Ne-Yo

Shaffer Chimere Smith (born October 18, 1979), known professionally as Ne-Yo, is an American R&B singer, songwriter, actor, dancer, and record producer. He gained recognition for his songwriting abilities when he wrote Mario's 2004 hit "Let Me Love You". The single's successful release prompted a meeting between Ne-Yo and Def Jam's then-president Jay-Z, resulting in a contract in which he recorded four successful studio albums and numerous hit songs for the label. Ne-Yo became distinctive for his tenor vocal range, sharp performing image and attire, and diverse artistry. He is a recipient of several awards including three Grammy Awards. Ne-Yo's debut single, "Stay" (featuring Peedi Peedi), was released in 2005 to lukewarm commercial reception, while his second single, "So Sick" in 2006, became his breakthrough hit as it topped the Billboard Hot 100. Both songs preceded his debut studio album, In My Own Words (2006), released to critical and commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard 200 chart and attaining platinum certification in the United States, United Kingdom, Japan and Australia. Because of You (2007), Ne-Yo's second studio album, also topped the Billboard 200 and received a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary R&B Album at the 50th Grammy Awards. His third studio album, Year of the Gentleman (2008), saw continued success and further Grammy nominations for Best Contemporary R&B Album as well as Album of the Year. Its singles "Closer" and "Miss Independent" were also nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance, Best Male R&B Vocal Performance, and Best R&B Song. Year of the Gentleman has been certified platinum twice in the US, selling two million copies, also platinum three times in the UK and once in Japan. Libra Scale (2010), Ne-Yo's fourth studio album, reached number one in the UK R&B Singles and Albums Charts and number nine on the US Billboard 200, seeing a decline in overall sales. His fifth studio album, R.E.D. (2012), saw the international success of its lead single "Let Me Love You (Until You Learn to Love Yourself)", which certified platinum in the United States, became Ne-Yo's fifth chart-topping song in the United Kingdom, and sold over two million copies. Ne-Yo's sixth studio album, Non-Fiction, followed in 2015. His seventh studio album, Good Man, was released on June 8, 2018.