Born in Stuttgart, West Germany, James is of Panamanian[1] and African-American[2] descent. Throughout his childhood, James would sing regularly, but never in public.[3] He eventually moved to New York where he was influenced by his aunt Rosie Gaines, a former singer for Prince.[4] His love for the album Purple Rain landed him in a studio at the age of 19.[4] His skills as a songwriter began with the song "Portrait", leading up to a credit on the single "Use Me" by R&B singer Miguel[5] after forming a bond with him on MySpace.[6]
James performed in and around New York with artists such as Luke James and Wynter Gordon. In 2013 he released his first EP, a three-part entitled Coke, Jack and Cadillacs. Each part represented important themes in his life - first love, first drink, first car.[3] The EP featured songs that included "A.D.I.D.A.S." and "Pledge Allegiance". It also featured Asher Roth on the song "Lisa".[7] James signed with ByStorm Entertainment/RCA Records in 2015 and subsequently released "Permission", his first single from a major record label, reaching number 37 on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.[8] His debut album, Eldorado was released May 27, 2016. It debuted at number 71 on the US Billboard 200[9] and at number eight on the US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums.[10] It subsequently earned him his first nomination for Best R&B Performance at the 59th Grammy Awards in February 2017.
^Gold, Johnson (April 6, 2017). "PAUSE Meets: Ro James". PAUSE Online | Men's Fashion, Street Style, Fashion News & Streetwear. Archived from the original on June 12, 2021. Retrieved June 12, 2021.
