Ne-Yo, is an American pop and R&B singer/ songwriter, record producer and actor. At the tender age of twenty-two, the lyrical and musical talent that Ne-Yo posses are far beyond his years. Ne-Yo was born on October 18, 1979 in Arkansas, baptized by the name Shaffer Chimere Smith.

Shaffer C. Smith a.k.a. Ne-Yo was raised by his mother alone after she separated from his father. In hopes of better opportunity, his mother relocated the family to Las Vegas Nevada.

A master in the art of storytelling, Ne-Yo began writing in his early teenage years. When asked about writing number one hits for other artists, Ne-Yo said, "I feel there is always room for good music. I want to reach people's soul with my lyrics thru whatever vessel God chooses."

Ne-Yo broke into the industry after "Let Me Love You" " a song he wrote for American singer Mario, which reached number-one on the Billboard Charts and later stayed on the top spot for nine weeks, becoming one of the most-played songs in the United States.

Ne-Yo has amassed a catalogue of chart-topping songs that he has written for other artists including but not limited to: Rihanna's top ten hit 'Unfaithful' and number-one hit 'Take a Bow', Mario's 'Let Me Love You', Mario Vazquez's 'Gallery', Paula DeAnda's 'Walk Away (Remember Me)', and Beyonce's "Billboard" Hot 100 ten-week number-one hit 'Irreplaceable'. He even collaborates with Lindsay Lohan on her material, having produced "Bossy", a pre-single for her album Spirit in the Dark.

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. The album has been certified platinum by the (RIAA) Recording Industry Association of America for a shipment of over one million units. His third album was nominated for Best Contemporary R&B Album and Album of the Year at the 2009 Grammy Awards, "Closer" for Best Pop Vocal Performance , and "Miss Independent" for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance and Best R&B Song.

Since his debut, Ne-Yo has amassed seven top ten songs on the "Billboard" Hot 100 and two number-one albums on the Billboard 200.

In addition to musical performances, Ne-Yo appeared in two films. He debuted on the silver screen with "Save the last Dance 2" in 2006 and later with "Stomp the Yard" in 2007. He also contributed songs to the soundtracks to both films. Ne-Yo is also set to star in, executive produce and write the soundtrack to the film Venice Beach.

In December 2007, Ne-Yo and the Goo Goo Dolls performed at a fund raising concert for presidential candidate Barack Obama. Ne-Yo's popularity is uncharted and knows no limits.