Career
Thomas began his acting career in 1998, with his first TV role, in an episode of Bill Cosby's ‘CBS’ comedy 'Kids Say the Darndest Things,' titled 'Oatmeal.' He subsequently played brief roles in TV projects such as 'Family Law' (as 'Lanny Brass'), 'City Guys' (as 'Jordan'), 'ER' (as 'Brian'), 'The Bernie Mac Show' (as 'Curtis'), 'Teachers' (as 'Patrick'), 'CSI: Crime Scene Investigation' (as 'Dante'), 'House' (as 'Kenny'), '90210,' 'Parenthood,' 'Sons of Anarchy' (as 'Frecks'), 'Bones' (as 'Marcos Herrera'), 'Shameless' (as 'Dylan Oswald'), 'Being Mary Jane' (as 'D-Razor'), and 'Major Crimes' (as 'Lewis Wilks').
He made his film debut with a brief appearance in the 2002 comedy 'Friday After Next.' He gained prominence with the 2003 'Disney' adventure comedy–drama film 'Holes,' in which he played one of the main characters, 'Hector ''Zero'' Zeroni,' opposite Shia LaBeouf.
Thomas had not read the book 'Holes,' authored by Louis Sachar, when he was cast for the film adaptation. To get into the skin of the character, he had to adapt to the desert climate. He underwent rigorous training sessions to condition his body for the role.
He wrote the theme song for 'Holes.' A few other cast members, too, helped him put together the track 'Dig It,' which was composed by him while he was traveling to the filming site. Thomas was nominated for the ‘Young Artist Award’ for the “Best Supporting Actor” for his performance.
Thomas recorded his first rap and R&B album in August 2003. That year, he also featured in the TV commercial for 'Pillsbury Toaster Strudel.'
He played supporting roles in a bunch of movies, such as 'Baadasssss!' (as 'Mario'), 'Going to the Mat' (as 'Vincent "Fly" Shu'), 'Walking Tall' (as 'Pete Vaughn' opposite Dwayne ''The Rock'' Johnson), 'Dirty' (as 'Splooge'), 'The Golden Blaze' (as 'Jason'/Sure Shot), 'Hurricane Season' (as 'David Willis,' opposite Taraji P. Henson), 'Breathe/III' (as 'Dante'), 'The Company We Keep' (as young 'Raheem'), 'Krews' (as 'Tom Tom'), 'Victor' (as 'Randy'), 'Soy Nero' (as 'Mohammed'), and 'We the Coyotes' (as 'Danny').
Thomas was cast as 'Mixed Mike,' one of the main roles in the 2005 comedy–drama film Roll Bounce,' starring alongside Bow Wow, Mike Epps, and Meagan Good. He was nominated for awards for playing the supporting role of 'Dylan' in the 2007 drama film 'Remember the Daze' (originally titled 'The Beautiful Ordinary') and the main character 'Cupcake' in the 2008 film 'Bob Funk.'
Thomas actively began his music career in 2005. It started with his long-term and successful association with American rapper, actor, and TV presenter Bow Wow. They began collaborating on projects produced by the rapper's label 'LBW.'
He was featured in Bow Wow's fifth studio album, 'The Price of Fame,' in 2006. He made guest appearances in Bow Wow's non-album single 'Bet That,' the 2009 album 'The Greenlight' (on 'Ain't I Freestyle' and 'Do I Love Her'), the music videos 'Fresh Azimiz' (2005) and 'Outta My System' (2007, featuring T-Pain and Johnta Austin), 'Pretty Lady' (2010), and 'For My Hood' (2010).
Continue Reading Below
Thomas also appeared in a version of the music video 'Fresh Azimiz' with rapper Mike Jones.
Thomas appeared in the supporting role of 'Gizmo' in the 2012 action film 'Boogie Town.' Toward the beginning of the year 2010, he collaborated with Soulja Boy's label 'SODMG Entertainment' but did not officially sign a deal with them.
His debut mixtape, titled 'The World Is a Cartoon,' was released on January 11, 2010. On August 12, he announced his debut album, 'Just a Sample,' through a ''tweet.'' The following month, Thomas revealed that his first single would be named 'Lights Out' and also announced his music label, 'Zero Unlimited.' He, however, later signed a contract with the independent music label 'The Plus Records.'
In September, Thomas shared the stage with Snoop Dogg and Ice Cube in California to open for the 'How the West Was One Tour.' He also released a teaser of the track 'Let Go,' featuring Frou Frou, from 'Just a Sample.'
On January 11, 2011, his mixtape titled 'The Next Episode,' produced under his label, hit the shelves. His song 'Anniversary' detailed the reasons for which he did not sign a contract with 'SODMG Entertainment.'
His debut single, 'Lights Out,' released on February 15 that year and was later used as his promotional single. On December 20 that year, Thomas terminated his contract with 'The Plus Records' and signed with the 'Executive Dream Music' (of 'Executive Music Group') distributed by 'Fontana.'
Three days later, he released his mixtape 'Slick Living,' which later became the title of his clothing line, too. That year, Thomas also released his self-designed necklace line, 'Love Wings.’
The music video of his single 'So Many Girls' released on March 6, 2012, and was featured at the 10th position on ‘BET's '106 & Park.'
On November 13, 2012, 'Executive Dream' released Thomas’s EP 'After Everything Fades,' created in collaboration with singer/rapper Chris Batson. He was also featured in Sofia Reyes's non-album single 'Now Forever,' released in 2013.
He has also appeared in commercials for brands such as 'Playstation 2: Backyard Games,' 'Adidas,' 'Reebok,' 'Pert Plus Shampoo,' and 'Nuveen.'
In 2013, Thomas launched his official clothing and lifestyle brand 'Slick Living Appearel,' under label 'Slick Living Inc.' The brand promotes personal growth, positivity, hard work, and dedication. 'Slick Living' has now become a household brand. It has expanded to 'Goddess Living Amongst Men' (GLAM), which is dedicated to women empowerment.
On December 28, 2014, his EP 'Raised in the 90's' was released on 'SoundCloud.' The following year, Thomas announced his mixtape 'The World Is a Cartoon: Episode 3,' under 'Slick Living.'
He was a 'Nike' representative in ‘NBA 2K19.’ He has hosted on 'RapTV,' 'All Def Digital,' and 'Trivia Mob.' He was also part of campaigns for 'Postmates,' Mike's Hard Lemonade,' and many other brands.
