Ro James is back with new music. The Grammy-nominated singer has released a new single, “Platonic,” via TTT Records.
Produced by his longtime collaborator Brady Watt, “Platonic” hears Ro singing about a deepening bond with a special person’s mind and soul rather than their body. It speaks to building a friendship as the foundation of a potential relationship before taking things further.
“‘Cause we keep it platonic / Could be the one for me / Best part of my day, match my energy / Let’s take over the world, you’re the sun for me,” James sings over a warm bassline that’s coupled with a delicate piano.
Speaking on “Platonic,” James shared, “Created this [with] my bro/producer Brady Watt. Wanted to explore the concept of connection without having to be physical and highlighting the beauty of platonic friendships.”
Watt wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “This is our first official release together again since our R&B classic ‘A.D.I.D.A.S.‘ that we recorded in my room in Harlem 10 years ago and changed our lives.”
“Platonic” is Ro James’ first musical release since his 2020 sophomore album, MANTIC. The 15-track set, released on ByStorm Entertainment/RCA Records, included singles such as “Excuse Me,” “Touchy Feely,” “Last Time” and “Too Much” featuring Miguel. The album also included features from Brandy (“Plan B“) and Masego (“Slow Down”).
In a 2020 interview with Rated R&B, Brandy discussed working on “Plan B.” ” Ro James has been so supportive over the years. He’s been to many of my studio sessions just hearing the new music and giving his opinion, so it’s only right he came by one of the sessions and played me ‘Plan B,’” Brandy said.
She added, “It was kind of already done. He was like, ‘What can you do on it?’ I was like, ‘Let me just sing around you, add some harmonies and put a bunch of ghost vocals on the song.’ And that’s what happened. I love what he allowed me to do. It’s a beautiful song.”
MANTIC was ranked No. 2 on Rated R&B’s 30 Best R&B Albums of 2020 list. “Although MANTIC flew under the radar commercially, it still adds to the seeds James has been planting over the years that will eventually bloom into the flowers he will receive in the future,” wrote Keithan Samuels.
In 2017, Ro James released his debut album, ELDORADO. The album included the hit lead single, “Permission,” which was nominated for Best R&B Performance at the 59th Grammy Awards. “Permission,” produced by Soundz, reached No. 1 on Billboard’s R&B Songs chart (now referred to as Adult R&B Airplay).
Stream Ro James’ new song “Platonic” below.
