Charleston-native defies musical genres with release of ‘Stay Strong,’ looks to ‘do the impossible’ in 2025

By Matthew Young, RealWV

This article was originally published by Real WV. Donate Here.

“We’re gonna do the impossible, that’s what’s getting ready to happen – I’m gonna do the impossible.”

Those words were spoken by Charleston-native and Source Magazine’s 2025 “Artist to Watch” Stephen Thomas last week, during a conversation with RealWV. From his humble roots in Christian music, all the way to Grammy consideration on five separate occasions, Thomas’ genre-defying style and relatable sound makes both he and his music feel like an old, familiar friend. 

“With God, all things are possible,” Thomas said. “At the end of the day, I know that, and we’re gonna do the impossible.”

Thomas – whose video for his song “Stay Strong” was just released last week and has already amassed nearly 75,000 streams – is preparing to release even more new music in March, and then again in May. 

“Then I have an EP (extended play) coming out called ‘The Universal Me,’” Thomas added. “This EP is gonna showcase five different genres on one project. So we’re getting ready to surprise a lot of people.”

With “Stay Strong,” Thomas explores more rock-beats and pop-hooks than in his previous hip hop-oriented offerings, and the song’s optimistic lyrics and catchy chorus make it the perfect feel-good banger for the shower or the car. And while Thomas has slid masterfully into the world of pop-rock, he still has more worlds to conquer.

Early next month, Thomas will be traveling to Atlanta, Georgia to film three music videos, all of which are scheduled for release later this year. 

“One of the videos – a lot of people don’t know, but I’ve had a country song ready for the past year,” Thomas said. “I’ve been sitting on it, just waiting. We sent it out to the PR team, and we got some responses. They were like, ‘Hey, when are we getting a full country album?’”

While Thomas seemed hesitant at the thought of releasing a full-length country album, he expects to have covered at least seven different musical genres by the end of the year. 

With “Back Home,” a song and video released last May, Thomas seamlessly combines an authentic-yet-edgier vocal style with an early 2000’s rhythm accompaniment to create a far more alternative pop-rock sound. “Back Home” was well-received by listeners, and eventually reached number two on the iTunes charts. 

“Where do you hear of an artist being able to say they’re from Charleston, West Virginia, and they receive a plaque for hitting number two on the iTunes charts?” Thomas asked. “Not only that, I’ve been considered for five Grammy Awards, and now, here we are, because of ‘Back Home,’ I’ve now become a top 70 radio-charting artist all over the United States. That’s a blessing – it truly is.”

“There’s not many that can say they’re from West Virginia and be able to have that opportunity to have those accolades,” Thomas said. “And I humbly say that – I respectfully say that. It’s a blessing. It’s not the norm.”

“We still have a lot of work to do,” Thomas added. “But to have songs that are taking off, like ‘Stay Strong’ and ‘Back Home,’ and crossing over to the rock and alternative-era with the music – and to be going into pop this year – and then of course getting ready to go country this year as well. I’m also getting ready to hit two more new genres of music.”

Though he has been performing professionally for 15 years, Thomas first gained notice after signing with Skeelo Muiki/SONY Red in 2013. However, his 2016 breakout single, “Best Days,” was released through Creative Hearts Entertainment. A pure hip hop track, “Best Days” also reached number two on the iTunes charts. 

“I started out in Christian music, then I crossed over into hip hop,” Thomas explained. “Me and DJ Unk just did the remake of the old school Charlie Wilson Gap Band (song) ‘Outstanding.’”

“The owner of ‘Outstanding’ by the Gap Band was the one who gave his stamp of approval for us to do this remake because he liked the song so much,” Thomas added. “His name is Ray Calhoun. He was the drummer for The Gap Band back in ‘83, and played music with Charlie Wilson for all those years.”

Anthony Platt, known professionally as DJ Unk, was an Atlanta-based rapper. Known for his 2006 breakout hit “Walk it Out,” DJ Unk sadly died of a heart attack last Friday. The husband and father was just 43-years-old. 

While Thomas spoke with RealWV before learning of Unk’s passing, through a post on social media, Thomas said, “We had so much more work to do, but I’m still going to push ‘Outstanding’ for us because that’s what you wanted for us both.I know you wanted to see me win, my guy. I love you, family. Rest easy Legend Anthony Platt.”

Stephen Thomas’ music is available for streaming on Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, and YouTube. Stephen Thomas can also be found on Instagram, at stephentmusic.