In a music industry increasingly shaped by algorithms and category constraints, one Charleston, West Virginia native is carving out an entirely new path. Stephen Thomas, a five-time Grammy-considered artist and recently named an “Artist to Watch in 2025” by The Source, has released what he calls his most ambitious project yet: The Universal Me. This five-track EP defies conventional boundaries by weaving together R&B, country, pop, hip-hop, and alt-rock into a fearless exploration of love, heartbreak, resilience, and self-discovery.
Thomas has long been a pioneer of what he terms the “Universal genre”, an ever-evolving sonic approach that reflects his belief that music isn’t about fitting into a box but about being free enough to tell your story authentically. His new project continues that philosophy while elevating it to bold new heights.
A Project Without Borders
The Universal Me dropped with immediate impact, earning over 130,000 streams within hours of its release and continuing to climb toward the millions. For Thomas, the project represents more than just musical experimentation; it’s a declaration of identity.
“I realized I was cutting off parts of myself by staying in one lane,” he shared. “Once I stopped worrying about expectations and started creating freely, I found real freedom. This project is me owning every side of who I am: hip-hop, R&B, rock, country, pop, and proving that music has no limits when it comes from the heart.”
That freedom has fueled both viral and critical success. Singles like “Back Home”, which landed in the Top 60 on Active Rock Radio and scored half a million TikTok views in 24 hours, and “Stay Strong”, a heartfelt tribute to military personnel and autoimmune warriors, have cemented Thomas as an artist who can resonate across vastly different audiences.
Storytelling Through Many Lenses
The EP spans a wide emotional range. “Breaking Hearts” offers a raw breakup anthem, while “Come Home to Me” draws directly from Nashville storytelling traditions layered with Thomas’s R&B roots. His Charleston upbringing plays a pivotal role in how he bridges these influences.
“Growing up in West Virginia, country music was always around me,” Thomas explained. “My dad loved Randy Travis, and I grew up remixing records from Carrie Underwood and Darius Rucker. Blending that storytelling with my R&B vibe just felt natural. It’s part of who I am. That authenticity anchors every track, no matter the genre it leans into.”
Respecting Roots, Rewriting Chapters
Thomas’s versatility is showcased through collaborations and creative risks. His track “Outstanding” with DJ Unk pays tribute to The Gap Band classic while adding modern swagger, while “Strange Love” dives into the complexities of modern relationships.
“For me, it’s about respecting the roots while rewriting the chapter,” he said. “I never copy styles; I study their DNA and then let my own story shape the sound. The goal is always to be both relatable and unique.”
It’s this approach that earns him comparisons to artists as diverse as MGK, Jelly Roll, Carrie Underwood, and Shaboozey, all while remaining distinctly his own voice.
Viral Moments and Real Connection
Thomas’s success is not only a product of artistic innovation but also his ability to connect emotionally. His viral moments, like the explosive reception of “Back Home”, are driven by genuine storytelling.
“Music heals and speaks when words fail,” he reflected. “When you’re authentic and unapologetically different, listeners connect in a way they’ve never experienced before.”
Social media amplifies that authenticity, allowing Thomas to share not just his songs but the stories behind them, bridging audiences across genres.
Pioneering the Universal Genre
Named an “Artist to Watch in 2025” and featured across MTV, Revolt TV, Vibe, and major editorial playlists on Spotify, Amazon Music, and Tidal, Thomas has proven that his Universal genre resonates far beyond a niche experiment.
“The future of music is limitless,” he emphasized. “Listeners don’t care about boxes the way the industry used to, they just want to feel something real. That’s what The Universal Me is about: creating without borders so the music can meet people wherever they are.”
His advice to other artists is equally fearless: “Respect the roots, but don’t let fear keep you in a lane that doesn’t feel true. Real music always finds its audience.”
A Roadmap for the Future
From his early signing with SkeeloMusik/Sony RED in 2013 to his current home at Creative Hearts Entertainment, Stephen Thomas has consistently chosen authenticity over conformity. His national touring career, red carpet appearances at events like the BET Live Experience, and global media exposure are testaments to his staying power.
The Universal Me is more than a genre-bending EP; it’s a philosophy that challenges both industry norms and listener expectations. Thomas’s journey proves that refusing to be categorized doesn’t limit success; it can expand it.
As he continues pioneering his Universal genre, his path from Charleston to national recognition offers a compelling roadmap for the next generation of boundary-pushing artists. In a world where music often risks becoming formulaic, Stephen Thomas stands as a reminder that authenticity and courage remain the most powerful tools for creating lasting impact.
