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BIO

At the
tender age of twenty-two, the lyrical and musical talent that Ne-Yo posses are
far beyond his years. Born into a family of musicians from Arkansas, Shaffer C.
Smith a.k.a. Ne-Yo was raised in a single parent home by his mother. In hopes of
a better opportunity, Ne-Yo's mother relocated the family to Las Vegas Nevada;
where Ne-Yo would discover his passion.
The singer/songwriter, penned on the biggest radio records of history (189.5
million listeners in one week) Billboards #1 R&B chart for several weeks, the
words on "Let Me Love You" touch your heart and makes you feel good in your
soul. Written with Scott Storch and Kam Houf and performed by the R&B artist
Mario, "Let Me Love You" is just a glimpse into the mind of a true writer. "It's
a great song, and I'm really happy to have wrote it," he says.
A master in the art of storytelling, Ne-Yo began writing at an early age. A
vivid imagination and creative energy has allowed Ne-Yo to write songs for
multi-platinum artists such as Mary J. Blige, B2K, Faith Evans, and Musiq. When
asked about writing number one hits for other artists, simply put, Ne-Yo said,
"I feel there is always room for good music. I want to reach people's soul with
my lyrics thru whatever vessel God chooses."
Set to release his debut album on Def Jam Recordings, this dynamic entertainer
is ready to deliver. Infusing pop melodies to rich, soulful production the album
is sure to score with fans and critics alike. Relying on mostly his own in-house
crew Compound, Ne-Yo creates both a unique sound and sentiment for his records.
Songs like the first single "Stay" (featuring Peedi Crack) exemplify Ne-Yo's
nuanced, layered vocals and sample free production. "So Sick", a beautiful track
in which he laments hearing love songs on the radio due to the feelings they
conjure, reveals his voice to be clean and almost elated, but rich and weathered
at the same time. But true to his charismatic character, the album shows many
sides of Ne-Yo and even finds him lighter, more playful, even coy, on "When
You're Mad." Sure cello hits move the track as Ne-Yo floats above, telling his
woman that she's even more beautiful when she's mad.
With the album in the chamber, ready to go, Ne-Yo now just has to prepare
himself for the stardom that is sure to follow. "The toughest part has been
getting used to being known," he confesses, "I've always been the writer, the
guy in the background, but being the actual artist is a whole new experience for
me."
Citing Prince, Marvin Gaye, The Rat Pack, and Stevie Wonder in his list of
favorite entertainers, Ne-Yo's album invokes a nostalgic feeling, a renaissance
if you will. Whether it's the bedroom or the dance floor, Ne-Yo's songs are
filled with passion and intense energy that pulls (you into the music) and puts
you into a zone.
Ne-Yo is taking the music industry by storm, as he graces and challenges popular
music with his writing & vocal talents. Much more than today's male singer,
Ne-Yo is a rare artist; expressing creativity thru drawings, paintings, martial
arts and song. He is distinguished by youthful energy with in-depth lyrics that
touch the soul. Ne-Yo is honored and ecstatic to be apart of the Def Jam brand,
which produces some of the best R&B and hip-hop artists in the world.


“Heaven took a melody, gave it a soul, gave it a mission, put it on earth and named it Ne-Yo” – words spoken
from the mouth of a chosen young man. At the tender age of twenty-two, the
lyrical and musical talent that Ne-Yo posses are far beyond his years. Born into
a family of musicians from Arkansas, Shaffer C. Smith a.k.a. Ne-Yo was raised in
a single parent home by his mother. In hopes of a better opportunity, Ne-Yo’s
mother relocated the family to Las Vegas Nevada; where Ne-Yo would discover his
passion.
Topping Billboards #1 R&B chart for several weeks, the words on “Let Me Love
You” touch your heart and makes you feel good in your soul. Performed by the R&B
artist Mario, “Let Me Love You” is just a glimpse into the mind of a true
writer. A master in the art of storytelling, Ne-Yo began writing at an early
age. A vivid imagination and creative energy has allowed Ne-Yo to write songs
for multi-platinum artists such as Mary J. Blige, B2K, Faith Evans, and Musiq
Soulchild. When asked about writing number one hits for other artists, simply
put, Ne-Yo said, “I feel there is always room for good music. I want to reach
people’s soul with my lyrics through whatever vessel God chooses.”
Set to release his debut album on Def Jam Recordings, this dynamic entertainer
is ready to deliver. The fun and catchy first single from the album, “Stay” is a
song about holding on to the one you love. With smooth rhythmic melodies over
pulsating beats, this infectious track is guaranteed to make your body tingle
while swaying to the intoxicating music. While staying true to himself, Ne-Yo is
a versatile artist able to express thoughts and emotions other artists are
afraid to confront.
Citing Prince, Marvin Gaye, The Rat Pack, and Stevie Wonder in his list of
favorite entertainers, Ne-Yo’s album invokes a nostalgic feeling, a renaissance
if you will. On the track “Diamond”, Ne-Yo sings from the heart, resonating pure
and beautiful honesty. Not many men capable of admitting that they are the
richest man in the world, not financially, but rich because of the love he
shares with that special woman. Whether it’s the bedroom or the dance floor,
Ne-Yo’s songs are filled with passion and intense energy that pulls (you into
the music) and puts you into a zone.
Ne-Yo is taking the music industry by storm, as he graces and challenges the R&B
genre with his writing & vocal talents. Much more than today’s male singer,
Ne-Yo is a rare artist; expressing creativity thru drawings, paintings, martial
arts and song. He is distinguished by youthful energy with in-depth lyrics that
touch the soul. Ne-Yo is honored and ecstatic to be apart of the Def Jam brand,
which produces some of the best R&B and hip-hop artists in the world. Every
artist has something to prove and now it’s Ne-Yo’s turn. “The R&B heavens have
opened it gates and blessed us with Ne-Yo- A gift for everyone to enjoy.”