Ne-Yo

Originally from Camden, Arkansas, Ne-Yo grew up in and has worked in Las Vegas, Nevada. It is said that growing up in Vegas with only his Mother after his parents’ divorce helped him become the songwriter he is today; as she encouraged him to keep a journal to help him work through his emotions and this became the inspiration for his song writing process.

Not only is Ne-Yo known for his smooth R’n’B, soul pop and hip-hop, but he is also an actor, producer and dancer with a wide range of all star collaborations to boast of. Most notably are the likes of hit track “Knock You Down,” with Kanye West and Keri Hilson, “Irreplaceable” with Beyoncé and “Take A Bow” and “Unfaithful” with Rihanna, but the list is extensive.

The first big move to launch his successful song writing career certainly set the tone in terms of genre and chart success, as Ne-Yo co-wrote Mario’s hit single “Let Me Love You” released in late 2004 and named the eighth most successful single of the decade by Billboard.

Ne-Yo’s solo work followed suit from his success on Mario’s single with a record deal from label Def Jam. Within just two years (2006-2008) Ne-Yo released three studio albums, “In My Own Words,” “Because of You,” and “Year of the Gentleman” all of which went platinum in the US and received global chart success. His most popular singles from the albums include “So Sick” (one of many collaborations with Stargate, a Norwegian production duo), “Because of You,” “Miss Independent” and “Closer.”

His later works, “Libra Scale” released in 2010 and “R.E.D” released on label Motown in 2012, did not see Ne-Yo maintain his mainstream success. Instead both albums, which were much more dance-pop inclined, spent a little time in the charts, the latter being his slowest selling album of all.

Ne-Yo continues to write dance-pop tracks much like his collaboration with rapper Pitbull, “Give Me Everything”, whilst maintaining his strong connection to his R’n’B roots.