In 2011, T. Mills signed a deal to Columbia Records. After signing a deal, he began the 7-month recording on his second album. He done recorded 140 songs, narrowing it down to 10, and has decided it to release it as the 10-track free project to the fans.[1] On July 22, 2011, Mills released the 10-track free project, titled Leaving Home serving as a mixtape, no guest appearances. It features production from Noel Zancanella, Omen, AudioBlack, The Futuristics, Colin Munroe and Phonix, among others.[2] On December 6, 2011, Mills announced that he would be releasing the five-track EP, with its same name as his mixtape through Columbia Records. The EP's lead single, called "Vans On" was released on December 12, 2011, along with the promotional single from the EP, called "The Boom".[3] Mills' Leaving Home EP was made available for retailed stores on December 13, 2011.[4][5] He performed at Los Angeles's The Roxy for the Leaving Home EP release show on December 15, 2011.[6] The EP was released only for free in a short time on December 19, 2011,[7] however, the EP was officially released on January 13, 2012.[8][9] The production was handled by Sir Nolan, The Stereotypes, Colin Munroe and The Futuristics, among others.[3][6]