Bad Boy Records CEO Sean "Diddy" Combs Biggie checked out one of Carl’s open-mic performances and signed him to their label in '97. Thomas was first recording only as a featured artist on “The World is Filled” (feat. Biggie, Puff Daddy, and Too Short), “Chicken Heads” (feat. Lil Cease) and the “Been Around [Remix]” (feat. Puff Daddy and Ma$e).

Carl Thomas' major label debut Emotional went platinum with a title track of the same name, which reached No. 18 and No. 8 on the R&B charts respectively.

Thomas' track "I Wish" is the title of his number-one R&B single. The hit song spent six wonderful weeks at No. 1 on the US R&B chart, setting the stage for his debut album “Emotional”.

After the beautiful success and recognition from "I Wish", the album's other single, "Summer Rain" was featured on the Samuel Jackson featured movie “Shaft” soundtrack.

In 2002, Thomas was nominated for a Grammy for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal for "Can’t Believe," by Faith Evans featuring Carl Thomas.

The second album, Let’s talk About It, went gold scoring favorable reviews on singles "She Is" (featuring L.L. Cool J) and "Make It Alright".

The new album entitled “Conquer” debuted the first single "Don’t Kiss Me", which featured Snoop Dogg and was written and produced by Rico Love. 

Carl Thomas has gotten back to the stage with his Bad Boy fam on the Bad Boy Reunion tour.