Ne-Yo
Encyclopedia
Shaffer Chimere Smith, Jr. (born October 18, 1979), better known by his stage name Ne-Yo, is an American pop
and R&B
singer-songwriter, record producer, dancer and actor. Beginning his career as a songwriter, Ne-Yo penned the hit "Let Me Love You
" for singer Mario. The single's successful release in the United States prompted an informal meeting between Ne-Yo and Def Jam
's label head, and signing a recording contract.
In 2006, he released his debut album, In My Own Words
, which contained the US number one hit "So Sick
". Then in 2007, he released his second album, Because of You
, which contained the US top 3 hit, "Because of You
". In 2008, he released his third album, Year of the Gentleman
, which contained the top 10 hits "Closer
","Mad
" and "Miss Independent
". His fourth studio album, Libra Scale
, was released on November 22, 2010.
In 2009, Billboard ranked him as the 57th Artist of the 2000s decade. In addition to a successful recording career, Ne-Yo has amassed a catalog of chart-topping songs that he has written for other artists.
, and baptized as Shaffer Chimere Smith. "Chimere" is a name originating from the Igbo language
in Nigeria
meaning "God's Deed". His mother is a mix of African American
and Chinese
descent, and his father is African American; both were musicians. As a young child, he was raised by his mother alone after she separated from his father. In hopes of better opportunity, his mother relocated the family to Las Vegas
, Nevada
. While he was in the Las Vegas Academy, Smith adopted the stage name "GoGo" and joined an R&B group called Envy. The group disbanded in 2000, and Smith continued to write songs for other artists before starting his solo career.
, but, after recording his first album, was dropped from the label before he could even release it. American singer Marques Houston
happened to hear "That Girl
", which was supposed to be Ne-Yo's debut single
off his then-unreleased album. Houston rerecorded "That Girl" and released it as a single to his 2003 album MH
. The release of the song led to Ne-Yo being recognized as a top songwriter.
For the next two years, Ne-Yo continued writing songs, some of which have not been officially released. He contributed songs to American singer Teedra Moses
's 2004 album Complex Simplicity
, Christina Milian
's It's About Time
, and the American boy band Youngstown
, though all of which failed to give Ne-Yo much attention from the mainstream. Ne-Yo has also contributed songs to USA singers Mary J. Blige
, B2K
, Faith Evans
and Musiq
, among others.
Ne-Yo broke into the music industry after "Let Me Love You
", a song he wrote for American singer Mario, reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100
, and later stayed on the top spot for nine weeks. After the successful release, Tina Davis, former A&R representative for Def Jam Recordings
, arranged an informal meeting with label head L.A. Reid. Ne-Yo was not seeking a new contract, but, after he had performed for them, he was signed by rapper Jay-Z
, then-CEO of Def Jam.
"Ne-Yo" was coined by a producer, Ne-Yo once worked with, Big D Evans, because Evans claimed that Ne-Yo sees music as Neo
sees the matrix.
As a joke, Evans started calling him Ne-Yo until everybody was accustomed to it.
, through Def Jam. Boosted by its popular second single, "So Sick
", the album debuted at number one on Billboard 200
, selling over 301,000 copies in the first week. During the same week, the single had reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100
. Later singles released were "When You're Mad
" and "Sexy Love
", which peaked at number 15 and number 7, respectively. The album has been certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America
(RIAA) for a shipment of over one million units.
His second album, Because of You
, was released on May 1, 2007, and, fueled by its lead single, debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, selling 251,000 copies in the United States; the feat gave Ne-Yo his second number-one album. The first single from the platinum-selling album was the title track
, which peaked at the number-two spot. Despite the success of "Because of You", later singles released charted lower and were unable to reach the Top 20. The album has been certified platinum by RIAA for a shipment of over one million units. In December 2007, Ne-Yo and the Goo Goo Dolls
performed at a fund-raising concert for the then presidential candidate Senator Barack Obama
.
, was released internationally on August 5, 2008. Speaking to noted UK R&B writer Pete Lewis of the award-winning Blues & Soul
, Ne-Yo explained the thinking behind its title: "To me 'Year Of The Gentleman' is all about a persona, a swag and a charm. I made an assessment of the music business. And, in my personal opinion, the essence of the gentleman is absent right now. Everybody kinda looks the same, everybody's kinda doing the same thing, everybody's kinda rude and full of themselves. Whereas a gentleman is calm, courteous, kind, charming... So that title basically represents me trying to lead by example, and showing these cats what it is to be a gentleman in this business still."
The album sold 250,000 copies in its first week in the United States, debuting on the Billboard 200 at number two. Reviews for the album were positive: in one of which, Caryn Ganz of Rolling Stone magazine wrote that Year of the Gentleman is "actually a superb concept album about what a great boyfriend he [Ne-Yo] can be".
The first two singles, "Closer
" and "Miss Independent
", have peaked at number seven on the Billboard Hot 100. The album was nominated for Best Contemporary R&B Album
and Album of the Year
at the 2009 Grammy Awards
, "Closer" for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance
, and "Miss Independent" for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance
and Best R&B Song
. Year of the Gentleman has been certified platinum by RIAA for a shipment of more than one million copies. The third single, "Mad
", peaked at number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100
.
On September 2, 2009, Ne-Yo released greatest hits album Ne-Yo: The Collection
in Japan. The album was also released with a limited edition CD+DVD edition complete with the music videos of singles. It debuted at number four on Japan Oricon
weekly albums chart, selling 55,625 copies in the first week.
, on November 22, 2010. The first single, "Beautiful Monster
", premiered on May 25, 2010 and was released as a digital download on June 8, 2010 and reached number one on UK singles chart. On October 8, 2010, Ne-Yo performed some of his songs from the new album at P.C. Richard & Son Theater in New York City that was hosted by iheartradio
. Ne-Yo made an appearance at New York Comic Con to announce he was collaborating with Stan Lee for a Libra Scale comic. Ne-Yo also met with fans for pictures and autographs in the Cultyard of the comic con. The second and third singles released off of the album are "Champagne Life" and "One in a Million", respectively. Speaking of Libra Scale, Ne-Yo stated: "The album is based upon this short story which basically follows these three characters who are forced to choose between money-power-and-fame versus love. Which in turn is why I've called it 'Libra Scale'. You know, its whole concept is based on that question of morality – that, if you weight it all out on a libra scale, which one of those two options would you choose?"
The album debuted at number nine on the US Billboard 200
, selling 112,000 copies in its first week. In the United Kingdom
, the album debuted at number eleven on the UK Albums Chart
, while debuting at number one on the UK R&B Chart
.
, he announced his new album would be called Love and Passion and would be released in September, but this was proven false as the title was tentative. American rapper Fabolous
, said in an interview that he is planning a collaboration album with Ne-Yo as well. Ne-Yo is currently writing songs for Mary J. Blige
, Beyoncé Knowles
, Justin Bieber
, Monica
, Alexandra Burke
, Cheryl Cole
and Willow Smith
's upcoming albums. Ne-Yo starred in two motion pictures, Red Tails
, due for a release in early 2012, and Battle: Los Angeles
, which was released in the United States on March 11, 2011. Ne-Yo has already finished writing songs for American pop singer and Roc Nation
artist Alexis Jordan
and her self-titled debut album
as well as Jennifer Hudson
for her second studio album, I Remember Me
, which had a North American release on March 22, 2011.
Ne-Yo appeared in the childrens preschool show The Fresh Beat Band
and is one of the few artists not to cancel appearances in the wake of the 2011 Japan earthquake.
In the spring of 2011, Ne-Yo collaborated with American rapper Pitbull
on his single, "Give Me Everything
", which has peaked at number-one on the Billboard Hot 100
, giving Ne-Yo his second U.S. number-one single since 2006's "So Sick
" and his first as a guest artist. Ne-Yo has also revealed an interview that he would like to collaborate with Chris Brown, Lil Wayne
and Drake
on his new album.
Ne-Yo is currently making a mixtape to give to fans before his forthcoming album. The Mixtape will be called "1O1" and will be hosted by comedian Kevin Hart
. On October 13, 2011, Ne-Yo revealed that his fifth studio album would be titled, The Cracks in Mr. Perfect, which is expected to be released in early 2012. On Oct. 27, 2011, Ne-Yo dropped his first single called "The Way You Move
" featuring Trey Songz
and T-Pain
.
. Ne-Yo met them in a hallway at Sony Music Studios
in New York, and having known the team produces R&B records, he decided to collaborate with them. The collective's early works were tracks off In My Own Words including "So Sick".
Aside from working on his own album, Ne-Yo also collaborates with several other artists. His works include: Rihanna
's top-ten singles "Unfaithful
", "Russian Roulette
" and her number-one hit "Take a Bow
", Mario Vazquez
's "Gallery
", Paula DeAnda
's "Walk Away (Remember Me)
", and Beyoncé Knowles
' Billboard Hot 100 number-one single "Irreplaceable
", which stayed on the chart for ten consecutive weeks. He wrote the song "I'm You" for Leona Lewis
's debut album Spirit
, and is currently writing songs for her next album and for the debut album of fellow X Factor
winner Alexandra Burke
. He has also been working with Sugababes
for their seventh album
, with member Keisha Buchanan
confirming that Ne-Yo had written a song called 'No More You' for their album.
In 2010, he dueted with Mariah Carey
on 'Angel's Cry', a song on her cancelled album, Angels Advocate.
Ne-Yo has also written songs for Whitney Houston
, Celine Dion
, Carrie Underwood Anastacia
, Ciara
, Corbin Bleu
, Enrique Iglesias
and Dima Bilan
. He also collaborated with Lindsay Lohan
on her new material, having already finished "Bossy
", a pre-single for her new album Spirit in the Dark. Ne-Yo confirmed that he had been contacted by producer will.i.am
to work on what would have been Michael Jackson
's new album. However, at the time of Jackson's death, Ne-Yo's collaborations with him had yet to move past the writing stage. In an interview in 2010 he said since Jackson's death he's been confused as what to do with the songs, as he feels that selling them to another artist or even releasing the songs himself would be disrespectful to Jackson legacy. In 2009, he wrote "Truth (Saigo no Shinjitsu)
" for Japanese pop group w-inds.
.
Ne-Yo ventured out to open his own recording studio called Carrington House in Atlanta, Georgia. He also had started his own production company, Compound Entertainment, in 2007, and has hired several producers and songwriters in hopes of turning it into a full-fledge record label
. It successfully became a label, and artists such as Paula Campbell, Sixx John, and Shanell are now associated with Compound.
In June 2010, Ne-Yo told Ebony
that he and his thought to be girlfriend, Monyetta Shaw, were expecting their first child together, a girl due early in 2011. Shaw gave birth early to a girl, Madilyn Grace Smith, on November 12, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia
. Announcing the birth, Ne-Yo said of his first child, "I've been in love before but this feels like nothing I've ever felt...Like I'm in love for the first time."
In September 2011, Ne-Yo revealed that he is expecting his second child with Monyetta Shaw. Shaw gave birth to a boy, Mason Evan Smith, on October 9, 2011
on February 19, 2008, while driving through Cobb County, Georgia
. He was driving at over 100 mph
in his 2006 Range Rover
and did not have a valid license
. It was reported that he was doing about 150 mph, 50 mph over the speed limit. According to the Atlanta-Journal Constitution, Ne-Yo was sentenced to 24 hours community service by a judge on June 2, 2008. He pleaded guilty to driving without a license and pleaded "no contest" to the reckless driving charge.
On August 22, 2011, Lindsay Lohan
sued Ne-Yo, Pitbull
, and Afrojack
in response to Give Me Everything
's lyrics referencing her name.
Pop music
Pop music is usually understood to be commercially recorded music, often oriented toward a youth market, usually consisting of relatively short, simple songs utilizing technological innovations to produce new variations on existing themes.- Definitions :David Hatch and Stephen Millward define pop...
and R&B
Contemporary R&B
Contemporary R&B is a music genre that combines elements of hip hop, soul, R&B and funk.Although the abbreviation “R&B” originates from traditional rhythm and blues music, today the term R&B is most often used to describe a style of African American music originating after the demise of disco in...
singer-songwriter, record producer, dancer and actor. Beginning his career as a songwriter, Ne-Yo penned the hit "Let Me Love You
Let Me Love You
"Let Me Love You" is an R&B song by American recording artist Mario, from his second studio album Turning Point . It was co-written by Shaffer "Ne-Yo" Smith, and Scott Storch, who also produced it...
" for singer Mario. The single's successful release in the United States prompted an informal meeting between Ne-Yo and Def Jam
Def Jam Recordings
Def Jam Recordings is an American record label, focused primarily on hip hop and urban music, owned by Universal Music Group, and operates as a part of The Island Def Jam Motown Music Group...
's label head, and signing a recording contract.
In 2006, he released his debut album, In My Own Words
In My Own Words
- Chart positions :- External links :* at Discogs* at Metacritic* at The Washington Post...
, which contained the US number one hit "So Sick
So Sick
"So Sick" is an R&B–pop song by American singer-songwriter Ne-Yo. The track was produced by Norwegian production team Stargate for Ne-Yo's debut album In My Own Words....
". Then in 2007, he released his second album, Because of You
Because of You (Ne-Yo album)
- Chart history :AlbumChart procession and succession- Release history :- External links :* at Discogs* at Metacritic...
, which contained the US top 3 hit, "Because of You
Because of You (Ne-Yo song)
"Because of You" is a 2007 song by singer and songwriter Ne-Yo. It is the first single from his second album of the same name. The single started radio play the week of February 4, 2007.-Song information:...
". In 2008, he released his third album, Year of the Gentleman
Year of the Gentleman
Year of the Gentleman is the third studio album by American R&B and pop singer-songwriter Ne-Yo, released September 16, 2008, on Def Jam Recordings in the United States...
, which contained the top 10 hits "Closer
Closer (Ne-Yo song)
"Closer" is a 2008 Single by American pop/R&B singer Ne-Yo. The song was produced by Stargate.The song was released as the first single from his third album Year of the Gentleman. It reached #1 in the UK, scoring Ne-Yo his second UK No.1 following 2006's So Sick...
","Mad
Mad (song)
"Mad" is a song by American pop/R&B singer Ne-Yo. It is the third single from his album Year of the Gentleman and was produced by Stargate and himself.-Music video:...
" and "Miss Independent
Miss Independent (Ne-Yo song)
"Miss Independent" is a 2008 single by American pop/R&B singer Ne-Yo. It is the second single from his album Year of the Gentleman and was produced by Stargate. It samples the song "Forget About Me" by Lil Bit. The song was written by Ne-Yo and co-written by Stargate...
". His fourth studio album, Libra Scale
Libra Scale
Upon its release, Libra Scale received generally favorable reviews from most music critics. At Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream critics, the album received an average score of 73, based on 14 reviews, which indicates "generally favorable reviews"...
, was released on November 22, 2010.
In 2009, Billboard ranked him as the 57th Artist of the 2000s decade. In addition to a successful recording career, Ne-Yo has amassed a catalog of chart-topping songs that he has written for other artists.
Early life
Ne-Yo was born in Camden, ArkansasCamden, Arkansas
Camden is a city in and the county seat of Ouachita County in the southern part of the U.S. state of Arkansas. Long an area of American Indians villages, the French also made a permanent settlement here because of its advantageous location above the Ouachita River. According to 2007 Census...
, and baptized as Shaffer Chimere Smith. "Chimere" is a name originating from the Igbo language
Igbo language
Igbo , or Igbo proper, is a native language of the Igbo people, an ethnic group primarily located in southeastern Nigeria. There are approximately 20 million speakers that are mostly in Nigeria and are primarily of Igbo descent. Igbo is a national language of Nigeria. It is written in the Latin...
in Nigeria
Nigeria
Nigeria , officially the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is a federal constitutional republic comprising 36 states and its Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The country is located in West Africa and shares land borders with the Republic of Benin in the west, Chad and Cameroon in the east, and Niger in...
meaning "God's Deed". His mother is a mix of African American
African American
African Americans are citizens or residents of the United States who have at least partial ancestry from any of the native populations of Sub-Saharan Africa and are the direct descendants of enslaved Africans within the boundaries of the present United States...
and Chinese
Chinese American
Chinese Americans represent Americans of Chinese descent. Chinese Americans constitute one group of overseas Chinese and also a subgroup of East Asian Americans, which is further a subgroup of Asian Americans...
descent, and his father is African American; both were musicians. As a young child, he was raised by his mother alone after she separated from his father. In hopes of better opportunity, his mother relocated the family to Las Vegas
Las Vegas metropolitan area
The Las Vegas Valley is the heart of the Las Vegas-Paradise, NV MSA also known as the Las Vegas–Paradise–Henderson MSA which includes all of Clark County, Nevada, and is a metropolitan area in the southern part of the U.S. state of Nevada. The Valley is defined by the Las Vegas Valley landform, a ...
, Nevada
Nevada
Nevada is a state in the western, mountain west, and southwestern regions of the United States. With an area of and a population of about 2.7 million, it is the 7th-largest and 35th-most populous state. Over two-thirds of Nevada's people live in the Las Vegas metropolitan area, which contains its...
. While he was in the Las Vegas Academy, Smith adopted the stage name "GoGo" and joined an R&B group called Envy. The group disbanded in 2000, and Smith continued to write songs for other artists before starting his solo career.
1999–2005: career beginnings
Ne-Yo emerged into the recording industry as member of the Romford-based quartet Envy. Neyo was supported by a leading woman (Chimna Orji). After the group disbanded in 2000, Ne-Yo was signed to Columbia RecordsColumbia Records
Columbia Records is an American record label, owned by Japan's Sony Music Entertainment, operating under the Columbia Music Group with Aware Records. It was founded in 1888, evolving from an earlier enterprise, the American Graphophone Company — successor to the Volta Graphophone Company...
, but, after recording his first album, was dropped from the label before he could even release it. American singer Marques Houston
Marques Houston
Marques Barrett Houston is an American R&B singer, songwriter, rapper, and actor. A member of the R&B singing group Immature/IMx until 2002, he went solo in 2003. He is also the cousin of J-Boog, former member of the R&B/Hip-Hop group B2K....
happened to hear "That Girl
That Girl (Marques Houston song)
"That Girl" is the debut single from R&B singer Marques Houston and the first taken from his debut album, MH in the U.S.. In the UK, however, "Clubbin'" was the first single from the album there....
", which was supposed to be Ne-Yo's debut single
Single (music)
In music, a single or record single is a type of release, typically a recording of fewer tracks than an LP or a CD. This can be released for sale to the public in a variety of different formats. In most cases, the single is a song that is released separately from an album, but it can still appear...
off his then-unreleased album. Houston rerecorded "That Girl" and released it as a single to his 2003 album MH
MH (Marques Houston album)
MH is the debut solo album of American R&B artist Marques Houston, a former member of the R&B group Immature/IMx. The album was first released in the U.S. on October 21, 2003 and was then re-released in Japan April 13, 2004 with a bonus track...
. The release of the song led to Ne-Yo being recognized as a top songwriter.
For the next two years, Ne-Yo continued writing songs, some of which have not been officially released. He contributed songs to American singer Teedra Moses
Teedra Moses
Teedra Moses is an American R&B and soul singer-songwriter.-Biography:Teedra Moses was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, to a gospel singing mother, Shirley Moses. She later moved to California with her mother and three siblings after her parents' separation...
's 2004 album Complex Simplicity
Complex Simplicity
Complex Simplicity is the debut album by American R&B-soul singer Teedra Moses, released in the United States on July 20, 2004 by TVT Records. All tracks are produced by Paul Poli, except "Take Me", produced by Raphael Saadiq, and "You Better Tell Her", produced by Lil Jon. All lyrics are written...
, Christina Milian
Christina Milian
Christine Flores , better known by her stage name Christina Milian , is an American singer-songwriter, actress, dancer, and model....
's It's About Time
It's About Time (Christina Milian album)
It's About Time is the second studio album by American singer Christina Milian. The album was released by Island Records on June 15, 2004 in Japan, and July 13, 2004 in the United States...
, and the American boy band Youngstown
Youngstown (band)
Youngstown is the name of a boy band formed circa 1998. The band is named for their hometown, Youngstown, Ohio.The band's first single, "I'll Be Your Everything", featured on the Inspector Gadget soundtrack is also on their debut album Let's Roll. Their second album, Down For the Get Down, was...
, though all of which failed to give Ne-Yo much attention from the mainstream. Ne-Yo has also contributed songs to USA singers Mary J. Blige
Mary J. Blige
Mary Jane Blige is an American singer-songwriter, record producer and occasional actress. She is a recipient of nine Grammy Awards and four American Music Awards, and has recorded eight multi-platinum albums. She is the only artist with Grammy Award wins in Pop, Rap, Gospel, and R&B. Blige has...
, B2K
B2K
B2K was an American R&B music group. The group met in 1998, established in 2001, and managed by music producer Chris Stokes with Lil' Fizz, J-Boog, Raz-B, and Omarion as members. The group disbanded in 2004 due to internal disagreements.-2001-2002: B2K:...
, Faith Evans
Faith Evans
Faith Renée Evans is an American singer-songwriter, recording artist, record producer, actress and author. Born in Florida and raised in New Jersey, Evans relocated to Los Angeles during 1993 for a career with the music business. After working as a backing vocalist for Al B...
and Musiq
Musiq
Musiq Soulchild or Musiq is a US R&B/soul singer-songwriter whose style blends contemporary R&B, soul, funk, alternative, blues, jazz, some gospel influences and hip hop.-Biography:...
, among others.
Ne-Yo broke into the music industry after "Let Me Love You
Let Me Love You
"Let Me Love You" is an R&B song by American recording artist Mario, from his second studio album Turning Point . It was co-written by Shaffer "Ne-Yo" Smith, and Scott Storch, who also produced it...
", a song he wrote for American singer Mario, reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100
Billboard Hot 100
The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, while the radio play tracking-week runs from Wednesday...
, and later stayed on the top spot for nine weeks. After the successful release, Tina Davis, former A&R representative for Def Jam Recordings
Def Jam Recordings
Def Jam Recordings is an American record label, focused primarily on hip hop and urban music, owned by Universal Music Group, and operates as a part of The Island Def Jam Motown Music Group...
, arranged an informal meeting with label head L.A. Reid. Ne-Yo was not seeking a new contract, but, after he had performed for them, he was signed by rapper Jay-Z
Jay-Z
Shawn Corey Carter , better known by his stage name Jay-Z, is an American rapper, record producer, entrepreneur, and occasional actor. He is one of the most financially successful hip hop artists and entrepreneurs in America, having a net worth of over $450 million as of 2010...
, then-CEO of Def Jam.
"Ne-Yo" was coined by a producer, Ne-Yo once worked with, Big D Evans, because Evans claimed that Ne-Yo sees music as Neo
Neo (The Matrix)
Thomas A. Anderson is a fictional character and the main protagonist in The Matrix franchise, as well as having a cameo in The Animatrix short film, Kid's Story. He was portrayed by Keanu Reeves in The Matrix Trilogy and The Animatrix. Andrew Bowen provided Neo's voice in The Matrix: Path of Neo...
sees the matrix.
As a joke, Evans started calling him Ne-Yo until everybody was accustomed to it.
2006–07: In My Own Words and Because of You
In early 2006, Ne-Yo released his debut album, In My Own WordsIn My Own Words
- Chart positions :- External links :* at Discogs* at Metacritic* at The Washington Post...
, through Def Jam. Boosted by its popular second single, "So Sick
So Sick
"So Sick" is an R&B–pop song by American singer-songwriter Ne-Yo. The track was produced by Norwegian production team Stargate for Ne-Yo's debut album In My Own Words....
", the album debuted at number one on Billboard 200
Billboard 200
The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists...
, selling over 301,000 copies in the first week. During the same week, the single had reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100
Billboard Hot 100
The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, while the radio play tracking-week runs from Wednesday...
. Later singles released were "When You're Mad
When You're Mad
"When You're Mad" is the third U.S. single from American R&B-pop singer Ne-Yo's debut album, In My Own Words. The song peaked at #15 on the Billboard Hot 100 & reached the top five on the R&B charts. The single was Ne-Yo's second not to be released in the UK.-Remixes:An official remix was made...
" and "Sexy Love
Sexy Love
"Sexy Love" is the fourth and final U.S. single and the second and final international single released from R&B and pop artist Ne-Yo's debut album, In My Own Words. It has reached number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100. In the United Kingdom, the single charted at number twenty-one on downloads alone...
", which peaked at number 15 and number 7, respectively. The album has been certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America
Recording Industry Association of America
The Recording Industry Association of America is a trade organization that represents the recording industry distributors in the United States...
(RIAA) for a shipment of over one million units.
His second album, Because of You
Because of You (Ne-Yo album)
- Chart history :AlbumChart procession and succession- Release history :- External links :* at Discogs* at Metacritic...
, was released on May 1, 2007, and, fueled by its lead single, debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, selling 251,000 copies in the United States; the feat gave Ne-Yo his second number-one album. The first single from the platinum-selling album was the title track
Because of You (Ne-Yo song)
"Because of You" is a 2007 song by singer and songwriter Ne-Yo. It is the first single from his second album of the same name. The single started radio play the week of February 4, 2007.-Song information:...
, which peaked at the number-two spot. Despite the success of "Because of You", later singles released charted lower and were unable to reach the Top 20. The album has been certified platinum by RIAA for a shipment of over one million units. In December 2007, Ne-Yo and the Goo Goo Dolls
Goo Goo Dolls
The Goo Goo Dolls are a Grammy-nominated American rock band formed in 1986 in Buffalo, New York, by vocalist and guitarist John Rzeznik and vocalist and bass guitarist Robby Takac. Since the end of 1994, Mike Malinin has been the band's drummer, a position previously held by George Tutuska...
performed at a fund-raising concert for the then presidential candidate Senator Barack Obama
Barack Obama
Barack Hussein Obama II is the 44th and current President of the United States. He is the first African American to hold the office. Obama previously served as a United States Senator from Illinois, from January 2005 until he resigned following his victory in the 2008 presidential election.Born in...
.
2008–09: Year of the Gentleman and Greatest Hits
Ne-Yo's third album, Year of the GentlemanYear of the Gentleman
Year of the Gentleman is the third studio album by American R&B and pop singer-songwriter Ne-Yo, released September 16, 2008, on Def Jam Recordings in the United States...
, was released internationally on August 5, 2008. Speaking to noted UK R&B writer Pete Lewis of the award-winning Blues & Soul
Blues & Soul
Blues & Soul is a British music magazine covering black music. Genres covered include soul, R&B, jazz, hip hop, reggae and world music. It was first published in 1966 and is known for first using the term Northern Soul....
, Ne-Yo explained the thinking behind its title: "To me 'Year Of The Gentleman' is all about a persona, a swag and a charm. I made an assessment of the music business. And, in my personal opinion, the essence of the gentleman is absent right now. Everybody kinda looks the same, everybody's kinda doing the same thing, everybody's kinda rude and full of themselves. Whereas a gentleman is calm, courteous, kind, charming... So that title basically represents me trying to lead by example, and showing these cats what it is to be a gentleman in this business still."
The album sold 250,000 copies in its first week in the United States, debuting on the Billboard 200 at number two. Reviews for the album were positive: in one of which, Caryn Ganz of Rolling Stone magazine wrote that Year of the Gentleman is "actually a superb concept album about what a great boyfriend he [Ne-Yo] can be".
The first two singles, "Closer
Closer (Ne-Yo song)
"Closer" is a 2008 Single by American pop/R&B singer Ne-Yo. The song was produced by Stargate.The song was released as the first single from his third album Year of the Gentleman. It reached #1 in the UK, scoring Ne-Yo his second UK No.1 following 2006's So Sick...
" and "Miss Independent
Miss Independent (Ne-Yo song)
"Miss Independent" is a 2008 single by American pop/R&B singer Ne-Yo. It is the second single from his album Year of the Gentleman and was produced by Stargate. It samples the song "Forget About Me" by Lil Bit. The song was written by Ne-Yo and co-written by Stargate...
", have peaked at number seven on the Billboard Hot 100. The album was nominated for Best Contemporary R&B Album
Grammy Award for Best Contemporary R&B Album
The Grammy Award for Best Contemporary R&B Album was an honor presented at the Grammy Awards, a ceremony that was established in 1958 and originally called the Gramophone Awards, to recording artists for quality works on albums in the contemporary R&B music genre...
and Album of the Year
Grammy Award for Album of the Year
The Grammy Award for Album of the Year is the most prestigious award category at the Grammys. It has been awarded since 1959 and though it was originally presented to the artist alone, the award is now presented to the artist, the producer, the engineer and/or mixer and the mastering engineer...
at the 2009 Grammy Awards
51st Grammy Awards
The 51st Annual Grammy Awards took place at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA on February 8, 2009. Robert Plant and Alison Krauss were the biggest winners of the night, jointly winning five awards including Album of the Year and Record of the Year...
, "Closer" for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance
Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance
The Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance was awarded between 1966 and 2011...
, and "Miss Independent" for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance
Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance
The Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance was awarded between 1968 and 2011. The award has had several minor name changes:*In 1968 it was awarded as Best R&B Solo Vocal Performance, Male...
and Best R&B Song
Grammy Award for Best R&B Song
The Grammy Award for Best R&B Song has been awarded since 1959. From 1969 to 2000 it was known as the Grammy Award for Best Rhythm & Blues Song, from 1962 to 1968 it was known as Best Rhythm & Blues Recording, and from 1959-1961 as Best Rhythm & Blues Performance...
. Year of the Gentleman has been certified platinum by RIAA for a shipment of more than one million copies. The third single, "Mad
Mad (song)
"Mad" is a song by American pop/R&B singer Ne-Yo. It is the third single from his album Year of the Gentleman and was produced by Stargate and himself.-Music video:...
", peaked at number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100
Billboard Hot 100
The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, while the radio play tracking-week runs from Wednesday...
.
On September 2, 2009, Ne-Yo released greatest hits album Ne-Yo: The Collection
Ne-Yo: The Collection
Ne-Yo: The Collection is the first compilation album by American singer-songwriter Ne-Yo. The album was released in Japan on September 2, 2009...
in Japan. The album was also released with a limited edition CD+DVD edition complete with the music videos of singles. It debuted at number four on Japan Oricon
Oricon
, established in 1999, is the holding company at the head of a Japanese corporate group that supplies statistics and information on music and the music industry in Japan. It started as , which was founded by Sōkō Koike in November 1967 and became known for its music charts. Oricon Inc...
weekly albums chart, selling 55,625 copies in the first week.
2010–2011: Libra Scale
Ne-Yo released his fourth studio album, Libra ScaleLibra Scale
Upon its release, Libra Scale received generally favorable reviews from most music critics. At Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream critics, the album received an average score of 73, based on 14 reviews, which indicates "generally favorable reviews"...
, on November 22, 2010. The first single, "Beautiful Monster
Beautiful Monster
"Beautiful Monster" is a song by American singer Ne-Yo from his fourth studio album, Libra Scale. The song was released to iTunes as the album's first single on June 8, 2010. The song was written by Ne-Yo, Stargate and Sandy Vee, and it was produced by Stargate and Sandy Vee. It is an uptempo dance...
", premiered on May 25, 2010 and was released as a digital download on June 8, 2010 and reached number one on UK singles chart. On October 8, 2010, Ne-Yo performed some of his songs from the new album at P.C. Richard & Son Theater in New York City that was hosted by iheartradio
Iheartradio
iHeartRadio is a Clear Channel Radio network to aggregate local radio brands, personalities and on-demand content. It is best known as a mobile application...
. Ne-Yo made an appearance at New York Comic Con to announce he was collaborating with Stan Lee for a Libra Scale comic. Ne-Yo also met with fans for pictures and autographs in the Cultyard of the comic con. The second and third singles released off of the album are "Champagne Life" and "One in a Million", respectively. Speaking of Libra Scale, Ne-Yo stated: "The album is based upon this short story which basically follows these three characters who are forced to choose between money-power-and-fame versus love. Which in turn is why I've called it 'Libra Scale'. You know, its whole concept is based on that question of morality – that, if you weight it all out on a libra scale, which one of those two options would you choose?"
The album debuted at number nine on the US Billboard 200
Billboard 200
The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists...
, selling 112,000 copies in its first week. In the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
, the album debuted at number eleven on the UK Albums Chart
UK Albums Chart
The UK Albums Chart is a list of albums ranked by physical and digital sales in the United Kingdom. It is compiled every week by The Official Charts Company and broadcast on a Sunday on BBC Radio 1 , and published in Music Week magazine and on the OCC website .To qualify for the UK albums chart...
, while debuting at number one on the UK R&B Chart
UK R&B Chart
The Official UK R&B Chart is a forty-position R&B/Hip-Hop chart compiled by The Official UK Charts Company. Although the chart does not receive any airplay, its compilation is viewed on BBC Radio 1's website and publications such as ChartsPlus and Music Week...
.
2011–present: The Cracks in Mr. Perfect and projects
On February 25, 2011, while on his tour in the United KingdomUnited Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
, he announced his new album would be called Love and Passion and would be released in September, but this was proven false as the title was tentative. American rapper Fabolous
Fabolous
John David Jackson , better known by his stage name Fabolous, is an American rapper of African American and Dominican descent. He grew up in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York. Part of his early popularity arose from his hit single "Can't Deny It" in 2001, from his debut...
, said in an interview that he is planning a collaboration album with Ne-Yo as well. Ne-Yo is currently writing songs for Mary J. Blige
Mary J. Blige
Mary Jane Blige is an American singer-songwriter, record producer and occasional actress. She is a recipient of nine Grammy Awards and four American Music Awards, and has recorded eight multi-platinum albums. She is the only artist with Grammy Award wins in Pop, Rap, Gospel, and R&B. Blige has...
, Beyoncé Knowles
Beyoncé Knowles
Beyoncé Giselle Knowles , often known simply as Beyoncé, is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, and actress. Born and raised in Houston, Texas, she enrolled in various performing arts schools and was first exposed to singing and dancing competitions as a child...
, Justin Bieber
Justin Bieber
Justin Drew Bieber is a Canadian pop/R&B singer, songwriter and actor. Bieber was discovered in 2008 by Scooter Braun, who came across Bieber's videos on YouTube and later became his manager...
, Monica
Monica (singer)
Monica Denise Brown , and professionally known as Monica, is an American singer-songwriter, record producer, and actress. Born and raised in College Park, Georgia, Monica began performing as a child and became part of a traveling gospel choir, by the time she was ten...
, Alexandra Burke
Alexandra Burke
Alexandra Imelda Cecelia Ewen Burke is a British R&B and pop recording artist who rose to fame after winning the fifth series of British television series The X Factor in 2008...
, Cheryl Cole
Cheryl Cole
Cheryl Ann Cole is an English pop and R&B recording artist, songwriter, dancer, actress and model. She rose to fame in late 2002 when she auditioned for the reality television show Popstars: The Rivals on ITV. The programme announced that Cole had won a place as a member of the girl group, Girls...
and Willow Smith
Willow Smith
Willow Camille Reign Smith , often known simply as Willow, is an American child actress and singer. She is the daughter of Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith, and the younger sister of Jaden Smith. Smith made her acting debut in 2007 in the film I Am Legend and later appeared in Kit Kittredge: An...
's upcoming albums. Ne-Yo starred in two motion pictures, Red Tails
Red Tails
Red Tails is an upcoming 2012 action drama film directed by Anthony Hemingway, from a screenplay by John Ridley and Aaron McGruder. The story, written by Ridley, is inspired by true events. George Lucas serves as the executive producer for the project...
, due for a release in early 2012, and Battle: Los Angeles
Battle: Los Angeles
Battle: Los Angeles is a 2011 American military science fiction war film directed by Jonathan Liebesman, and starring Aaron Eckhart, Michelle Rodriguez, Ramon Rodriguez, Bridget Moynahan, Ne-Yo and Michael Peña...
, which was released in the United States on March 11, 2011. Ne-Yo has already finished writing songs for American pop singer and Roc Nation
Roc Nation
Roc Nation is an American management, music publishing and entertainment company founded by Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter.-History:In April 2008, Live Nation partnered with Jay-Z to create Roc Nation...
artist Alexis Jordan
Alexis Jordan (singer)
Alexis Jordan is an American recording artist and actress from Columbia, South Carolina. Jordan rose to fame as a contestant on the first season of America's Got Talent in 2006. After being eliminated from the show, she began to upload cover songs to YouTube, which received millions of views...
and her self-titled debut album
Alexis Jordan (album)
The album received mixed to positive reviews from most music critics with many comparing the sound of the album to Barbadian R&B recording artist Rihanna...
as well as Jennifer Hudson
Jennifer Hudson
Jennifer Kate Hudson is an American recording artist, actress and spokesperson. She came to prominence in 2004 as one of the finalists on the third season of American Idol coming in seventh place...
for her second studio album, I Remember Me
I Remember Me (album)
I Remember Me is the second studio album by American recording artist Jennifer Hudson, released March 22, 2011, on Arista Records. Hudson worked with a variety of producers and writers on the album, including Alicia Keys, Rich Harrison, Ne-Yo, R.Kelly, Harvey Mason, Jr., Ryan Tedder, Diane Warren,...
, which had a North American release on March 22, 2011.
Ne-Yo appeared in the childrens preschool show The Fresh Beat Band
The Fresh Beat Band
The Fresh Beat Band is a children TV show with original pop songs produced for Nick Jr.. The Fresh Beats are Shout, Twist, Marina, and Kiki, described as four best friends in a band who go to music school together and love to sing and dance...
and is one of the few artists not to cancel appearances in the wake of the 2011 Japan earthquake.
In the spring of 2011, Ne-Yo collaborated with American rapper Pitbull
Pitbull (rapper)
Armando Christian Pérez , better known by his stage name Pitbull, is an American rapper, singer-songwriter and record producer. His first recorded performance was from the Lil Jon album Kings of Crunk in 2002, after which he released his debut album in 2004 titled M.I.A.M.I. under TVT Records...
on his single, "Give Me Everything
Give Me Everything (Pitbull song)
"Give Me Everything" is a song by American rapper Pitbull, released on March 18, 2011 as the second single from his sixth studio album, Planet Pit . It was written by Matt Howard, American singer-songwriter Ne-Yo, Dutch producer and DJ Afrojack. Ne-Yo and Nayer feature on the song, while Afrojack...
", which has peaked at number-one on the Billboard Hot 100
Billboard Hot 100
The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, while the radio play tracking-week runs from Wednesday...
, giving Ne-Yo his second U.S. number-one single since 2006's "So Sick
So Sick
"So Sick" is an R&B–pop song by American singer-songwriter Ne-Yo. The track was produced by Norwegian production team Stargate for Ne-Yo's debut album In My Own Words....
" and his first as a guest artist. Ne-Yo has also revealed an interview that he would like to collaborate with Chris Brown, Lil Wayne
Lil Wayne
Dwayne Michael Carter, Jr. , better known by his stage name Lil Wayne, is an American rapper. At the age of nine, Lil Wayne joined Cash Money Records as the youngest member of the label, and half of the duo, The B.G.'z, with B.G.. In 1997, Lil Wayne joined the group Hot Boys, which also included...
and Drake
Drake (entertainer)
Aubrey Drake Graham , who records under the mononym Drake, is a Canadian recording artist and actor. He originally became known for playing Jimmy Brooks on the television series Degrassi: The Next Generation....
on his new album.
Ne-Yo is currently making a mixtape to give to fans before his forthcoming album. The Mixtape will be called "1O1" and will be hosted by comedian Kevin Hart
Kevin Hart
Kevin John Hart is a British-Australian theologian, philosopher and poet. He is currently Edwin B. Kyle Professor of Christian Studies and Chair of the Religious Studies Department at the University of Virginia...
. On October 13, 2011, Ne-Yo revealed that his fifth studio album would be titled, The Cracks in Mr. Perfect, which is expected to be released in early 2012. On Oct. 27, 2011, Ne-Yo dropped his first single called "The Way You Move
The Way You Move (Ne-Yo song)
"The Way You Move" is a song by American recording artist Ne-Yo, from his fifth studio album, The Cracks in Mr. Perfect. The song features American singers Trey Songz and T-Pain. The official video for the song premiered on October 27, 2011, on Ne-Yo's official VEVO channel...
" featuring Trey Songz
Trey Songz
Tremaine "Trey" Aldon Neverson , better known by his stage name Trey Songz, is an American singer-songwriter, rapper, record producer and actor. His debut album, I Gotta Make It, was released in 2005, while his second album, Trey Day, was released in 2007...
and T-Pain
T-Pain
Faheem Rasheed Najm , better known by his stage name T-Pain, is an American singer-songwriter, rapper, record producer, and actor, currently signed to Young Money Entertainment. His debut album, Rappa Ternt Sanga, was released in 2005. In 2007, T-Pain released his second studio album Epiphany,...
.
Other ventures
Songwriting and production
Ne-Yo frequently co-writes with Tor Erik Hermansen and Mikkel S. Eriksen of the Norwegian production team StargateStargate (production team)
This is a list of songs written and produced by the Norwegian production team Stargate.-Produced singles:-1999:5ive - Invincible*05. "Two Sides to Every Story"*06. "You Make Me a Better Man"Noora Noor - Curious*01. "Curious"...
. Ne-Yo met them in a hallway at Sony Music Studios
Sony Music Studios
Sony Music Studios was a well-known former music recording and mastering facility in New York City. The music and broadcasting complex was located at 460 W. 54th St., at 10th Avenue, in the Hell's Kitchen section of Manhattan...
in New York, and having known the team produces R&B records, he decided to collaborate with them. The collective's early works were tracks off In My Own Words including "So Sick".
Aside from working on his own album, Ne-Yo also collaborates with several other artists. His works include: Rihanna
Rihanna
Robyn Rihanna Fenty , better known as simply Rihanna, is a Barbadian recording artist. Born in Saint Michael, Barbados, Rihanna moved to the United States at the age of 16 to pursue a recording career under the guidance of record producer Evan Rogers...
's top-ten singles "Unfaithful
Unfaithful (song)
"Unfaithful" is a ballad written by Ne-Yo, Tor Erik Hermansen and Mikkel S. Eriksen for R&B singer Rihanna's second album, A Girl like Me. It was produced by Stargate and released as the album's second single in mid-2006. The music also featured, with Tamil lyrics, as the song, "Unakenna Naan" in...
", "Russian Roulette
Russian Roulette (song)
"Russian Roulette" is a song by Barbadian recording artist Rihanna, taken from her fourth studio album Rated R . The song premiered on radio stations on October 20, 2009 and was released as the album's lead single on October 26, 2009 through Def Jam Recordings. It was written and produced by...
" and her number-one hit "Take a Bow
Take a Bow (Rihanna song)
"Take a Bow" is a song by Barbadian recording artist Rihanna, taken from the re-release, Good Girl Gone Bad: Reloaded , of her third studio album Good Girl Gone Bad . The song was written and produced by Tor Erik Hermansen, Mikkel Eriksen and Shaffer Smith, under their stage names Stargate and Ne-Yo...
", Mario Vazquez
Mario Vazquez
Mario Adrián Vázquez is a Puerto Rican-American singer from The Bronx, New York City. He competed on American Idol's fourth season, which aired on the FOX network in early 2005.-Early life:...
's "Gallery
Gallery (song)
"Gallery" is a single by Mario Vazquez. It was written by Shaffer Smith, Mikkel Eriksen and Tor Erik Hermanson. Smith also co-produced the vocals on the track, and was one of the most added records at Rhythm radio stations across the United States on its first week out...
", Paula DeAnda
Paula DeAnda
Paula DeAnda is a Mexican American pop singer-songwriter and actress. She first came to prominence with her first single "Doing Too Much" that became a hit in the Southwest. She then got the opportunity to audition for Clive Davis who signed her to Arista Records on the spot...
's "Walk Away (Remember Me)
Walk Away (Remember Me)
"Walk Away " is the second single from Paula DeAnda was released in the USA in 2006, and features The D.E.Y.. The song was written by Ne-Yo and Christina Milian, together with producers Stargate. The song features The D.E.Y...
", and Beyoncé Knowles
Beyoncé Knowles
Beyoncé Giselle Knowles , often known simply as Beyoncé, is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, and actress. Born and raised in Houston, Texas, she enrolled in various performing arts schools and was first exposed to singing and dancing competitions as a child...
' Billboard Hot 100 number-one single "Irreplaceable
Irreplaceable
"Irreplaceable" is a song recorded by American R&B singer Beyoncé Knowles for her second studio album, B'Day . The song was written by Knowles, Shaffer "Ne-Yo" Smith, Tor Erik Hermansen, Mikkel S. Eriksen, Espen Lind, Amund Bjørklund, and produced by Stargate and Knowles...
", which stayed on the chart for ten consecutive weeks. He wrote the song "I'm You" for Leona Lewis
Leona Lewis
Leona Louise Lewis is a British singer and songwriter. Lewis first came to prominence in 2006 when she won the third series of the British television series The X Factor....
's debut album Spirit
Spirit (Leona Lewis album)
Spirit is the debut album by British singer Leona Lewis, released by Syco Music in November 2007 in the United Kingdom and Ireland, followed by a worldwide release during early 2008...
, and is currently writing songs for her next album and for the debut album of fellow X Factor
The X Factor (UK)
The X Factor is a British television music competition to find new singing talent. Created by Simon Cowell, it began in September 2004 and is contested by aspiring singers drawn from public auditions. It is the originator of the international X Factor franchise. The seven series of the show to date...
winner Alexandra Burke
Alexandra Burke
Alexandra Imelda Cecelia Ewen Burke is a British R&B and pop recording artist who rose to fame after winning the fifth series of British television series The X Factor in 2008...
. He has also been working with Sugababes
Sugababes
The Sugababes are an English pop girl group based in London, consisting of members Heidi Range, Amelle Berrabah and Jade Ewen. The Sugababes were formed in 1998 with founding members Siobhán Donaghy, Mutya Buena and Keisha Buchanan. Their debut album, One Touch, was released in 2000 under London...
for their seventh album
Sweet 7
Sweet 7 is the seventh studio album by British girl group the Sugababes. It was released on 15 March 2010 in the United Kingdom through Island Records. Sweet 7 is the first release since the controversial departure of the longest-serving member, Keisha Buchanan, who was replaced by 2009 Eurovision...
, with member Keisha Buchanan
Keisha Buchanan
Keisha Kerreece Fayeanne Buchanan is an English singer-songwriter and was a founding member of the BRIT Award-winning girl group the Sugababes. With the Sugababes, Buchanan had six number one singles and two number one studio albums, making the Sugababes one of the most successful British pop acts...
confirming that Ne-Yo had written a song called 'No More You' for their album.
In 2010, he dueted with Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey is an American singer-songwriter, record producer, and actress. She made her recording debut with the release of her eponymous studio album in 1990, under the guidance of Columbia Records executive Tommy Mottola, whom she later married in 1993...
on 'Angel's Cry', a song on her cancelled album, Angels Advocate.
Ne-Yo has also written songs for Whitney Houston
Whitney Houston
Whitney Elizabeth Houston is an American singer, actress, producer and a former model. Houston is the most awarded female act of all time, according to Guinness World Records, and her list of awards include 1 Emmy Award, 6 Grammy Awards, 30 Billboard Music Awards, 22 American Music Awards, among...
, Celine Dion
Celine Dion
Céline Marie Claudette Dion, , , is a Canadian singer. Born to a large family from Charlemagne, Quebec, Dion emerged as a teen star in the French-speaking world after her manager and future husband René Angélil mortgaged his home to finance her first record...
, Carrie Underwood Anastacia
Anastacia
Anastacia is an American singer-songwriter. Anastacia has been highly successful in Europe, Asia, South Africa and South America, but has had only minor success in her native United States...
, Ciara
Ciara
Ciara Princess Harris , known mononymously as Ciara, is an American singer-songwriter, dancer, actress and fashion model. Born in Austin, Texas, she traveled around the world during her childhood, only to land in Atlanta, Georgia where she met music producer, Jazze Pha...
, Corbin Bleu
Corbin Bleu
Corbin Bleu Reivers , known professionally as Corbin Bleu, is an American actor, model, dancer, producer, and singer-songwriter. He performed in the High School Musical film series, the Discovery Kids drama series Flight 29 Down, and the Disney Channel Original Movie Jump In!...
, Enrique Iglesias
Enrique Iglesias
Enrique Iglesias is a Spanish pop music singer, a son of singer Julio Iglesias.Enrique started his musical career on Mexican label Fonovisa...
and Dima Bilan
Dima Bilan
' is a Russian actor and pop singer . Bilan represented Russia at the Eurovision Song Contest 2006 with "Never Let You Go", finishing second, and he won the contest in 2008 in Belgrade, with the song "Believe". He has had several Russian no. 1 hits....
. He also collaborated with Lindsay Lohan
Lindsay Lohan
Lindsay Lohan is an American actress, pop singer and model. She began her career as a child fashion model before making her motion picture debut in Disney's 1998 remake of The Parent Trap at the age of 11...
on her new material, having already finished "Bossy
Bossy (Lindsay Lohan song)
"Bossy" is a song by American recording artist Lindsay Lohan. The song was written by Shaffer Smith, known by his stage name Ne-Yo, while additional writing and song production was done by Stargate members Mikkel Storleer Eriksen and Tor Erik Hermansen...
", a pre-single for her new album Spirit in the Dark. Ne-Yo confirmed that he had been contacted by producer will.i.am
Will.i.am
William James Adams, Jr. , better known by his stage name will.i.am and occasionally by his other stage name Zuper Blahq, is an American rapper, musician, songwriter, singer, actor and producer...
to work on what would have been Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson
Michael Joseph Jackson was an American recording artist, entertainer, and businessman. Referred to as the King of Pop, or by his initials MJ, Jackson is recognized as the most successful entertainer of all time by Guinness World Records...
's new album. However, at the time of Jackson's death, Ne-Yo's collaborations with him had yet to move past the writing stage. In an interview in 2010 he said since Jackson's death he's been confused as what to do with the songs, as he feels that selling them to another artist or even releasing the songs himself would be disrespectful to Jackson legacy. In 2009, he wrote "Truth (Saigo no Shinjitsu)
New World/Truth (Saigo no Shinjitsu)
is a double-A side single released as the 27th single of Japanese pop band W-inds.-Track listing:#"New World"#"Truth "#"Fighting for Love"#"Tribute"#"New World "-Media appearances:...
" for Japanese pop group w-inds.
W-inds.
W-inds is a Japanese pop boy band that is managed by Vision Factory and has been signed to the Pony Canyon label since 2000. The group consists of the three individuals Ryohei Chiba, Keita Tachibana, and Ryuichi Ogata. They made their formal debut in 2001 and, to date, have released 30 singles...
.
Ne-Yo ventured out to open his own recording studio called Carrington House in Atlanta, Georgia. He also had started his own production company, Compound Entertainment, in 2007, and has hired several producers and songwriters in hopes of turning it into a full-fledge record label
Record label
In the music industry, a record label is a brand and a trademark associated with the marketing of music recordings and music videos. Most commonly, a record label is the company that manages such brands and trademarks, coordinates the production, manufacture, distribution, marketing and promotion,...
. It successfully became a label, and artists such as Paula Campbell, Sixx John, and Shanell are now associated with Compound.
Family
In 2005, Ne-Yo's girlfriend at the time gave birth to a boy, naming him Chimere after Ne-Yo's middle name. Though Ne-Yo believed he was the father, he later discovered the child was not his. He is now in litigation with the child's mother.In June 2010, Ne-Yo told Ebony
Ebony (magazine)
Ebony, a monthly magazine for the African-American market, was founded by John H. Johnson and has published continuously since the autumn of 1945...
that he and his thought to be girlfriend, Monyetta Shaw, were expecting their first child together, a girl due early in 2011. Shaw gave birth early to a girl, Madilyn Grace Smith, on November 12, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta is the capital and most populous city in the U.S. state of Georgia. According to the 2010 census, Atlanta's population is 420,003. Atlanta is the cultural and economic center of the Atlanta metropolitan area, which is home to 5,268,860 people and is the ninth largest metropolitan area in...
. Announcing the birth, Ne-Yo said of his first child, "I've been in love before but this feels like nothing I've ever felt...Like I'm in love for the first time."
In September 2011, Ne-Yo revealed that he is expecting his second child with Monyetta Shaw. Shaw gave birth to a boy, Mason Evan Smith, on October 9, 2011
Legal issues
Ne-Yo was arrested for reckless drivingReckless driving
Reckless driving is a major moving traffic violation. As a legal term, it is used within the United States. This offence has been abolished in the United Kingdom and replaced...
on February 19, 2008, while driving through Cobb County, Georgia
Cobb County, Georgia
Cobb County is a county located in the U.S. state of Georgia. Its county seat and largest city is Marietta, which is located in the center of the county. The county was named for Thomas Willis Cobb, who in the early 19th century was a United States representative and senator from Georgia...
. He was driving at over 100 mph
Miles per hour
Miles per hour is an imperial unit of speed expressing the number of statute miles covered in one hour. It is currently the standard unit used for speed limits, and to express speeds generally, on roads in the United Kingdom and the United States. It is also often used to express the speed of...
in his 2006 Range Rover
Range Rover
The Range Rover is a large luxury four-wheel drive sport utility vehicle produced by British car maker Land Rover. The model, launched in 1970, is now in its third generation...
and did not have a valid license
Driver's license
A driver's license/licence , or driving licence is an official document which states that a person may operate a motorized vehicle, such as a motorcycle, car, truck or a bus, on a public roadway. Most U.S...
. It was reported that he was doing about 150 mph, 50 mph over the speed limit. According to the Atlanta-Journal Constitution, Ne-Yo was sentenced to 24 hours community service by a judge on June 2, 2008. He pleaded guilty to driving without a license and pleaded "no contest" to the reckless driving charge.
On August 22, 2011, Lindsay Lohan
Lindsay Lohan
Lindsay Lohan is an American actress, pop singer and model. She began her career as a child fashion model before making her motion picture debut in Disney's 1998 remake of The Parent Trap at the age of 11...
sued Ne-Yo, Pitbull
Pitbull (rapper)
Armando Christian Pérez , better known by his stage name Pitbull, is an American rapper, singer-songwriter and record producer. His first recorded performance was from the Lil Jon album Kings of Crunk in 2002, after which he released his debut album in 2004 titled M.I.A.M.I. under TVT Records...
, and Afrojack
Afrojack
Nick van de Wall, born 9 September 1987, commonly known by his stage name Afrojack, is a Grammy Award winning Dutch music producer and DJ. Born and raised in Spijkenisse, Netherlands, He was listed as number 7 on DJ Mags top 100 DJs of 2011...
in response to Give Me Everything
Give Me Everything (Pitbull song)
"Give Me Everything" is a song by American rapper Pitbull, released on March 18, 2011 as the second single from his sixth studio album, Planet Pit . It was written by Matt Howard, American singer-songwriter Ne-Yo, Dutch producer and DJ Afrojack. Ne-Yo and Nayer feature on the song, while Afrojack...
's lyrics referencing her name.
Discography
Studio albums- In My Own WordsIn My Own Words- Chart positions :- External links :* at Discogs* at Metacritic* at The Washington Post...
(2006) - Because of YouBecause of You (Ne-Yo album)- Chart history :AlbumChart procession and succession- Release history :- External links :* at Discogs* at Metacritic...
(2007) - Year of the GentlemanYear of the GentlemanYear of the Gentleman is the third studio album by American R&B and pop singer-songwriter Ne-Yo, released September 16, 2008, on Def Jam Recordings in the United States...
(2008) - Libra ScaleLibra ScaleUpon its release, Libra Scale received generally favorable reviews from most music critics. At Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream critics, the album received an average score of 73, based on 14 reviews, which indicates "generally favorable reviews"...
(2010) - The Cracks in Mr. Perfect (2012)
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Save the Last Dance 2 Save the Last Dance 2 Save the Last Dance 2 is a direct-to-video sequel to 2001's theatrical feature Save the Last Dance. It was released to DVD on October 10, 2006 by Paramount Home Entertainment and MTV... |
Mixx | Direct to video |
| 2007 | Stomp the Yard Stomp the Yard Stomp the Yard is a 2007 drama and dance film produced by Rainforest Films and released through Sony Pictures' Screen Gems division on January 12, 2007. Directed by Sylvain White, Stomp the Yard centers around DJ Williams, a college student at a fictional historically Black university who pledges... |
Rich Brown | Film |
| 2011 | CSI: NY CSI: NY CSI: NY is an American police procedural television series that premiered on September 22, 2004, on CBS. The show follows the investigations of a team of NYPD forensic scientists and police officers as they unveil the circumstances behind mysterious and unusual deaths as well as other crimes... |
The Handsome Man | Episode 7.14 "Smooth Criminal" |
| 2011 | The Fresh Beat Band The Fresh Beat Band The Fresh Beat Band is a children TV show with original pop songs produced for Nick Jr.. The Fresh Beats are Shout, Twist, Marina, and Kiki, described as four best friends in a band who go to music school together and love to sing and dance... |
Himself | Special episode "Band in a Jam" |
| 2011 | Battle: Los Angeles Battle: Los Angeles Battle: Los Angeles is a 2011 American military science fiction war film directed by Jonathan Liebesman, and starring Aaron Eckhart, Michelle Rodriguez, Ramon Rodriguez, Bridget Moynahan, Ne-Yo and Michael Peña... |
Specks | Film |
| 2011 | 4Chosen | Keshon Moore | Film (post-production) |
| 2012 | Red Tails Red Tails Red Tails is an upcoming 2012 action drama film directed by Anthony Hemingway, from a screenplay by John Ridley and Aaron McGruder. The story, written by Ridley, is inspired by true events. George Lucas serves as the executive producer for the project... |
Andrew 'Smoky' Salem | Film (post-production) |