- Genre: R & B
- Influenced by: Jodeci, Teddy Riley, Michael Jackson, El DeBarge, Babyface
- Similar Artists: Kev Samples, J. Holiday, Sterling Simms, Noel Gourdin, Joe, Usher, Donell Jones, Kuk Harrell, Urban Mystic, Jaheim, Omarion, Mario, Ryan Leslie, Teedra Moses, John Legend, Bobby Valentino, Bobby Valentino, Chris Brown, T-Pain
Songwriter, arranger, and vocalist Ne-Yo was born Shaffer Smith in Arkansas and raised in Las Vegas, NV. His start in the music industry came as a songwriter. Prior to exiting his teenage years, he penned material for Youngstown and broke through in 2004 with Mario's "Let Me Love You," one of the most-played songs on urban radio stations across the U.S. In My Own Words, the second album he recorded but the first one to be released, came out in early 2006 and reached the top of the charts, supported by the number one hit "So Sick." During the same year, he appeared on Remy Ma's There's Something About Remy and Ghostface Killah's Fishscale, and he had a hand in writing a pair of Top Ten hits: Beyoncé's "Irreplaceable" and Rihanna's "Unfaithful." Because of You, his second album, followed in May 2007. He has also written for Marques Houston, Cassidy, Heather Headley, and Musiq Soulchild. ~ Andy Kellman, All Music Guide
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Black Voices
Ready To Roll!! Music superstar Beyonce is already on board for a major headlining gig. Also news on 50 Cent, Michael Jackson, Ralph Tresvant and Chester Gregory. All of that and much more in Black Music Notes.