"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 chose young man. At the tender age of twenty-two, the lyrical and musical talent that Ne-Yo possesses is far beyond his years. Born into a family of musicians from Arkansas, Shaffer C. Smith aka Ne-Yo was raised in a single parent home by his mother. In hopes of a better opportunity, Ne-Yo's mother relocated his family to Las Vegas, Nevada, where Ne-Yo would discover his passion.
Topping Billboard's No. 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 throug 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 infecitous 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 are 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 and 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 a part 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 its gates and blessed us with Ne-Yo -- A gift for everyone to enjoy."
--- from the official Ne-Yo website
