction. This pattern suggests critical regard centers on her behind-the-scenes impact rather than performative visibility, prioritizing substantive contributions over hype-driven narratives.

Commercial performance and cultural influence

"Bad," featuring Thomas on Wale's 2013 single, peaked at number 21 on the chart. The track also reached number one on the R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart, marking Thomas's first entry at the summit of that format. It earned double platinum certification from the RIAA, equivalent to two million units sold or streamed in the United States. Thomas's solo releases, including her 2014 album Bad Influences and subsequent EPs like FWMM (2018), have achieved modest commercial traction primarily through digital streaming platforms rather than traditional chart dominance. Aggregate streams for tracks associated with Thomas exceed 2.99 billion across major services, though individual solo singles such as "One Night" and "Ride You Like A Wave" have accumulated under two million plays each on . No solo efforts have entered the Hot 100. As a songwriter, Thomas has exerted influence on modern R&B through credits on high-profile tracks, including co-writing 's platinum-certified "Slide" featuring YG and Grammy-winning "Fight for You." Her contributions to "I Can't Breathe," which won the 2021 Grammy for Song of the Year, amplified cultural conversations on racial justice following George Floyd's death, blending personal narrative with broader social commentary. Industry observers note her "pen game" as a key asset in shaping hits for artists like and , fostering genre-blended R&B that prioritizes emotional authenticity over formulaic production.

Awards and nominations

Grammy and Oscar recognitions

Tiara Thomas received the Song of the Year award at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards on March 14, 2021, for co-writing H.E.R.'s "I Can't Breathe," a protest song addressing racial injustice and police brutality. She earned a nomination for Best Song Written for Visual Media at the 64th Annual Grammy Awards in 2022 for "Fight for You," co-written with H.E.R. and Dernst Emile II for the film Judas and the Black Messiah. At the 65th Annual Grammy Awards on February 5, 2023, Thomas was nominated for Best R&B Song for contributing to the lyrics of Mary J. Blige's "Good Morning Gorgeous" from the album Good Morning Gorgeous (Deluxe). For the Academy Awards, Thomas won Best Original Song at the 93rd ceremony on April 25, 2021, for "Fight for You," which accompanies key scenes in Judas and the Black Messiah and thematically explores resilience amid systemic oppression. This marked her sole Oscar recognition to date, shared with co-writers H.E.R. and Dernst Emile II.

Other honors

Thomas received a nomination for Best Original Song at the 78th Golden Globe Awards in 2021 for co-writing "Fight for You" from the film Judas and the Black Messiah, alongside H.E.R. and Dernst Emile II. This recognition highlighted the song's thematic depth addressing social justice themes depicted in the film. Additionally, her feature vocal performance on Wale's "Bad," which she co-wrote, earned a double platinum certification from the RIAA in 2016, signifying over two million units sold or streamed in the United States. These accolades underscore her contributions to commercially successful R&B and hip-hop tracks beyond major ceremony wins.

Discography

Albums and EPs

Tiara Thomas has released four extended plays between 2013 and 2018, with no full-length studio albums as of October 2025.
TitleRelease dateNumber of tracksNotes
Dear Sallie MaeOctober 8, 20135Debut EP featuring tracks such as "Dear Sallie Mae" and "4 Dolla Bill"; total runtime approximately 19 minutes.
Up in SmokeAugust 12, 20159Independent release emphasizing themes of cannabis and sexual confidence, devoid of guest features or major-label production.
Don't Mention My NameMarch 28, 20175Acoustic project exploring past romances, including a cover of Case's "Touch Me Tease Me" and originals like "I'm Still at the Bar."
FWMMMarch 19, 20187Introspective set addressing heartache and mental entanglement (title expands to "Fucking With My Mind"), with tracks including "I Need" and "Sex Drive."

Singles as lead artist

Tiara Thomas's singles as a lead artist have primarily consisted of independent releases tied to her EPs or standalone tracks, with limited mainstream chart presence. Her early output followed the success of her featured role on Wale's "Bad," shifting focus to self-produced R&B material emphasizing personal and relational themes. The 2013 EP Dear Sallie Mae featured the title track "Dear Sallie Mae" as its lead offering, a raw critique of delivered over minimalist production. Later EPs such as Up in Smoke (2015) and FWMM (2018) included potential single tracks like "One Night" from the former, though without formal promotion as standalone releases. In July 2019, Thomas released the single "So Necessary," a sultry R&B cut highlighting her vocal range and self-written lyrics. This was followed by "Don't Talk Back" on October 14, 2022, an assertive track signaling her return amid songwriting commitments for other artists. Recent activity accelerated in 2024 with "Hit You Right Back" on February 27 and "Keep Going," both emphasizing resilient, groove-oriented R&B. In 2025, she issued "Kiss Me" on July 31, "A Hug" in early September, and "Move" (featuring H.E.R.) on September 27, the latter reuniting collaborators from prior writing sessions and previewing her debut album.
TitleRelease dateFormat/Notes
Dear Sallie MaeOctober 2013EP title track
So NecessaryJuly 12, 2019Standalone single
Don't Talk BackOctober 14, 2022Standalone, album preview
Hit You Right BackFebruary 27, 2024Standalone
Keep Going2024Standalone
Kiss MeJuly 31, 2025Standalone
A HugSeptember 2025Standalone
Move (feat. H.E.R.)September 27, 2025Standalone
Thomas first achieved widespread recognition as the featured vocalist on Wale's "Bad" from his 2013 album The Gifted, a track she co-wrote and co-produced that topped the US Hot Rap Songs chart. She also appeared as a featured on Wale's earlier track "The Cloud" from More About Nothing (2010). Additional featured vocal credits include "Situationships" on Fabolous's 2019 project Summertime Shootout 3: Coldest Summer Ever and "High Enough" on Kingdom's 2015 album Neurofire. As a songwriter, Thomas has amassed over 40 credits, with notable contributions to H.E.R.'s catalog, including co-writing nine tracks on the 2021 album Back of My Mind such as "Damage" and "Come Through," as well as the singles "Slide" (peaking at number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100) and its remix featuring Pop Smoke, A Boogie wit da Hoodie, and Chris Brown. She co-wrote H.E.R.'s "Fight for You" for the 2021 film Judas and the Black Messiah, which won the Academy Award for Best Original Song, and "I Can't Breathe," a 2020 protest anthem. Thomas also received a writing credit on Mary J. Blige's "Good Morning Gorgeous" from the 2022 album of the same name, which reached number 58 on the Billboard Hot 100. Other credits include collaborations with artists like Tone Stith on his 2021 EP FWM.

References

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  22. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbbSQvorh9g
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  26. https://starlightpr1.com/blog-detail/Wale%25E2%2580%2599s-7-Biggest-Hits
  27. https://thedrop.fm/tiara-thomas-clears-up-wale-situation-sallie-mae/
  28. https://ratedrnb.com/2013/09/tiara-thomas-talks-working-rico-love-new-ep/
  29. https://www.xxlmag.com/tiara-thomas-interview/
  30. https://www.rap-up.com/article/2015/08/12/new-music-tiara-thomas-up-in-smoke-ep
  31. https://www.deluxmag.com/album-review-up-in-smoke-ep/
  32. https://worldredeye.com/2013/05/tiara-thomas-at-bamboo/
  33. https://ratedrnb.com/2017/03/stream-tiara-thomas-new-ep-dont-mention-name/
  34. https://music.apple.com/us/album/dont-mention-my-name-ep/1220195985
  35. https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/454287-tiara-thomas-dont-mention-my-name-ep-stream-new-mixtape
  36. https://ratedrnb.com/2018/03/tiara-thomas-shares-new-ep-fwmm/
  37. https://music.apple.com/us/album/fwmm/1359146830
  38. https://www.rap-up.com/article/2018/03/19/tiara-thomas-fwmm-ep-stream
  39. https://www.wepluggoodmusic.com/wpgm-recommends-tiara-thomas-fwmm-ep-review/
  40. https://www.songwriteruniverse.com/tiara-thomas-songwriter-interview-2022/
  41. https://music.apple.com/sl/artist/tiara-thomas/626936313
  42. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FzjFfHQat1Q
  43. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8AxefRfCcY
  44. https://www.antimusic.com/p/25/0904tiara_thomas_delivers_a_hug_with_new_video.shtml
  45. https://ratedrnb.com/2025/09/tiara-thomas-h-e-r-song-move/
  46. https://youknowigotsoul.com/tiara-thomas-h-e-r-reunite-for-new-single-move
  47. https://wtlcfm.com/4123458/from-indy-to-the-industry-tiara-thomas-pen-game-is-legendary/
  48. https://www.whosdatedwho.com/dating/tiara-thomas
  49. https://ratedrnb.com/2018/04/tiara-thomas-talks-fwmm-ep-and-working-with-her/
  50. https://www.vibe.com/features/editorial/tiara-thomas-interview-585410/
  51. https://www.billboard.com/culture/pride/tiara-thomas-talks-i-need-video-never-label-sexuality-8455045/
  52. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gIv9ZiQCheA
  53. https://glaad.org/grammy-and-oscar-winning-tiara-thomas-waxes-poetic-about-queer-visibility-and-self-love/
  54. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILXLfpEouxU
  55. https://www.thisisrnb.com/2022/10/grammy-and-oscar-winning-singer-songwriter-tiara-thomas-makes-fans-feel-powerful-and-sexy-with-new-single-dont-talk-back/
  56. https://hubpages.com/entertainment/Tiara-Thomas-Shining-in-the-Darkness
  57. https://www.indianapolismonthly.com/arts-and-culture/indys-tiara-thomas-is-halfway-to-an-egot/
  58. https://www.vibe.com/news/entertainment/tiara-thomas-bad-influences-interview-album-239045/
  59. https://pitchfork.com/news/her-wins-best-original-song-at-oscars-2021/
  60. https://ratedrnb.com/2022/12/tiara-thomas-the-underdog-interview/
  61. https://www.leafly.com/news/lifestyle/new-rise-of-tiara-thomas
  62. https://shesoundslikeher.com/home/2018/3/21/new-music-tiara-thomas-fwmm
  63. https://www.allmusic.com/album/fwmm-mw0003186002
  64. https://kelandmelreviews.com/2017/03/30/tiara-thomas-dont-mention-my-name/
  65. https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100/2013-07-06/
  66. https://www.billboard.com/pro/chart-highlights-wale-tiara-thomas-rule-rbhip-hop-airplay/
  67. https://hiphopdx.com/news/wale-receives-multiple-certifications-from-riaa/
  68. https://songstats.com/artist/tb2m0iza/tiara-thomas?source=overview
  69. https://www.grammy.com/artists/tiara-thomas/287533
  70. https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/2021
  71. https://www.grammy.com/news/her-best-original-song-2021-oscars-fight-you-judas-black-messiah
  72. https://genius.com/artists/Tiara-thomas/albums
  73. https://music.apple.com/us/album/dear-sallie-mae-ep/1445030896
  74. https://genius.com/albums/Tiara-thomas/Dear-sallie-mae-ep
  75. https://thisisrnb.com/2015/08/new-music-tiara-thomas-up-in-smoke-ep/
  76. https://genius.com/albums/Tiara-thomas/Don-t-mention-my-name
  77. https://genius.com/albums/Tiara-thomas/Fwmm
  78. https://www.billboard.com/artist/tiara-thomas/
  79. https://ratedrnb.com/2013/06/tiara-thomas-inks-deal-with-interscope-records/
  80. https://open.spotify.com/track/50u8bMcV8rUdAKNZjWQmcK
  81. https://music.apple.com/us/album/so-necessary-single/1472962471
  82. https://ratedrnb.com/2022/10/tiara-thomas-says-dont-talk-back-on-new-song/
  83. https://www.qobuz.com/us-en/interpreter/tiara-thomas/1222932
  84. https://musicboard.app/artist/tiara-thomas/releases
  85. https://music.apple.com/us/artist/tiara-thomas/626936313
  86. https://genius.com/artists/Tiara-thomas
  87. https://www.allmusic.com/artist/mn0002415335
  88. https://artists.spotify.com/songwriter/2b4ZgjD6AdOqtv34Q3wuPR
  89. https://variety.com/2021/music/news/her-music-egot-grammys-fight-for-you-1234996423/
  90. https://www.discogs.com/artist/2347093-Tiara-Thomas
  91. https://ratedrnb.com/2021/06/front-and-center-tone-stith/
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