Ne-Yo

Bio:
Ne-Yo (born Shaffer Chimere Smith on October 18, 1979 in Camden, Arkansas) is an American R&B singer, songwriter, dancer and actor. When Ne-Yo was young, his mother separated from his father and relocated the family to Las Vegas. While at the Las Vegas Academy, Ne-Yo adopted the stage name “GoGo” while joining a R&B group called Envy. He changed his name to “Ne-Yo” after the band disbanded in 2000. After Envy broke-up, Ne-Yo was signed by Columbia Records, but dropped before he could release his already recorded album. When singer Marques Houston heard Ne-Yo’s song, “That Girl,” he recorded his own version and released it as a single. The song’s success led Ne-Yo to be recognized as a top songwriter. Ne-Yo has written for Mary J. Blige, Faith Evans and American singer, Mario. Mario’s “Let Me Love You” song hitting #1 led to Ne-Yo getting signed to Def Jam. In 2006, Ne-Yo released In my Own Words. It debuted at #1 at the Billboard 200. His second album, 2007’s Because of You, also debuted at #1. Ne-Yo has been a frequent collaborator, singing with artists like New Kids on the Block, Pitbull, Akon and Mariah Carey. Ne-Yo continues to be a successful songwriter, penning hits for Rihanna, Celine Dion, and Beyonce. In addition to singing, Ne-Yo has appeared in films Redtails and Battle: Los Angeles.

Best Known For:
Ne-Yo is best known as American R&B singer and songwriter, for his hits “So Sick” and “Because of You.”

Personal Life:
Ne-Yo dated Jessica White and in 2005, she gave birth to a boy, naming him Chimere. However, Ne-Yo discovered he wasn’t the father and left Jessica. In 2010, he and girlfriend, Monyetta Shaw, were expecting. She gave birth to daughter Madilyn Grace. In 2011, the couple welcomed son Mason Evan Smith. Ne-Yo got engaged to Crystal Renay in Aug. 2015 and announced they were expecting a child. The couple married on Feb. 20, 2016.