Ne-Yo facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Ne-Yo
Ne-Yo in 2023
Born	Shaffer Chimere Smith (1979-10-18) October 18, 1979 (age 45) Camden, Arkansas, U.S.
Other names	Gogo
Education	Las Vegas Academy
Occupation	Singer songwriter record producer dancer actor
Years active	1998–present
Works	Discography production
Spouse(s)	Crystal Renay Williams ​ ​ (m. 2016; div. 2023)​
Partner(s)	Monyetta Shaw (2009–2013)
Children	7
Awards	Full list
Musical career
Origin	Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.
Genres	R&B pop hip hop soul
Labels	Compound Motown Def Jam

Shaffer Chimere Smith (born October 18, 1979), known professionally as Ne-Yo (/ˈniːjoʊ/ NEE-yoh), is an American singer and songwriter. He is known as a top artist in R&B music from the 2000s. Ne-Yo has won many awards, including three Grammy Awards. He first became famous for his songwriting skills. This happened after he wrote the hit song "Let Me Love You" for Mario in 2004. Because of this success, Ne-Yo met Jay-Z, who was the head of Def Jam Recordings. He then signed a contract and released four successful albums with them.

Ne-Yo's first song, "Stay" (with Peedi Peedi), came out in 2005. It didn't do very well. But his next song, "So Sick", became a huge hit. It reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. His first album, In My Own Words, was nominated for a Grammy Award and sold over a million copies. It also got platinum awards in the UK, Japan, and Australia.

His second album, Because of You (2007), also reached number one on the Billboard 200. It won the Best Contemporary R&B Album at the 50th Annual Grammy Awards. Ne-Yo's third album, Year of the Gentleman (2008), was also very successful. It was nominated for Best Contemporary R&B Album and Album of the Year. The song "Closer" was nominated for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance. Another song, "Miss Independent", won that award and Best R&B Song at the 51st Annual Grammy Awards. Year of the Gentleman sold two million copies in the US and even more in the UK.

Ne-Yo's fourth album, Libra Scale (2010), did well in other countries. It reached number nine on the US Billboard 200. After this, he moved from Def Jam to Motown Records. His fifth album, R.E.D. (2012), reached number four. It included the song "Let Me Love You (Until You Learn to Love Yourself)", which was a top ten hit in the US and number one in the UK. His sixth album, Non-Fiction (2015), also did well. His seventh album, Good Man (2018), reached number 33. His later albums, Another Kind of Christmas (2019) and Self Explanatory (2022), also appeared on the charts.

Besides his music, Ne-Yo was a judge on the TV show World of Dance from 2017 to 2020. He worked with Jennifer Lopez and Derek Hough. In 2021, Ne-Yo was "Badger" on The Masked Singer UK and came in second place. In 2023, he won The Masked Singer in the US as "Cow". Ne-Yo has sold 29 million albums and singles in the United States. His songs "Give Me Everything" and "Knock You Down" are considered some of the greatest summer songs ever. He has had five number one songs in the UK.

Early Life and Music Start

Shaffer Chimere Smith was born in Camden, Arkansas. His father was of African American and Chinese background. His mother was African American. Both of his parents were musicians. When he was young, his mother raised him after she and his father separated. His family then moved to Las Vegas, Nevada.

While at the Las Vegas Academy, Smith used the stage name GoGo. He joined an R&B group called Envy. They appeared on Showtime at the Apollo and the MTV show The Cut. The group broke up in 2000. Smith then started writing songs for other artists before becoming a solo singer. The name Ne-Yo was given to him by a producer named Big D Evans. Evans said Ne-Yo saw music like the character Neo sees the Matrix.

Music Career Highlights

Early Career and Songwriting Success (1998–2005)

Ne-Yo performing in July 2005

After his group Envy broke up in 2000, Columbia Records signed Ne-Yo. But they dropped him before he could release his first album. American singer Marques Houston heard a song Ne-Yo had written called "That Girl". Houston recorded it and released it as a single in 2003. This song helped Ne-Yo become known as a great songwriter.

For the next two years, Ne-Yo kept writing songs for other artists. He wrote for Teedra Moses, Christina Milian, and the boy band Youngstown. These songs didn't make him famous yet. He also wrote for Mary J. Blige, B2K, Faith Evans, and Musiq.

A big moment came when Ne-Yo wrote "Let Me Love You" for Mario. This song became number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and stayed there for nine weeks. After this success, Def Jam Recordings offered Ne-Yo a meeting. Jay-Z, who was the CEO of Def Jam at the time, signed Ne-Yo to a new deal after hearing him perform.

First Albums and Awards (2006–2007)

Ne-Yo promoting Because of You in 2007

In early 2006, Ne-Yo released his first album, In My Own Words, with Def Jam Recordings. The album's popular song "So Sick" helped it debut at number one on the Billboard 200. It sold over 301,000 copies in its first week. "So Sick" also reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100. The album sold over one million copies and was certified platinum.

His second album, Because of You, came out on May 1, 2007. It also debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, selling 251,000 copies. This was Ne-Yo's second number-one album. The main song, "Because of You", reached number two. This album also sold over one million copies and was certified platinum. In December 2007, Ne-Yo performed at a concert to raise money for Barack Obama, who was running for president.

Continued Success and New Directions (2008–2012)

Ne-Yo's third album, Year of the Gentleman, was released in August 2008. Ne-Yo said the title was about being a gentleman in the music business. He wanted to show that artists could be calm, polite, and charming.

The album sold 250,000 copies in its first week and reached number two on the Billboard 200. Critics liked the album. The first two songs, "Closer" and "Miss Independent", both reached number seven on the Billboard Hot 100. The album was nominated for several Grammy Awards. Year of the Gentleman sold over one million copies and was certified platinum. The song "Mad" reached number 11.

In 2008, Ne-Yo sang on the song "Single" with the New Kids on the Block. He also performed at the Kennedy Center Honors, singing for Barbra Streisand. In 2009, Billboard magazine named him the 57th best artist of the 2000s.

In 2009, Ne-Yo released a greatest hits album in Japan called Ne-Yo: The Collection. It reached number four on Japan's music charts. In 2010, he sang with Mariah Carey on the song "Angels Cry".

In June 2010, Ne-Yo released "Beautiful Monster", which became his third number-one song in the UK. His album Libra Scale was released in November 2010. It was based on a story about choosing between money and love. The album received good reviews but sold less than his previous albums. It debuted at number nine in the US.

Ne-Yo in a recording studio in 2011

In 2011, Ne-Yo announced a new album. He also wrote songs for artists like Mary J. Blige, Beyoncé, and Jennifer Hudson. Ne-Yo also acted in the movies Red Tails (2012) and Battle: Los Angeles (2011).

In spring 2011, Ne-Yo worked with Pitbull and Nayer on the song "Give Me Everything". This song reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100. It was Ne-Yo's second US number-one hit.

Ne-Yo performing songs from R.E.D. in 2012

In 2012, Ne-Yo moved from Def Jam Recordings to Motown Records. He also became a Senior Vice President of A&R at Motown. This meant he would help new artists and find new talent. His fifth album, R.E.D., was released in November 2012. The song "Let Me Love You (Until You Learn to Love Yourself)" became his fifth number-one song in the UK. In August 2012, Ne-Yo performed at a concert celebrating Michael Jackson's birthday. He sang some of Jackson's songs. In December 2012, Ne-Yo was the musical guest on Saturday Night Live. In 2012, he received the Hal David Starlight Award for his songwriting.

Later Albums and TV Appearances (2013–Present)

Ne-Yo performing at the National Christmas Tree lighting ceremony in December 2014

In 2013, Ne-Yo worked with Akon on David Guetta's song "Play Hard". He also sang with Jessica Sanchez on her song "Tonight". Ne-Yo and Celine Dion recorded "Incredible" for Dion's 2013 album.

In May 2014, Ne-Yo announced his sixth album, Non-Fiction. The main song was "She Knows" featuring Juicy J. The album came out in January 2015 and reached number five on the Billboard 200.

In 2015, Ne-Yo worked with Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike on "Higher Place". In 2016 and 2017, he collaborated with other artists like Yunel, J Alvarez, and Diamond Platnumz. In 2017, he released new songs like "Earn Your Love" and "Another Love Song". He also had a small role in the movie Girls Trip.

From 2020 to 2021, Ne-Yo was "Badger" on The Masked Singer UK and finished second. His album Self Explanatory was released in July 2022. In 2023, Ne-Yo won The Masked Singer in the US as "Cow".

Musical Style and Songwriting

Ne-Yo's Sound and Inspirations

Ne-Yo's music is mostly R&B. He also adds pop and hip hop sounds. He has been influenced by artists like Michael Jackson, Luther Vandross, Babyface, Blackstreet, and Usher. Ne-Yo is known for his tenor voice and using falsetto in his songs.

Ne-Yo has credited Michael Jackson as a big influence.

Writing and Producing Music

Ne-Yo often writes songs with Tor Erik Hermansen and Mikkel S. Eriksen from the production team Stargate. They met in New York and decided to work together. They created songs for Ne-Yo's first album, including "So Sick".

Besides his own music, Ne-Yo writes for many other artists. He wrote hit songs for Rihanna like "Unfaithful" and "Take a Bow". He also wrote "Irreplaceable" for Beyoncé Knowles, which was number one for ten weeks. He wrote for Leona Lewis, Alexandra Burke, and Sugababes.

In 2010, he sang with Mariah Carey on "Angel's Cry". Ne-Yo has also written for Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Carrie Underwood, and Enrique Iglesias. He worked with Lindsay Lohan on her song "Bossy". In 2007, he was asked to work on Michael Jackson's new album, but they only got to the writing stage before Jackson passed away. Ne-Yo later said he wasn't sure what to do with those songs. In 2009, he wrote "Truth (Saigo no Shinjitsu)" for the Japanese group w-inds..

Ne-Yo opened his own recording studio called Carrington House in Atlanta, Georgia. In 2007, he started his own production company, Compound Entertainment. It became a record label, signing artists like RaVaughn and Shanell.

Other Projects

TV Shows and Movies

In 2011, Ne-Yo worked with Cartoon Network to create an animated show called I Heart Tuesday. He said he made it for his sister. Ne-Yo also appeared in an episode of CSI: NY as a hit-man, using his real name Shaffer Smith.

In 2011, Ne-Yo was on an episode of The Fresh Beat Band, a children's show. He played the Tin Man in NBC's live musical The Wiz Live! in 2015. He was nominated for an award for his performance. In May 2018, he competed on Celebrity Ninja Warrior for charity. He finished the course, which resulted in a $30,000 donation.

In December 2018, he performed at the 67th Miss Universe pageant.

Helping Others (Philanthropy)

Ne-Yo cares a lot about arts and children. He supports Little Kids Rock by making a public service announcement for them. This organization helps bring music education to kids.

Sports Management

In November 2024, Ne-Yo started working in sports management. He signed boxer Paul Bamba as his first fighter. Ne-Yo learned about boxing from his uncles when he was younger and also took martial arts classes. Later, boxing became part of his workout routine, where he met Bamba. Bamba became the World Boxing Association's cruiserweight champion in December 2024. He also broke Mike Tyson's record for most boxing wins by knockout in one year, with 14 KOs. Bamba passed away on December 27, 2024.

Personal Life

Family Life

In June 2010, Ne-Yo and his girlfriend, Monyetta Shaw, announced they were expecting a child. Their daughter was born prematurely in November 2010. Ne-Yo said he felt a new kind of love. Their son was born in October 2011. They broke up in 2013.

In September 2015, Ne-Yo announced he was engaged to Crystal Renay Williams and they were expecting a child. They got married on February 20, 2016. Their first son was born in March 2016, and their second son in June 2018. In February 2020, Ne-Yo said they would end their marriage, but they later decided to stay together during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ne-Yo said the quarantine helped them focus on their relationship.

Ne-Yo and Crystal's third child, a daughter, was born in June 2021. In April 2022, they renewed their wedding vows. Four months later, Crystal filed for divorce. Their divorce was finalized on January 26, 2023.

Health Choices

In August 2017, Ne-Yo said he started eating a vegan diet after watching a documentary. In February 2019, he mentioned he had lost about 30 pounds and felt better. However, his representative confirmed in March 2020 that he was no longer vegan.

Discography

Studio albums

• In My Own Words (2006)
• Because of You (2007)
• Year of the Gentleman (2008)
• Libra Scale (2010)
• R.E.D. (2012)
• Non-Fiction (2015)
• Good Man (2018)
• Another Kind of Christmas (2019)
• Self Explanatory (2022)

Tour

• Champagne and Roses Tour (2023–2024)

Filmography

Film

Television

Awards and nominations

See also

In Spanish: Ne-Yo para niños