Ne-Yo

Shaffer Chimere Smith was born on October 18, 1979, in Camden, Arkansas to parents Lorraine and Shaffer Smith, both of whom are also musicians. As a young child, he was raised by his mother after she separated from his father.{{cite news |last=Lo |first=Ricky |year=2008 |url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2008/02/24/46567/let-ne-yo-love-you |title=Let Ne-Yo Love You |newspaper=The Philippine Star |location=Philippines}} His mother then relocated the family to Las Vegas, Nevada.

While in the Las Vegas Academy, Smith adopted the stage name GoGo and joined an R&B group called Envy, who appeared during amateur night on Showtime at the Apollo{{cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMvVUYPEOX8 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/IMvVUYPEOX8 |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|title=Ne-yo and Corey from American Idol stinking up Apollo |date=September 29, 2010 |via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}} and on the short lived MTV series The Cut{{cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ra7MASP8_cE |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/Ra7MASP8_cE |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|title=Ne-yo, Corey Clark, and Cory Robinson Backstage at MTV's "The cut" |date=July 20, 2009 |via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}} (hosted by Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes of TLC).{{cite web |url=http://artists.letssingit.com/ne-yo-wvp3c/biography |title=Artist Biography | Ne-Yo biography |publisher=Artists.letssingit.com |access-date=March 13, 2011}} The group disbanded in 2000, and Smith continued to write songs for other artists before starting his solo career. The stage name Ne-Yo was coined by Big D Evans, a producer with whom Ne-Yo once worked,{{cite news |url=http://www.vibe.com/news/online_exclusives/2005/10/20_questions_with_ne_yo/ |title=20 Questions with Ne-Yo |last=Scott |first=Kevin R. |date=October 24, 2005 |work=Vibe |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080512020337/http://www.vibe.com/news/online_exclusives/2005/10/20_questions_with_ne_yo/ |archive-date=May 12, 2008}} because Evans claimed that Ne-Yo sees music like the character Neo sees the Matrix.{{cite web |url=http://www.soulmusic.com/ne20in.html |title=Ne-Yo 2006 Interview |last=Lorez |first=Jeff |year=2006 |publisher=Soulmusic |access-date=October 21, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081027115224/http://www.soulmusic.com/ne20in.html |archive-date=October 27, 2008}}

File:NeYoJul05.jpg

After Envy disbanded in 2000, Columbia Records signed Ne-Yo, but the label dropped him before he could release his already-recorded first album.{{cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/music/news/2007-05-15-ne-yo_N.htm |title=Ne-Yo keeps tunes coming |last=Jones |first=Steve |date=May 15, 2007 |work=USA Today |access-date=December 27, 2008}} American singer Marques Houston happened to hear "That Girl", which Ne-Yo had planned to release as his debut single from his then-unreleased album. Houston re-recorded the song and released it as a single for his 2003 album MH.{{cite web |url=http://www.miaminewtimes.com/2006-09-07/music/slick-of-it-all/ |title=Slick of It All |last=Reeves |first=Mosi |date=September 7, 2006 |work=Miami New Times |access-date=December 27, 2008}} The release of the song led to Ne-Yo being recognized as a top songwriter.

For the next two years, Ne-Yo continued writing songs, some of which have not been officially released. He contributed songs to American singer Teedra Moses's 2004 album Complex Simplicity, Christina Milian's It's About Time, and the American boy band Youngstown,{{cite web |url={{AllMusic |class=artist |id=p737022 |pure_url=yes}}|title=Neyo: Biography|last=Kellman|first=Any|website=AllMusic|access-date=December 26, 2008}} none of which, however, brought Ne-Yo much mainstream attention. Ne-Yo has also contributed songs to singers Mary J. Blige, B2K, Faith Evans, and Musiq, among others.

A breakthrough came when Ne-Yo wrote "Let Me Love You" for American singer Mario. The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100, and later stayed at the top spot for nine weeks. After the successful release, Tina Davis, former A&R representative for Def Jam Recordings, arranged an informal meeting with label head L.A. Reid. Despite not seeking a new contract at the time, then-CEO of Def Jam Jay-Z signed Ne-Yo to a new deal after he performed for the label's executives.{{cite news |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/yhif/jayz_picks/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050701010143/http://www.mtv.com/news/yhif/jayz_picks/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 1, 2005 |title=Jay-Z's Picks: Teairra Mari, Rihanna, Ne-Yo |last=Reid |first=Shaheem |publisher=MTV |access-date=December 25, 2008}}

File:Ne-Yo Promotion.jpg in 2007]]

In early 2006, Ne-Yo released his debut album, In My Own Words, through Def Jam. Boosted by its popular second single "So Sick", the album debuted at number one on Billboard 200, selling over 301,000 copies in its first week on sale.{{cite magazine |url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/59463/ne-yos-words-speak-volumes-at-no-1 |title=Ne-Yo's 'Words' Speak Volumes At No. 1 |last=Hasty |first=Katie |date=March 8, 2006 |magazine=Billboard |access-date=December 26, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130626093143/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/59463/ne-yos-words-speak-volumes-at-no-1 |archive-date=June 26, 2013}} During the same week, the single had reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100.{{cite magazine |url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/59446/ne-yo-completes-chart-takeover-with-so-sick |title=Ne-Yo Completes Chart Takeover With 'So Sick' |last=Hope |first=Clover |date=March 9, 2009 |magazine=Billboard |access-date=December 26, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130603011225/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/59446/ne-yo-completes-chart-takeover-with-so-sick |archive-date=June 3, 2013}} Later singles released were "When You're Mad" and "Sexy Love", which peaked at number 15 and number seven, respectively.{{cite magazine |url={{BillboardURLbyName |artist=ne-yo |chart=all}} |title=Artist Chart History – Ne-Yo |magazine=Billboard |access-date=December 26, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130307043544/http://www.billboard.com:80/artist/312075/ne-yo/chart? |archive-date=March 7, 2013 }} The album has been certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for a shipment of over one million units.{{cite web |url=https://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?resultpage=1&table=SEARCH_RESULTS&artist=Ne-Yo&startMonth=1&endMonth=1&startYear=1958&endYear=2008&sort=Artist&perPage=25 |title=RIAA – Gold and Platinum |publisher=Recording Industry Association of America |access-date=December 25, 2008}}

His second album, Because of You, was released on May 1, 2007, and, fueled by its lead single, debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, selling 251,000 copies in the United States; the feat gave Ne-Yo his second number-one album.{{cite magazine |url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1052244/ne-yo-scores-second-no-1-in-debut-heavy-week |title=Ne-Yo Scores Second No. 1 In Debut-Heavy Week |last=Hasty |first=Katie |date=May 9, 2009 |magazine=Billboard |access-date=December 26, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130626101750/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1052244/ne-yo-scores-second-no-1-in-debut-heavy-week |archive-date=June 26, 2013}} The first single from the platinum-selling album was the title track, which peaked at the number-two spot. Despite the success of "Because of You", later singles released charted lower and were unable to reach the Top 20. The album has been certified platinum by RIAA for a shipment of over one million units. In December 2007, Ne-Yo and the Goo Goo Dolls performed at a fund-raising concert for the then–presidential candidate Senator Barack Obama.{{cite news |url=http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/12/11/ne-yo-the-goo-goo-dolls-and-oh-yes-barack/ |title=Ne-Yo, The Goo Goo Dolls and, Oh, Yes, Barack |last=Cathcart |first=Rebecca |date=December 11, 2007 |work=The New York Times |access-date=December 26, 2008}}

Ne-Yo's third album, Year of the Gentleman, was released internationally on August 5, 2008. Speaking to noted UK R&B writer Pete Lewis of the award-winning Blues & Soul, Ne-Yo explained the thinking behind its title: "To me Year of the Gentleman is all about a persona, a swag and a charm. I made an assessment of the music business. And, in my personal opinion, the essence of the gentleman is absent right now. Everybody kinda looks the same, everybody's kinda doing the same thing, everybody's kinda rude and full of themselves. Whereas a gentleman is calm, courteous, kind, charming... So that title basically represents me trying to lead by example, and showing these cats what it is to be a gentleman in this business still."{{cite web |url=http://www.bluesandsoul.com/feature/293/ne_yo_in_his_own_words/ |title=Ne-Yo interview by Pete Lewis, 'Blues & Soul' June 2008 |publisher=Bluesandsoul.com |access-date=August 5, 2011 |archive-date=January 14, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120114122001/http://www.bluesandsoul.com/feature/293/ne_yo_in_his_own_words/ |url-status=dead }}

The album sold 250,000 copies in its first week in the United States, debuting on the Billboard 200 at number two.{{cite magazine |url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1043994/metallica-edges-ne-yo-nelly-to-remain-no-1 |title=Metallica Edges Ne-Yo, Nelly To Remain No. 1 |last=Hasty |first=Katie |date=September 24, 2008 |magazine=Billboard |access-date=December 25, 2008}} Reviews for the album were positive: in one, Caryn Ganz of Rolling Stone magazine wrote that Year of the Gentleman is "actually a superb concept album about what a great boyfriend he [Ne-Yo] can be".{{cite magazine |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/reviews/album/22723958/review/22787161/year_of_the_gentleman |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080906201832/http://www.rollingstone.com/reviews/album/22723958/review/22787161/year_of_the_gentleman |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 6, 2008 |title=Year of the Gentleman : Ne-Yo : Review |last=Ganz |first=Caryn |date=September 18, 2008 |magazine=Rolling Stone |access-date=September 24, 2008}} The first two singles, "Closer" and "Miss Independent", peaked at number seven on the Billboard Hot 100. The album was nominated for Best Contemporary R&B Album and Album of the Year at the 2009 Grammy Awards, "Closer" for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance, and "Miss Independent" for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance and Best R&B Song.{{cite news |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1600684/20081204/ne_yo.jhtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081206055007/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1600684/20081204/ne_yo.jhtml |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 6, 2008 |title=Ne-Yo Was Blown Away By His Six Grammy Nods: 'One Nomination Would Have Been Enough For Me' |last=Adler |first=Shawn |date=December 4, 2008 |publisher=MTV |access-date=December 25, 2008}} Year of the Gentleman has been certified platinum by RIAA for a shipment of more than one million copies. The third single, "Mad", peaked at number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100.

On August 12, 2008, the New Kids on the Block released "Single", the second single from their fifth studio album, The Block, which is a duet with Ne-Yo. Ne-Yo included a solo version of the song on his album Year of the Gentleman. In December 2008, Ne-Yo performed at the Kennedy Center Honors as part of the tribute to Barbra Streisand; he sang and danced to the song "Lover Come Back to Me", which Streisand recorded on her second album in 1963. In 2009, Billboard ranked him as the 57th Artist of the 2000s decade.{{cite magazine |url=http://www.billboard.com/#/charts-decade-end/artists-of-the-decade?year=2009&begin=51&order=position |title=Billboard – Music Charts, Music News, Artist Photo Gallery & Free Video |magazine=Billboard}} On September 2, 2009, Ne-Yo released greatest hits album Ne-Yo: The Collection in Japan.{{cite web |url=http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=UICD-9061 |title=NE-YO: The Collection [Limited Edition] |work=CDJapan.co.jp |publisher=Neowing |access-date=September 12, 2009}} The album was also released with a limited edition CD+DVD edition complete with the music videos of singles.{{cite web |url=http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=UICD-9061 |title=NE-YO: The Collection Complete Edition [SHM-CD] [w/ DVD, Limited Edition] |work=CDJapan.co.jp |publisher=Neowing |access-date=September 12, 2009}} It debuted at number four on Japan's Oricon weekly albums chart, selling 55,625 copies in the first week.{{cite web |url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/search/result.php?kbn=ja&types=rnk&year=2009&month=9&week=2&submit5.x=9&submit5.y=17 |title=Oricon Ranking Search |publisher=Oricon |access-date=September 12, 2009 |language=ja}}

In January 2010, Ne-Yo was featured in a duet with singer Mariah Carey titled "Angels Cry". In June 2010, Ne-Yo released the single "Beautiful Monster", which became Ne-Yo's third number-one single on the UK Singles Chart. It peaked at number 53 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. On October 8, 2010, Ne-Yo performed some of his songs from the new album at P.C. Richard & Son Theater in New York City, an event hosted by iHeartRadio.{{cite web |last=Girl |first=Cosmo |url=http://www.seventeen.com/cosmogirl/neyo-concert-video-performance?click=main_sr |title=Highlights from Ne-Yo's NYC Concert |publisher=Seventeen |date=October 14, 2010 |access-date=March 13, 2011}} Ne-Yo made an appearance at New York ComicCon to announce that he was collaborating with Stan Lee for a Libra Scale comic.Nagy, Evie [http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/viral-videos/954238/ne-yo-teams-up-with-stan-lee-at-new-york-comic-con "Ne-Yo Teams Up with Stan Lee at New York Comic Con"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130704145751/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/viral-videos/954238/ne-yo-teams-up-with-stan-lee-at-new-york-comic-con |date=July 4, 2013 }} October 11, 2010 Ne-Yo also met with fans for pictures and autographs in the Cultyard of the ComicCon.Cope2, October 9, 2010 [http://www.12ozprophet.com/index.php/cope2/entry/cope2ne-yophetus_sign_in_at_elite_gudz_at_the_new_york_comiccon_success/ "COPE2, NE-YO, PHETUS SIGN IN AT ELITE GUDZ AT THE NEW YORK COMICCON !! ! SUCCESS !! !! !! "] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110929162306/http://www.12ozprophet.com/index.php/cope2/entry/cope2ne-yophetus_sign_in_at_elite_gudz_at_the_new_york_comiccon_success/ |date=September 29, 2011 }} The second and third singles released from the album are "Champagne Life" and "One in a Million", respectively.

Libra Scale was released on November 22, 2010. It received critical acclaim from music critics, but was a commercial disappointment, debuting at number nine on the US Billboard 200 chart, selling less than all of his previous three studio albums. Ne-Yo stated: "The album is based upon this short story which basically follows these three characters who are forced to choose between money-power-and-fame versus love. Which in turn is why I've called it 'Libra Scale'. You know, its whole concept is based on that question of morality – that, if you weighed it all out on a libra scale, which one of those two options would you choose?".{{cite web |url=http://www.bluesandsoul.com/feature/573/ne-yo_finding_the_right_balance/ |title=Ne-Yo interview by Pete Lewis, 'Blues & Soul' August 2010 |publisher=Bluesandsoul.com |access-date=August 5, 2011 |archive-date=December 24, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101224161409/http://www.bluesandsoul.com/feature/573/ne-yo_finding_the_right_balance/ |url-status=dead }} Libra Scale sold 112,000 copies in its first week. In the United Kingdom, the album debuted at number 11 on the UK Albums Chart, while debuting at number one on the UK R&B Chart.

File:Ne-Yo in the studio.jpg

On February 25, 2011, while on his tour in the United Kingdom, he announced his new album would be called Love and Passion and would be released in September, but this was proven false as the title was tentative. American rapper Fabolous said in an interview that he is planning a collaboration album with Ne-Yo as well. Ne-Yo has also written songs for Mary J. Blige, JB, Beyoncé, Monica, Alexandra Burke, Cheryl Cole, and Willow Smith's upcoming albums. Ne-Yo starred in two motion pictures, the long-gestating George Lucas project Red Tails, released in early 2012, and Battle: Los Angeles, which was released in the United States on March 11, 2011. Ne-Yo has already finished writing songs for American singer and Roc Nation artist Alexis Jordan and her self-titled debut album as well as Jennifer Hudson for her second studio album, I Remember Me, which had a North American release on March 22, 2011. Ne-Yo appeared in the children's preschool show The Fresh Beat Band and was one of the few artists not to cancel appearances in the wake of the 2011 Japan earthquake.{{cite web |url=http://www.musicrooms.net/urban/29666-ne-yo-i-had-to-perform-in-japan.html |title=Ne-Yo: I had to perform in Japan |publisher=Musicrooms.net |date=March 26, 2011 |access-date=August 5, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110727010937/http://www.musicrooms.net/urban/29666-ne-yo-i-had-to-perform-in-japan.html |archive-date=July 27, 2011}}

In the spring of 2011, Ne-Yo featured alongside Nayer and Afrojack on Pitbull's single "Give Me Everything", which peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, giving Ne-Yo his second US number-one single, his first since 2006's "So Sick" and his first as a guest artist. Ne-Yo also revealed in an interview that he would like to collaborate with Chris Brown, Lil Wayne, and Drake on his upcoming album.

File:Ne-Yo Performs New Album R.E.D. on Walmart Soundcheck.jpg

In January 2012, it was reported that Ne-Yo, along with his label imprint Compound Entertainment, had moved from Def Jam Recordings to Motown Records.{{cite news |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/25/ne-yo-leaves-def-jam-motown-records_n_1231889.html |title=Ne-Yo Leaves Def Jam For Motown Records |work=HuffPost |date=January 25, 2012 |access-date=March 30, 2012 |first=Brennan |last=Williams}}{{cite web |last=Markman |first=Rob |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1677870/ne-yo-motown-def-jam.jhtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120128053331/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1677870/ne-yo-motown-def-jam.jhtml |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 28, 2012 |title=Ne-Yo Leaves Def Jam To Become Motown Exec – Music, Celebrity, Artist News |publisher=MTV |date=January 25, 2012 |access-date=March 30, 2012}} He was also appointed vice president of Motown, serving as a producer, songwriter, mentor, and talent scout.{{Cite web |date=January 26, 2012 |title=Ne-Yo becomes Motown vice-president |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-16739655 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241206214751/https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-16739655 |archive-date=December 6, 2024 |access-date=December 6, 2024 |website=BBC}} Ne-Yo was slated to release his fifth studio album, R.E.D. (as in "Realizing Every Dream"), on September 18, 2012.{{cite magazine |url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/481694/ne-yo-to-release-red-album-in-september |title=Ne-Yo To Release 'R.E.D.' Album in September – The Juice |magazine=Billboard |access-date=August 26, 2012}}{{cite web |url=http://www.bluesandsoul.com/feature/791/starry_starry_knight/ |title=Ne-Yo: Starry Starry Knight |author=Stephen Clark – Design |work=bluesandsoul.com |access-date=October 2, 2012 |archive-date=February 3, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130203021022/http://www.bluesandsoul.com/feature/791/starry_starry_knight/ |url-status=dead }} The album was initially titled The Cracks in Mr. Perfect.{{cite web |last=Muhammad |first=Latifah |title=Ne-Yo 'The Cracks in Mr. Perfect' Album: 'Don't Make 'Em Like You No More' Is First Single |date=March 9, 2012 |url=http://www.theboombox.com/2012/03/09/ne-yo-the-cracks-in-mr-perfect-album/ |publisher=The Boom Box |access-date=March 11, 2012}} The album's first official single, "Lazy Love", was released on June 12, 2012, and peaked at number forty-two on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. "Let Me Love You (Until You Learn to Love Yourself)", co-written by Australian singer-songwriter Sia, was released as the second single on July 31, 2012. The song peaked at number seven on the Billboard Hot 100 and became Ne-Yo's fifth number-one song in the United Kingdom.{{cite web |url=https://twitter.com/siamusic/status/224410850449047552 |title=Twitter / siamusic: Wrote a song with @NeYoCompound |publisher=Twitter |access-date=August 26, 2012}} Because of Kevin McCall's new album and the song Ne-Yo will be in, "Love Time", was not yet released because he and his friend Chris Brown will make an appearance on Ne-Yo's R.E.D. album in the song called "What I Do", which they all will be involved in writing the beat says Ne-Yo, who was interviewed by TMZ in New York. "I expect this to be a banger in clubs for the slow songs and to get Ne-Yo his first top 10 song in years," said Chris Brown, after a celebrity basketball game with Ne-Yo, Kevin Hart, and other celebrities in the month of July.

On August 29, 2012, Ne-Yo was one of the headliners alongside R&B recording artist Melanie Fiona, in the Summer Beats Concert Series, otherwise known as the MJ Birthday Concert, which was on what would have been the 54th birthday of the late American pop icon Michael Jackson which was sponsored by and live-streamed by Pepsi and Billboard. He performed a medley of hits, as well as performing "The Way You Make Me Feel", "Smooth Criminal" and "I Just Can't Stop Loving You" from Jackson's best-selling 1987 album, Bad, in preparation for the reissue of Bad 25 on September 18, 2012. The concert took place at Gotham Hall in New York City.{{cite web |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory/ne-yo-channels-king-pop-late-singers-bday-17112140 |title=Entertainment News, Celebrity Interviews and Pop Culture |publisher=ABC News |access-date=November 7, 2012}} R.E.D. was released in the United Kingdom on November 5, and in North America on November 6, 2012.{{cite web |url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/ne-yo-announced-r-e-d-release-date-news.2882.html |title=Ne-Yo Announced R.E.D. Release Date |publisher=HotNewHipHop |date=September 15, 2012 |access-date=November 7, 2012}} On December 8, 2012, Ne-Yo was the musical guest for Saturday Night Live with Jamie Foxx guest-hosting for that week.{{cite web |url=https://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live/season-38/episode/9-jamie-foxx-with-ne-yo-57886 |title=SNL Season 38 episode 09 - Jamie Foxx, Ne-Yo - NBC.com |publisher=NBC |date=December 8, 2012 |access-date=June 20, 2020}}

In 2012, Ne-Yo was awarded the Hal David Starlight Award of the Songwriter's Hall of Fame which honors gifted songwriters who are at an apex in their careers and are making a significant impact in the music industry via their original songs.{{cite web |url=http://www.songwritershalloffame.org/ceremony/awards/C3009 |title=Songwriters Hall of Fame |work=songwritershalloffame.org |access-date=May 24, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150701074901/http://www.songwritershalloffame.org/ceremony/awards/C3009 |archive-date=July 1, 2015 |url-status=dead }}

File:Ne-Yo (15329874953).jpg

In March 2013, Ne-Yo collaborated with Akon on David Guetta's single "Play Hard", from his 2012 album Nothing but the Beat 2.0. He also collaborated with Jessica Sanchez on her single "Tonight" from her debut album Me, You & the Music. The single, along with the music video was released on March 21, 2013. In April, Ne-Yo and Cher Lloyd collaborated on their single "It's All Good", which eventually was featured on Fruttare commercials.{{cite web |url=http://www.sugarscape.com/main-topics/music/852109/cher-lloyd-and-neyo-collaborate-new-fruttare-song-its-all-good |title=Cher Lloyd and Ne-Yo to collaborate on new Fruttare song 'It's All Good' |work=Sugarscape}} Around the same time, he and Celine Dion recorded "Incredible" for Dion's 2013 album Loved Me Back to Life. "Incredible" was released as a single in February 2014 and the music video premiered in June 2014.{{cite web |title=Céline Dion duet with Ne-Yo – Incredible |publisher=Vevo |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvO5z5tx4ZA |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/QvO5z5tx4ZA |archive-date=December 21, 2021 |url-status=live|date=June 5, 2014 |access-date=June 5, 2014}}{{cbignore}}

On May 29, 2014, Ne-Yo announced his upcoming sixth studio album would be called Non-Fiction. That same day, he announced a new single, "Money Can't Buy".{{cite web |url=http://www.capitalfm.com/artists/ne-yo/news/new-album-non-fiction/ |title=Ne-Yo Announces New Album 'Non Fiction' For September 2014 Release |date=May 29, 2014 |work=Capital}} On September 16, 2014, the lead single from "Non Fiction" was sent to mainstream radio titled "She Knows" featuring Juicy J.{{Cite web |url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/she-knows-feat.-juicy-j-single/id917435703 |title=ITunes - Music - She Knows (Feat. Juicy J) - Single by Ne-Yo |website=iTunes |access-date=September 29, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141112165211/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/she-knows-feat.-juicy-j-single/id917435703 |archive-date=November 12, 2014 |url-status=dead }} A few months later, Ne-Yo announced that the new release date for Non-Fiction was January 27, 2015.{{cite web |url=http://www.rap-up.com/2014/11/28/ne-yo-announces-non-fiction-release-date/ |title=Ne-Yo Announces 'Non-Fiction' Release Date |work=Rap-Up}} The album included collaborations with Pitbull and Charisse Mills.{{cite web |url=http://www.bet.com/video/musicnews/the-warm-up/2015/ne-yo-co-signs-pop-opera-artist-charisse-mills.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150206105302/http://www.bet.com/video/musicnews/the-warm-up/2015/ne-yo-co-signs-pop-opera-artist-charisse-mills.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 6, 2015 |title=Ne-Yo Cosigns Pop Opera Artist Charisse Mills |publisher=BET |access-date=October 21, 2015}} The album peaked at number five on the Billboard 200 chart.

In July 2015, Ne-Yo collaborated with Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike on a new song for the Tomorrowland anthem titled "Higher Place".{{cite web |url=https://soundcloud.com/dimitrivegasandlikemike |title=dimitrivegasandlikemike |work=SoundCloud |access-date=September 28, 2015}} In 2016, Ne-Yo collaborated with Yunel and J Alvarez for their single entitled "Sin Miedo", released on November 12, 2016, and with Diamond Platnumz for their single entitled "Marry You", released on February 2, 2017.

On May 8, 2017, Ne-Yo released a single "Earn Your Love" from his forthcoming seventh album, whilst announcing that the album is slated for a release in 2017.{{cite news |title=Ne-Yo Releases New Single, "Earn Your Love" Off Forthcoming Album |url=https://www.parlemag.com/2017/05/ne-yo-earn-your-love/ |author=Nia Bennett |work=Parle Magazine |date=May 9, 2017 |access-date=May 14, 2017}}{{cite news |title=Ne-Yo Releases New Tupac-Inspired Song 'Earn Ur Love' – LISTEN |url=http://www.capitalxtra.com/news/ne-yo-new-tupac-earn-your-love-listen/#mAeHMHEEMeuFFHiY.97 |publisher=Capital Xtra |date=May 9, 2017 |access-date=May 14, 2017 |archive-date=August 2, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170802082222/http://www.capitalxtra.com/news/ne-yo-new-tupac-earn-your-love-listen/#mAeHMHEEMeuFFHiY.97 |url-status=dead }} A new single, "Another Love Song" was released on May 30, 2017.{{cite magazine |title=Ne-Yo Returns With First Single in Two Years 'Another Love Song' |url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/7809777/ne-yo-another-love-song |magazine=Billboard |date=May 30, 2017 |access-date=May 31, 2017}} He also made a cameo in the comedy film Girls Trip, starring Queen Latifah, Jada Pinkett Smith, and Regina Hall.{{Cite magazine |last=Betancourt |first=Bianca |date=January 24, 2023 |title=A Girls Trip Sequel Is Finally Happening |url=https://www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/film-tv/a42639072/girls-trip-sequel-release-date-cast-rumors-details/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241206214844/https://www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/film-tv/a42639072/girls-trip-sequel-release-date-cast-rumors-details/ |archive-date=December 6, 2024 |access-date=December 6, 2024 |magazine=Harper's Bazaar}}

On March 27, 2020, Ne-Yo collaborated with Jamaican dancehall singer Charly Black for a new single, Over Again.{{cite web |url=https://www.dancehallmag.com/2020/03/27/music/charly-black-and-ne-yo-drop-new-collab-over-again-listen.html |title=Charly Black And Ne-Yo Drop New Collab 'Over Again': Listen |date=March 27, 2020 |work=DancehallMag}}

From 2020 to 2021, Ne-Yo competed as "Badger" in the second season of the British version of The Masked Singer. He finished as the runner-up to Joss Stone as "Sausage". He also confirmed that his next album, previously titled Sweet Escape had been renamed Self Explanatory.{{cite web | url=https://www.distractify.com/p/ne-yo-new-album | title=The Real Reason Ne-Yo Changed the Name of His New Album | date=January 18, 2022 }} It was released on Motown Records on July 15, 2022.{{cite web |title=Self Explanatory |url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/self-explanatory/1629963464 |publisher=Apple Music |access-date=August 19, 2022}}

In 2023, Ne-Yo competed in season ten of The Masked Singer as "Cow" where he won the season.{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2023/tv/news/the-masked-singer-season-10-finale-recap-winner-runner-ups-ne-yo-john-schneider-1235847017/|title=The Masked Singer Season 10 Finale: Winner, Runner-Up Revealed|website=Variety|first=Michael|last=Schneider|date=December 20, 2023|access-date=December 21, 2023}}

Ne-Yo's music is generally R&B, while he also incorporates pop and hip hop occasionally. His musical influences include Michael Jackson, Luther Vandross, Babyface, Blackstreet, and Usher.{{Cite web |title=Artist Influences for Ne-Yo |url=http://www.mtv.com/artists/ne-yo/related-artists/?filter=influencedBy |publisher=MTV |access-date=June 26, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160729121806/http://www.mtv.com/artists/ne-yo/related-artists/?filter=influencedBy |archive-date=July 29, 2016 |url-status=dead}}{{Cite web |title=Ne-Yo talks Usher rivalry in BET Honors interview |url=http://www.entertainment-focus.com/music-section/music-news/ne-yo-talks-usher-rivalry-in-bet-honors-interview/ |website=Entertainment-focus.com |access-date=June 26, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150808035715/http://www.entertainment-focus.com/music-section/music-news/ne-yo-talks-usher-rivalry-in-bet-honors-interview/ |archive-date=August 8, 2015 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }} Ne-Yo is noted for his tenor voice, including his application of falsetto in his works.{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/06/arts/music/aerosmith-and-ne-yo-dont-hold-back.html |title=Aerosmith Puts a Fresh Spin on Its Old Tricks |work=The New York Times |date=November 5, 2012 |access-date=May 6, 2018 |first=Jon Parales |last=Nate Chinen}}{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2012/nov/01/ne-yo-red-review |title=Ne-Yo: R.E.D. – review |work=The Guardian |date=November 1, 2012 |access-date=May 6, 2018 |first=Caroline |last=Sullivan}}{{cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2015/01/26/ne-yo-album-review-non-fiction/22172223/ |title=Album of Week: Ne-Yo wary, worshipful on 'Non-Fiction' |work=USA Today |date=January 26, 2015 |access-date=May 6, 2018 |first=Elysa |last=Gardner}}{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2015/feb/11/ne-yo-non-fiction-review |title=Ne-Yo: Non-Fiction review – flatly uninventive |work=The Guardian |date=February 11, 2015 |access-date=May 6, 2018 |first=Tshepo |last=Mokoena}}

Ne-Yo frequently co-writes with Tor Erik Hermansen and Mikkel S. Eriksen of the Norwegian production team Stargate. Ne-Yo met them in a hallway at Sony Music Studios in New York, and knowing the team produced R&B records, decided to collaborate with them. The collective's early works were tracks from In My Own Words, including "So Sick".{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/06/arts/music/06sisa.html?pagewanted=2&_r=1 |title=Wizards in the Studio, Anonymous on the Street |last=Sisario |first=Ben |date=May 6, 2007 |work=The New York Times |access-date=December 25, 2008}}

Aside from working on his own album, Ne-Yo also collaborates with several other artists. His works include: Rihanna's top-ten singles "Unfaithful", "Russian Roulette", and her number-one hit "Take a Bow", Mario Vazquez's "Gallery", Paula DeAnda's "Walk Away (Remember Me)", and Beyoncé Knowles' Billboard Hot 100 number-one single "Irreplaceable", which stayed at the top of the chart for ten consecutive weeks. He wrote the song "I'm You" for Leona Lewis's debut album Spirit, and is currently writing songs for her next album and for the debut album of fellow X Factor winner Alexandra Burke. He has also been working with Sugababes for their seventh album, with member Keisha Buchanan confirming that Ne-Yo had written a song called "No More You" for their album.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/hi/entertainment/newsid_8140000/8140234.stm |work=BBC News |title=Sugababes reveal all their gossip |date=July 9, 2009 |access-date=May 20, 2010}}

In 2010, he dueted with Mariah Carey on "Angel's Cry", a song for her cancelled album, Angels Advocate. Ne-Yo has also written songs for Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Carrie Underwood, Anastacia, Ciara, Corbin Bleu, Enrique Iglesias, and Dima Bilan.{{cite news |url=http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-30904347_ITM |title=The many roles of Ne-Yo |last=McDonald |first=Sam |date=May 30, 2007 |work=Daily Press |publisher=AccessMyLibrary |access-date=December 24, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090112080247/http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-30904347_ITM |archive-date=January 12, 2009}} He collaborated with Lindsay Lohan on her new material, having already finished "Bossy", a pre-single for her new album Spirit in the Dark.{{cite news |url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20198406,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080509000513/http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20198406,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 9, 2008 |title=Listen to Lindsay Lohan's New Song 'Bossy' |last=Laudadio |first=Marisa |author2=Herndon, Jessica |date=May 7, 2008 |work=People |access-date=December 24, 2008}} In 2007, Ne-Yo confirmed that he had been contacted by producer will.i.am to work on what would have been Michael Jackson's new album.{{cite news |url=http://www.starpulse.com/news/index.php/2007/06/07/ne_yo_i_m_not_trying_to_top_thriller |title=Ne-Yo: 'I'm Not Trying To Top 'Thriller' |date=June 7, 2007 |publisher=Starpulse |access-date=December 24, 2008 |archive-date=March 17, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140317063210/http://www.starpulse.com/news/index.php/2007/06/07/ne_yo_i_m_not_trying_to_top_thriller |url-status=dead }} However, at the time of Jackson's death, Ne-Yo's collaborations with him had yet to move past the writing stage.{{cite news |url=http://www.soulofrnb.com/?p=893 |title=Michael Jackson Tribute Tour by The Jacksons, Final Collaborations With NeYo' |date=July 3, 2009 |access-date=July 3, 2009}} In an interview in 2010, Ne-Yo said that, since Jackson's death, he had been confused as what to do with the songs, as he felt that selling them to another artist or even releasing the songs himself would be disrespectful to Jackson's legacy.{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1644701/20100729/ne_yo.jhtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100731193947/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1644701/20100729/ne_yo.jhtml |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 31, 2010 |title=Ne-Yo 'Doesn't Know What To Do' With Songs He Wrote For Michael Jacksondate |publisher=MTV |date=July 29, 2010 |access-date=July 29, 2010}} In 2009, he wrote "Truth (Saigo no Shinjitsu)" for the Japanese pop group w-inds.{{cite news |url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/confidence/70187/full/ |title=Oricon Style – United States R&B Artist Ne-Yo adds another name to w-inds. roster(Japanese) |date=October 30, 2009 |access-date=October 31, 2009}}

Ne-Yo ventured out to open his own recording studio, called Carrington House, in Atlanta, Georgia.{{cite news |url=http://www.soulshine.ca/news/newsarticle.php?nid=4497 |title=Ne-Yo To Open Carrington House Studio |last=Frezza |first=Robert |date=May 29, 2007 |publisher=Soulshine |access-date=September 30, 2007 |archive-date=October 17, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071017100359/http://www.soulshine.ca/news/newsarticle.php?nid=4497 |url-status=dead }} He also had started his own production company, Compound Entertainment, in 2007, and has hired several producers and songwriters in hopes of turning it into a full-fledged record label. It successfully became a label, and artists such as RaVaughn, Paula Campbell, Sixx John, Adrienne Bailon and Shanell are now associated with Compound.

In 2011, Ne-Yo was approached by Cartoon Network to help create an animated series. Ne-Yo announced that the show would be titled I Heart Tuesday and that he had created it for his sister.{{cite web|title=Ne-Yo Creating 'I Heart Tuesday' For Cartoon Network|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1659760/ne-yo-i-heart-tuesday-cartoon-network.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110314084113/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1659760/ne-yo-i-heart-tuesday-cartoon-network.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 14, 2011|publisher=MTV|access-date=March 25, 2013}} He also stated that he wanted to avoid having the show resemble the anime art style of The Boondocks due to the potential cost of the show's animation style.{{cite web|url=http://theurbandaily.com/1977155/ne-yo-my-animated-show-wont-look-like-the-boondocks/|title=Ne-Yo: My Animated Show Won't Look Like 'The Boondocks'|author=Michael Arceneaux|website=Theurbandaily.com|date=November 8, 2012|access-date=February 21, 2013}} The series has since been believed to have been quietly cancelled.

Ne-Yo appeared in an episode of the seventh season of CSI: NY as a hit-man, under his birth name of Shaffer Smith.{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1653338/ne-yo-guest-star-hit-man-on-csi-ny.jhtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140317062947/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1653338/ne-yo-guest-star-hit-man-on-csi-ny.jhtml |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 17, 2014 |title=Ne-Yo To Guest-Star As Hit Man On 'CSI: NY' |author=James Dinh |website=MTV |access-date=October 16, 2012}}Abrams, Natalie (November 30, 2010). [http://www.tvguide.com/News/Ne-Yo-CSINY-1026269.aspx "Ne-Yo to Guest-Star on CSI: NY"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101204042104/http://www.tvguide.com/News/Ne-Yo-CSINY-1026269.aspx |date=December 4, 2010 }}. TV Guide. Retrieved December 1, 2010.

In 2011, Ne-Yo appeared in an episode of The Fresh Beat Band as himself.Seidman, Robert (May 17, 2011). [http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/05/17/ne-yo-guest-stars-in-an-hour-long-special-of-nickelodeons-the-fresh-beat-band-on-june-24/ "Ne-Yo Guest Stars in an Hour-Long Special of Nickelodeon's The Fresh Beat Band on June 24"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120114163618/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/05/17/ne-yo-guest-stars-in-an-hour-long-special-of-nickelodeons-the-fresh-beat-band-on-june-24/ |date=January 14, 2012 }}. TV by the Numbers. Retrieved October 28, 2011.

He starred as the Tin Man in NBC's musical telecast adaptation of The Wiz alongside David Alan Grier, Elijah Kelley, Queen Latifah, Common, Amber Riley, Uzo Aduba and Mary J. Blige. The musical telecast premiered December 3, 2015 as a three-hour event. For his performance, he received a Critics' Choice Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor in a Movie made for Television or Limited Series.{{Cite web|url=http://www.ew.com/article/2016/01/17/critics-choice-awards-2016-winners-list|title=Critics' Choice Awards 2016 winners: Full list|website=EW.com|access-date=March 1, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160118122332/http://www.ew.com/article/2016/01/17/critics-choice-awards-2016-winners-list|archive-date=January 18, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} In May 2018, he took part in the Celebrity Ninja Warrior special for Red Nose Day. He completed the course, resulting in a $30,000 donation.{{Cite web|url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news/2018/04/02/derek-hough-ne-yo-nikki-bella-and-more-take-on-obstacle-course-on-celebrity-ninja-warrior-for-red-nose-day-to-raise-money-for-charity-800510/20180402nbc02/|title=Breaking News - Derek Hough, NE-YO, Nikki Bella and More Take on Obstacle Course on "Celebrity Ninja Warrior for Red Nose Day" to Raise Money For Charity|website=The Futon Critic|access-date=May 20, 2019}}

In December 2018, he was the entertainment at 67th Miss Universe pageant where he performed during the opening and final catwalk.

Ne-Yo is passionate about the arts and children and has shown his support for Little Kids Rock by filming a PSA for the organization.{{cite web|url=http://www.littlekidsrock.org/friends/our-big-fans/ne-yo/|title=OUR BIG FANS: Ne-Yo|website=Little Kids Rock|access-date=January 15, 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140115021435/http://www.littlekidsrock.org/friends/our-big-fans/ne-yo/|archive-date=January 15, 2014}} Retrieved January 15, 2014

In November 2024, Ne-Yo began a stint in sports management, signing boxer Paul Bamba as his first fighter. Ne-Yo was initially introduced to boxing through his uncles when he was younger and he participated in martial arts classes. Later in life, boxing was incorporated into his workout routine, where he would meet Bamba.{{cite news |last=Nadkarni |first=Rohan |title=R&B singer Ne-Yo enters professional boxing world as a manager |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/sports/boxing/ne-yo-boxing-manager-rcna181664 |work=NBC News |date=25 November 2024}} Bamba would become the World Boxing Association's cruiserweight champion in December 2024, and broke Mike Tyson's record for most boxing wins in a calendar year via knockout, with 14 KO's. Bamba passed away on December 27th, 2024, 6 days after winning the championship.{{cite news |last=Frost |first=Caroline |title=Paul Bamba Dies: Boxer, Who Claimed World Championship Title 6 Days Ago, Was 35 |url=https://deadline.com/2024/12/boxer-paul-bamba-dies-35-six-days-after-cruiserweight-world-championship-1236243152/ |work=Deadline |date=28 December 2024}}

In 2005, Jesseca White, Ne-Yo's girlfriend at the time, gave birth to a boy. Ne-Yo later discovered the child was not his.{{cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/music/news/2008-09-14-ne-yo-main_N.htm |title=R&B star Ne-Yo flaunts his gentlemanly style |last=Gardner |first=Elysa |date=October 31, 2008 |work=USA Today |access-date=March 6, 2009}}{{cite news |url=http://www.honeymag.com/2010/honeymag/you-are-the-father-ne-yo-expecting-a-baby-with-girlfriend-monetta/ |title=You ARE the FATHER?! Ne-Yo Expecting a Baby With Girlfriend Monetta style |date=February 22, 2010 |work=Honeymag |access-date=November 22, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100729060939/http://www.honeymag.com/2010/honeymag/you-are-the-father-ne-yo-expecting-a-baby-with-girlfriend-monetta/ |archive-date=July 29, 2010}}

In June 2010, Ne-Yo told Ebony that he and his then-girlfriend, Monyetta Shaw, were expecting their first child together – a girl due early in 2011.{{cite web |url=http://www.tvguide.com/News/Ne-Yo-Expecting-1019916.aspx |title=Ne-Yo Expecting First Child |work=TV Guide}} Shaw gave birth prematurely to a daughter in November 2010. Announcing the birth, Ne-Yo said, "I've been in love before but this feels like nothing I've ever felt... like I'm in love for the first time."{{cite news |last=Silverman |first=Stephen M. |date=November 13, 2010 |title=Ne-Yo Is a New Father |url=https://people.com/parents/ne-yos-girlfriend-monyetta-shaw-has-a-baby-girl/ |website=People}} Shaw and Ne-Yo's son was born in October 2011.{{Cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/2496216/ne-yo-a-father-again-welcomes-newborn-son/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180617115517/http://www.mtv.com/news/2496216/ne-yo-a-father-again-welcomes-newborn-son/|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 17, 2018|title=Ne-Yo A Father Again, Welcomes Newborn Son|first=D. L.|last=Chandler|website=MTV News}} They broke up in 2013.{{cite web | last=Siwak | first=Miranda | title=Ne-Yo's Ex Monyetta Shaw Claims They Split After Threesome 'Problem' | website=Us Weekly | date=2023-08-31 | url=https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/ne-yos-ex-monyetta-shaw-claims-they-split-after-threesome-problem/ | access-date=2024-12-23}}

In September 2015, the singer announced that he and Crystal Renay Williams were engaged and expecting a child.{{cite web |title=Ne-Yo Is Engaged and Expecting a Baby with New Fiancée Crystal Williams |url=http://celebritybabies.people.com/2015/08/31/ne-yo-engaged-expecting-baby-crystal-williams/ |website=People |access-date=September 2, 2015 |archive-date=September 3, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150903235325/http://celebritybabies.people.com/2015/08/31/ne-yo-engaged-expecting-baby-crystal-williams/ |url-status=dead }} They were married on February 20, 2016.{{cite news |last=Nelson |first=Jeff |title=NE-YO and Crystal Renay Are Married! Go Inside Their Los Angeles Wedding |date=February 20, 2016 |newspaper=People |url=http://www.people.com/article/ne-yo-wedding-married-crystal-renay |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160222044038/http://www.people.com/article/ne-yo-wedding-married-crystal-renay |archive-date=February 22, 2016 |url-status=live}} A son was born to them in March 2016.{{cite web |title=NE-YO Welcomes Son Shaffer Chimere Jr. |url=http://celebritybabies.people.com/2016/03/16/neyo-welcomes-son-shaffer-chimere-jr/ |website=People |access-date=April 22, 2016 |archive-date=April 22, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160422025937/http://celebritybabies.people.com/2016/03/16/neyo-welcomes-son-shaffer-chimere-jr/? |url-status=dead }} Their second son was born in June 2018.{{Cite web |last=Quinn |first=Dave |date=June 16, 2018 |title=NE-YO's Wife Crystal Smith Shares First Photos of Their 'Beautiful' Son Roman — See the Pics! |url=https://people.com/parents/ne-yo-wife-crystal-smith-son-roman-first-pictures/ |access-date=2025-03-16 |website=People |language=en}} In February 2020, Ne-Yo announced that he and Crystal would end their marriage,{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/8551151/ne-yo-confirms-divorce-crystal-smith|title=Ne-Yo Confirms Split With Crystal Smith: 'I Will Always Respect Her'|first=Hilary|last=Hughes|magazine=Billboard |date=February 16, 2020|access-date=February 17, 2020}} and he withdrew his divorce case afterwards.{{Cite web |last=Cunningham |first=J. |date=2020-04-17 |title=(Not) So Sick: Ne-Yo Files - Then Withdraws - Divorce Papers Against Estranged Wife Crystal Renay (Exclusive) |url=https://bossip.com/1868698/ne-yo-files-then-withdraws-divorce-papers-against-estranged-wife-crystal-renay-restraining-order-in-play-exclusive/ |access-date=2025-03-16 |website=Bossip}} The pair reconciled during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, with Ne-Yo telling CBS chat show The Talk: "Before the quarantine happened, we were definitely talking divorce, and the quarantine forced us to sit still, block out the noise from the world – you know the world can get very, very loud, and we tend to let the world's opinion mean more in certain situations than it should."{{Cite web |last=Alexander |first=Jared |date=2021-01-01 |title=Ne-Yo proposes to wife Crystal Smith on New Year's after rekindling marriage |url=https://thegrio.com/2021/01/01/neyo-proposes-to-wife-crystal-smith-nye/ |access-date=2025-03-16 |website=TheGrio |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Owoseje |first=Toyin |date=2021-02-22 |title=Ne-Yo 'overjoyed' as he and Crystal Smith prepare to welcome their third baby |url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/02/22/entertainment/ne-yo-baby-number-5-crystal-smith-intl-scli/index.html |access-date=2025-03-16 |website=CNN |language=en}}

Ne-Yo and Crystal's third child, a daughter, was born in June 2021.{{Cite magazine |last=Dailey |first=Hannah |date=2021-06-25 |title=Ne-Yo & Wife Crystal Smith Welcome Their Third Child Together, His Fifth |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/9592921/ne-yo-wife-crystal-smith-gives-birth-his-fifth-child/ |access-date=June 26, 2021 |magazine=Billboard |language=en}} In April 2022, the couple renewed their vows in a Las Vegas ceremony.{{Cite web |last=Uwumarogie |first=Victoria |date=2022-04-26 |title=Ne-Yo And Crystal Smith Renewed Their Vows In A Showstopping All Red Affair |url=https://www.essence.com/love/neyo-wedding/ |access-date=2025-03-16 |website=Essence |language=en-US}} Four months later, Crystal filed for divorce, with allegations of Ne-Yo fathering a child outside of marriage.{{Cite web |last1=Brockington |first1=Ariana |last2=Dasrath |first2=Diana |date=August 4, 2022 |title=Ne-Yo's Wife, Crystal Smith, Files For Divorce, Says He Fathered a Child With His 'Paramour' |url=https://www.today.com/popculture/popculture/ne-yo-wife-crystal-smith-divorce-rcna41640 |access-date=2022-08-05 |website=Today |language=en}} On January 26, 2023, Ne-Yo and Crystal finalized their divorce.{{Cite web |last=Patterson |first=Charmaine |date=February 6, 2023 |title=NE-YO and Crystal Renay's Divorce Finalized 6 Months After She Accused Him of Having Baby with Another Woman |url=https://people.com/music/ne-yo-crystal-renay-divorce-finalized/ |access-date=February 9, 2023 |website=People |language=en}}

In 2019, in wake of the television documentary, Surviving R. Kelly, Ne-Yo confirmed his support for the Mute R. Kelly campaign.{{Cite web |last=Mahlangu |first=Quincy |date=January 11, 2019 |title=Ne-Yo says R Kelly shouldn't be compared to Michael Jackson |url=https://www.channel24.co.za/Music/News/ne-yo-says-r-kelly-shouldnt-be-compared-to-michael-jackson-20190111 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190112120935/https://www.channel24.co.za/Music/News/ne-yo-says-r-kelly-shouldnt-be-compared-to-michael-jackson-20190111 |archive-date=2019-01-12 |access-date=April 18, 2020 |website=Channel |language=en}}

In 2025, he revealed being in a polyamorous relationship with four women.{{Cite web |last=Nevares |first=Gabriel Bras |date=2025-03-08 |title=Ne-Yo Dives Into His Polyamorous Relationship And Explains His Four Girlfriends' Roles |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/892367-ne-yo-polyamorous-relationship-four-girlfriends-roles-music-news |access-date=2025-03-16 |website=HotNewHipHop |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Turner-Williams |first=Jaelani |date=March 8, 2025 |title=Ne-Yo Says There's 'Beauty' In Dating Four Women |url=https://www.complex.com/music/a/jaelaniturnerwilliams/ne-yo-says-theres-beauty-in-girlfriends-knowing-each-other |access-date=2025-03-16 |website=Complex |language=en}}

On February 19, 2008, Ne-Yo was arrested for reckless driving and driving without a valid license after driving through Cobb County, Georgia in his 2006 Range Rover. It was reported that he was doing about 150 mph, 100 mph over the speed limit. On June 2, 2008, Ne-Yo pleaded guilty to the driving without a valid license charge and no contest to the reckless driving charge. He was sentenced to 24 hours of community service.{{cite news |url=http://www.tmz.com/2008/02/22/ne-yo-busted-because-of-himself/ |title=Cops: Ne-Yo Was Driving CRAZY! |author= |date=February 22, 2008 |publisher=TMZ |access-date=December 24, 2008}}

In 1998, Ne-Yo signed a management agreement with David Wallace for seven years that Wallace would provide professional management services for Ne-Yo in exchange for 15%. But shortly after, the singer moved to Los Angeles where his career started to blossom.{{Cite web |last=Ryan |first=Cy |date=2014-09-29 |title=Contract dispute involving singer Ne-Yo headed back to Las Vegas court |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2014/sep/29/contract-dispute-involving-singer-ne-yo-headed-bac/ |access-date=2025-03-16 |website=Las Vegas Sun |language=en}} Tanya Wallace maintains David Wallace tried to contact Ne-Yo several times by telephone but was unsuccessful. In 2007, Wallace filed a complaint against Smith in district court, seeking damages for breach of contract and other claims. While litigation was pending, Wallace divorced his wife, Tanya, and the divorce decree awarded Tanya one-half of the proceeds from any future judgment in the lawsuit. The district court later dismissed the case and while Wallace's appeal was pending, he died in 2012.{{Citation needed|date=March 2025}}{{Cite web|title= Wallace v. Smith | date= March 5, 2018 |url=https://casetext.com/case/wallace-v-smith-15|language=en|access-date= October 6, 2024}}

On August 22, 2011, Ne-Yo was sued along with rapper Pitbull and DJ Afrojack by actress Lindsay Lohan, claiming that their song "Give Me Everything" referenced her by name in the lyrics. A judge ruled that Pitbull's use of her name was protected by the First Amendment and that Lohan was barely mentioned in the song. Pitbull then won the lawsuit.{{cite web |url=http://music.msn.com/music/article.aspx?news=665489>1=28102 |title=Lindsay Lohan sues Pitbull – MSN Music News |publisher=MSN |access-date=October 31, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120921005353/http://music.msn.com/music/article.aspx?news=665489>1=28102 |archive-date=September 21, 2012}}

On March 22, 2023, Ne-Yo was revealed to have been charged by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission for violating investor-protection laws. Ne-Yo settled the charges for over $400,000 without admitting or denying the claims.{{cite news|url=https://thehill.com/business/3913168-sec-charges-lindsay-lohan-jake-paul-with-crypto-violations/|title=SEC charges Lindsay Lohan, Jake Paul with crypto violations|first=Julia|last=Mueller|work=The Hill|date=March 22, 2023|accessdate=April 2, 2023}}{{cite news |last=Hipes |first=Patrick |date=March 22, 2023 |title=Lindsay Lohan, Jake Paul, Lil Yachty Among Celebrities Charged In SEC Crypto Case |url=https://deadline.com/2023/03/crypto-charges-lindsay-lohan-jake-paul-lil-yachty-celebrities-1235307430/ |accessdate=April 2, 2023 |work=Deadline Hollywood |publisher=}}

In August 2017, Ne-Yo announced he had adopted a vegan diet after viewing the documentary What the Health. In February 2019, he said in an interview that he had lost "like 30 pounds" and had also reversed his tendinitis since he became vegan, calling it "one of the best things he's ever done".{{Cite web |date=February 18, 2019 |title=Ne-Yo sheds 30 pounds thanks to veganism |url=http://www.contactmusic.net/ne-yo/news/ne-yo-sheds-30-pounds-thanks-to-veganism_6268516 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190503043418/https://www.contactmusic.net/ne-yo/news/ne-yo-sheds-30-pounds-thanks-to-veganism_6268516 |archive-date=2019-05-03 |access-date=2020-01-06 |website=Contactmusic.com |language=en-US}} However, his representative confirmed in March 2020 that he was no longer a vegan.{{Cite web |last=Renae |first=Kirstie |date=March 13, 2020 |title=13 musicians who have followed a vegan diet |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/famous-singers-musicians-who-have-been-vegan |access-date=2025-03-16 |website=Business Insider |language=en-US}}

During a television appearance in 2023, Ne-Yo made comments that were critical of transgender youth and gender affirming care for children.{{Cite news |last=Carras |first=Christi |date=2023-08-08 |title=Ne-Yo apologizes for transphobic comments, then doubles down: 'My opinion is mine' |language=en |website=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2023-08-08/neyo-transphobic-comments-apology |access-date=2023-08-10}}{{Cite news |last=Ryan |first=Patrick |date=2023-08-08 |title=Ne-Yo says he'll 'never be OK' with gender-affirming care for kids: 'I feel very strongly' |language=en |website=USA Today |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2023/08/08/ne-yo-gender-affirming-care-kids/70548927007/ |access-date=2023-08-10}} He later posted an apology for his comments. The following day, Ne-Yo retracted his apology and suggested that the apology had come from a publicist.{{Cite news |last=Paul |first=Larisha |date=2023-08-08 |title=Ne-Yo Walks Back Apology, Doubles Down on Controversial Gender Identity Comments |language=en |website=The Rolling Stone |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/ne-yo-walks-back-apology-for-comments-about-childrens-gender-identity-1234802497/ |access-date=2023-08-10}}

{{Main|Ne-Yo 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)

• Champagne and Roses Tour (2023–2024)

{{main|List of awards and nominations received by Ne-Yo}}

Ne-Yo has received several nominations at the Grammy Awards during his career, winning three; Best Contemporary R&B Album for Because of You, Best Male R&B Vocal Performance and Best R&B Song for "Miss Independent". The MTV Video Music Awards has nominated Ne-Yo in 2008 for Best Dancing in a Video for "Closer".

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