R&B singer Crystal Tamar turns an unexpected love story into music with her new single, “Playtime,” released Oct. 23 on major streaming platforms.
Produced by Grammy Award-winning producer Young Fyre, whose credits include Bad Bunny, Lil Wayne and Kehlani, the track draws from 1990s R&B while giving Tamar room to showcase more of her vocal range.
Co-written with artist and songwriter Corey Mekell, “Playtime” grew from Tamar’s realization that her ideas about love and marriage changed after meeting the man who became her husband.
“I was pretty sure that I had my future all planned out and knew what I wanted in a lifelong partner,” Tamar said. “And skkrrtt—real love showed up and changed everything! Turns out I was playing around all along.”
The song began taking shape during a spring 2025 studio session after Young Fyre asked Tamar how she met her husband. The conversation inspired lyrics centered on love arriving outside of a person’s expectations.
Musically, “Playtime” combines violins, keys, and layered harmonies with influences from 1990s R&B groups such as Jodeci.
The single follows Tamar’s June release, “Whachoo Doin?!,” but moves in another emotional direction. While the earlier song approached modern dating with confidence, “Playtime” focuses on vulnerability, commitment, and the surprise of finding love where it was not expected.
The ballad also gives Tamar an opportunity to use a vocal range she has often reserved for gospel performances. “Playtime” is the second single from Tamar’s upcoming sophomore EP, “This Changes Everything,” expected in November.
Listen to “Playtime” by Crystal Tamar on your favorite platform.
