Grammy-nominated artist Ro James has made his long-awaited return with the release of his new single, Platonic, via TTT Records. Produced by his frequent collaborator Brady Watt, the track marks James’ first official release since his 2020 album MANTIC and explores themes of emotional connection and platonic friendship.
Platonic delves into the importance of building a deep, non-physical bond as the foundation of a meaningful relationship. With warm basslines and delicate piano underscoring his smooth vocals, James sings about the power of emotional and intellectual compatibility: “’Cause we keep it platonic / Could be the one for me / Best part of my day, match my energy.” The song’s introspective lyrics emphasize the beauty of forming a connection rooted in friendship before exploring romantic possibilities.
Speaking about the song, Ro 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 echoed the sentiment, reflecting on their creative journey together. “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,” Watt wrote on social media.
Platonic arrives as James’ first release since MANTIC, his sophomore album released through ByStorm Entertainment/RCA Records in 2020. The 15-track project featured collaborations with artists such as Brandy (Plan B), Miguel (Too Much), and Masego (Slow Down). Singles like Excuse Me, Touchy Feely, and Last Time highlighted James’ signature blend of smooth R&B melodies and introspective storytelling. Although it flew under the radar commercially, MANTIC was critically acclaimed, earning the No. 2 spot on Rated R&B’s list of the 30 Best R&B Albums of 2020. Writer Keithan Samuels praised the album for its depth and vision, calling it a testament to the seeds James has been planting in his career.
James first made waves in 2016 with his debut album ELDORADO, which featured the breakout hit Permission. The song topped Billboard’s R&B Songs chart (now Adult R&B Airplay) and earned James a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Performance at the 59th Grammy Awards.
With Platonic, Ro James reintroduces himself as an artist who prioritizes meaningful storytelling and soulful melodies. The track offers a fresh perspective on relationships and highlights his growth as a musician. Fans can stream Platonic now on all major platforms, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the R&B star.
