Monday, August 19, 2013

sonu nigam

Sonu Nigam

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Sonu Nigam
Sonu at Rafi Resurrected.JPG
Background information
Born (1973-07-30) 30 July 1973 (age 40)
Faridabad, Haryana, India
Genres Pop, playback singing
Occupations Singer, Actor, Music Director, Television presenter
Instruments Vocals, drums, harmonium, cajon
Labels --
Associated acts --
Website sonunigam.in
Notable instruments
vocals harmonium drums
Sonu Nigam (born 30 July 1973 in Faridabad, Haryana,to Agam Kumar Nigam and Shobha Nigam)[1] is an Indian singer whose songs have been featured mainly in Hindi and Kannada languages. He has also sung many songs in Urdu, Oriya, Tamil, Assamese, Punjabi, Bengali, Malayalam, Marathi, Telugu and Nepali movies. He has released Indian pop albums and acted in a few movies. He had changed the spelling of his last name from 'Nigam' to 'Niigaam' in accordance with numerology, but later reverted to the original spelling.[2]

Early years[edit source | edit]

Sonu Nigam began his singing career at the age of four, when he joined his father Agam Kumar Nigam on stage to sing Mohammed Rafi's song "Kya Hua Tera Vaada, Wo Kasam Wo Irada". From then on, Sonu accompanied his father on his singing appearances at weddings and parties.[3] In his teenage years, he successfully participated in music. He moved to Mumbai with his father to begin his Bollywood singing career at the age of 19.[4] He was trained by classical singer Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan.

Professional career[edit source | edit]

Playback singing[edit source | edit]

His initial years in Mumbai proved to be a struggle, beginning by singing covers of Mohammed Rafi songs, mainly for a number of "Rafi Ki Yaadein" albums released by T-Series. T-Series promoter Gulshan Kumar gave him a chance to reach a larger audience. In these years Nigam's singing style was regarded by some to be a "Rafi clone". Nigam's first movie song as a playback singer was for Janam (1992), which was never officially released. He then began making radio commercials.
Nigam started hosting the popular TV show, Sa Re Ga Ma, in 1995 with the first episode airing on 1 May. The singing talent competition soon became one of the most popular shows on Indian television. Soon after, he sang "Accha Sila Diya" for the film Bewafa Sanam (1995).[4] His first major success was with the Anu Malik-composed song "Sandese Aate Hai" in Border (1997). Sonu's Album "Deewana" was released by T-Series in 1999, revealing his talent for singing romantic songs and the music directed by Sajid, and Wajid and it remains one of India's most successful albums. Sonu's image as a 'Rafi clone' changed after his rendition of the Nadeem-Shravan-composed song "Yeh Dil Deewana" in Pardes in the same year. Since then, he has created a unique style of his own and has become a role model for emerging vocal talent in India.[4]
Over the years, Nigam became a major force in the Indian music industry. He provided playback singing for Hindi movies and won many awards, notably the title song of the film Kal Ho Naa Ho. He recorded romantic, rock, sad and patriotic songs. Nigam sang in many languages besides Hindi, including Kannada, Assamese, Bengali, Oriya, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, English, Bhojpuri, Urdu, Nepali, Chhattisgarhi, Malayalam and Marathi.[4]
With a career spanning over two decades, Nigam has recorded his voice for almost all top-rated music directors of India including A. R. Rahman, Ilayaraja, Anu Malik, Pritam, Jatin-Lalit, Nadeem Shravan, Mano Murthy, Vishal Shekar, Sanjeev Darshan, Aadesh Shrivastav, Anand Milind, Sajid-Wajid, V. Harikrishna, G. V. Prakash Kumar among others.

Pop albums and concerts[edit source | edit]

Sonu has released pop albums in Hindi, Oriya, Punjabi and Kannada. The most recent addition to his Hindi releases is Classically Mild, a semi-classical album.[5] He has released Hindu and Islamic devotional albums, Also he has Sung in Album, Buddha Hi Buddha Hai(Part 1&2),A Album based on Buddha's teachings composed by Rajesh Dhabare and a couple of Album on Dr. B.R. Ambedkar in Marathi(Jiwala Jiwach Daan,Part 1&2)tuned on some of his hits numbers from series of Bewafa Sanam, as well as albums of Mohammed Rafi's songs. These are from the Rafi Ki Yaadein collection from his early years, which were re-released in September 2007 as a six-disc collection of 100 songs, titled Kal Aaj Aur Kal, in Rafi's memory.[6] In 2008, soon after releasing Classically Mild, he released a single Punjabi track called "Punjabi Please"[7] and Rafi Resurrected, a two-disc collection of Rafi songs with music by the Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. He contributed to the lyrics of several songs and directed the music for his album Chanda Ki Doli. His last album was Neene Bari Neene in Kannada.
After the death of Michael Jackson, who influenced Nigam considerably (as is evident in his rendition of "Yeh Dil Deewana" in Pardes), Nigam released a song as a tribute to Jackson in collaboration with his fans on Facebook. The song made it to an 18-song global compilation of tribute songs, The Beat of Our Hearts.[8]
Nigam collaborated with Britney Spears on a remix of her "I Wanna Go" track.[9]
Over the years, Nigam has performed in many countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain, Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Russia, Afghanistan, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Caribbean|West Indies, Suriname, Mauritius, Nigeria and South Africa. In May/June 2007, he participated in a star-studded show in North America called "The Incredibles" with Asha Bhosle, Kunal Ganjawala and Kailash Kher. In September and October of the same year, he gave solo concerts titled "Simply Sonu" in Canada and Germany, becoming the first Indian singer to perform in the latter country.[10] In April 2008, he toured India promoting his Punjabi single "Punjabi Please".[11]
In November 2007, at the inauguration of Harvard University's 28th president, Dr. Drew Gilpin Faust, Nigam sang Mahatma Gandhi's favorite bhajan, "Vaishnav Jan To Tene Kahiye", with the Harvard College Sangeet.[12] In July 2008, he participated in a three-city tour of the United Kingdom, singing Rafi songs with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO).[13] This followed the release of these songs by the CBSO and the Indian music company Sa Re Ga Ma on Rafi Resurrected.[14]
Among several other concerts, he notably participated in a US tour with Sunidhi Chauhan in 2009 called "The Explosion 2009" tour and in a UK tour titled "All Izz Well" in November 2010.

Other projects[edit source | edit]

Nigam was reported to be working on an English album called Spirit Unfolding.[15] and on a project called Time Travel, where his voice will be aligned with recordings of other singers in Hindi songs.[16]
Nigam has also sung a song produced by famous international house music producer David Guetta in collaboration with Jay Sean, the British singer-songwriter, rapper, beatboxer and record producer.

In Kannada[edit source | edit]

Nigam’s first song in Kannada was "Yello Yaro Hego"[17] in the year 1996 for the film Jeevanadi starring Legendary Super Star Dr.Vishnuvardhan. The song's music was composed by Koti with lyrics by R N Jayagopal. Nigam has sung over 700 Kannada songs[18][19] and has received several awards for them.
His songs include "Cheluve Yeke Bande"[20] from the film Majnu composed by Gurukiran; "Usire Usire" [21] from Huccha composed by Rajesh Ramnath,"Titanic Heroine nee nanna cheluve"[22] from the film "snehaloka"; the title track from the film Monalisa composed by Valisa Sandeep;[23] "Hamsave Hamsave" from the film Gatti mela composed by Hamsalekha,[24] "Kannale Kannale" from the film Aham Premasmi composed by V.Ravichandran[25] and "Baaninda Baa Chandira"[26] from the movie Kanti composed by Gurukiran. The 2006 film Mungaru Male created a sensation and several records, mainly in Karnataka.[27][28][29] The songs not only set records of highest sales and downloads, the film also set a national record on 29 December 2007 of having completed an entire year at the PVR Cinemas Bengaluru, the first time an Indian language film to do so.[30][31][32]
The songs Mungaru Maleye and Anisuthide were composed by Mano Murthy and written by Yogaraj Bhat and Dr.Jayanth Kaikini respectively. Nigam became a sensation in the South and was called the Golden Singer of Karnataka. Nigam says that he finds Kannada songs more fulfilling than the Hindi numbers.[33] Sonu Nigam, in a recent interview to the Deccan Herald news paper has said ‘Kannada songs make me feel positive’.[34] He said, "I highly respect the muscians of Karnataka and many of my favorite songs are in Kannada. I consider Bangalore as my second birth place. Even if someone requests me to sing a Kannada song while I’m performing in the West Indies, I will sing it for them”.[19]
After that, he sang many Kannada songs including "Antu intu", "Nee Yekangi Yagamma", "Kanaso Idu", "Ade Bhoomi Ade Baanu", "Ee Sanje Yaakaagide", "Ninna Gungalle", "Maayavi Maayavi", "Gelathi Neeniruvaaga", "Ello Maleyaagide", "Ninnindale Ninnindale", "Male Ninthu Hoda Mele", "Aaramagi Idde", "Maayavaagide manassu", "Maathinalli helalaarenu", "Odi Bandenu", "Ninnanne Nodutha", "Athi Aparoopa", "Udisuve Belakina", "Nooraru Preethi Maathu", "Janumada Jodi", "Minchaagi Neenu", "Jeeva Kaleva", "Onde Samane", "Neeralli Sanna", "Eradu Jadeyannu", "Hethavalalla Avalu", "Yaava Seemeya", "Ellavannu Heluvaase", "Nudisale", "Nodutha Nodutha",[35] "Nee Sanihake", "Yeno Helabeku", "Maleyali Jotheyali", "Paravasha", "Maanasa Gange", "Gup Chup", "Modada Olage", "Aaakasha Neene", "Dil Khush", "Kan Kanna Salige", "Maathu Nannolu", "Neenendare Nannolage", "Neenendare Nanage Ishta", "Ille Ille Ello", "Ninna Kannallide", "Summane Yaake Bande", "Hrudayave Bayaside Ninnane", "Ee Sanje Mabbu Raathri", "Ee Janmavu", "Ninna Nodalentho", "Enaagali Munde", "Putta Putta Kai", "Munduduva", "We are Ok", "Kannaliddare Kanassu", "Gaaliye Nodu Baa", "Ninninda Haaganthe", "Bhoomi Suthodu", "Onde Samane Mididide", "Hrudayavu Ninnade", "Maleya Haniyalli", "Ommomme Yaako", "Preethiyali Haaduve", "Ondooral Oblu Cheluve", "Kaddu Nodala", "Mathe Mathe Ninna", "Enaaytho Adeneyatho", "Sanju Mathu Geetha", "Jotheyalli Nee Baaro", "O Gunavantha", "Baa Maleye Baa", "Dhim Dhim", "Sanjeya", "Yaako Yeno", "Nijaana Naanenaa", "Koncha Reshime", "chalisuvaa cheluve", "Ee Bisilali", "Midiva Ninna", "Onde Ninna Nota Saaku", "Belakininda Baanella Banna", "Chinna Hele Hegiruve", "Dil Dhadak", "Inthi Ninna", "Jagadalu Kanisada", "Lahari", "Lola Lola Thelo", "Maneyannu Kattona", "Mella Mella Ee Preethi", "Mudhaada Ee Naguvige",[36] "Naa Barede Ninna, "Neeli Baanina", "Nenapina Male Hani", "Nodu Baa Cheluve", "Enendu Hesaridali", "Paravashanadenu", "Jhum Jhumka Jhumka", "O Parijatha", "Neene Nanna Saviganasu", "Modale Sigalilla", "Hoovina Santhege", "Chendutiya Pakkadali", "Malla Malla", "Manada Havaamana", "Athi Aathura", "Obba Hudugana Manassu", "Usirigintha Neene Hathira", "Anju Malle Malle", "Enella Helona", "Baa Illi Beesu Thangaaliye", "Modala Maleyanthe", "Mynaa Mynaa", "Buddhi Illa", "Nannede Veene" and many more. His very recent songs are 'Baanali Badalaago', that became a hit from the film "Simple Aagond Love Story" composed by Bharath; 'Mussanje Maleyali' and 'Sadha Ninna Kannali' from Kannada star Sudeep starrer Bachchan composed by V. Harikrishna out of which Sadha Ninna was a hit, the song 'Jagadalliro' from Darshan starrer "Bul Bul" also composed by V. Harikrishna was a hit, "Andaje Sigutilla" from Tony[disambiguation needed][37] composed by Sadhu Kokila, "Soundarya Samara" from Kaddipudi was a hit as well.
With the same Mungaru Male combination, music director Mano Murthy, lyricist Jayant Kaikini and Nigam got together for a Kannada album Neene Bari Neene produced by Ashok Kheny. The songs Neene Bari Neene and Baa Nodu Gelathi were shot on the outskirts of Bengaluru featuring Nigam and model Madhuri Bhattacharya in the lead.[38][39] Sonu Nigam also composed a theme song for the Karnataka Bulldozer's team in the Celebrity Cricket League. The song was sung by Sonu Nigam, Kunal Ganjawala and Sowmya Raoh, who also penned the lyrics.[40]

In Malayalam[edit source | edit]

Malayalam was one of the rare Indian languages in which Sonu did not sing. This condition continued until 2011, when he sang a song 'Chakkaramavin Kombathu', from the movie Bombay March 12. Sonu had earlier sung a song in the movie Kandahar, but the song, 'Aye Janani', was a Hindi song, and the former is his first Malayalam song.
Sonu considered to be a lad of legendary play back and classical singer PadmaBhushan Dr. kJ Yesudas. Dr. kJ invited Sonu on his 50th anniversary in playback music and addressed his love to him. When it comes to Hindi film music, Keralites loves Sonu's songs considerably after legendary Mohammed Rafi saheb's.

Television[edit source | edit]

Nigam was the host of Sa Re Ga Ma from the start of the show till 1999.[41] He returned on Sa Re Ga Ma Pa L'il Champs International as a judge with Suresh Wadkar in October 2007. Nigam was a celebrity judge on the Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Mega Challenge grand finale on 12 December 2009 which marked the 1000th episode.
He hosted the TV show Kisme Kitna Hai Dum on Star Plus in 2002.
Nigam appeared as the judge for Indian Idol in seasons 1 (October 2004 – March 2005) and 2 (November 2005 – April 2006). He was a celebrity judge in seasons 3 (17 August 2007) and 4 (16 January 2009 and 6 February 2009).
He appeared as a celebrity judge on Amul STAR Voice of India in August 2007 (Season 1) and in December 2008 (Season 2) and on the grand finale of music reality show Jo Jeeta Wohi Super Star on 12 July 2008.
Nigam was a judge/mentor on Chhote Ustaad - Do Deshon Ki Ek Awaaz (July – October, 2010) with Rahat Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.
Nigam provided the voice for the lead character, Aladdin in the Hindi translated version of Aladdin.[42]
He was a judge/mentor on the first season of X Factor (India) (29 May – 2 September 2011) along with Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Shreya Ghoshal.[41]

Acting career[edit source | edit]

Nigam's acting career[43] started as a child in films including Betaab (1983). As an adult, he acted in films such as Jaani Dushman: Ek Anokhi Kahani, Kash Aap Hamare Hote, as the male lead opposite Juhi Babbar, and Love in Nepal. None of the films did well at the box office, although his acting was much better appreciated in his last venture. He has not returned to acting since Love in Nepal, but was recently said to be involved in Ankhon Ankhon Mein, about a blind singer.[44]

Other work[edit source | edit]

Radio[edit source | edit]

In 2006, Nigam hosted Life Ki Dhun with Sonu Nigaam on Radiocity 91.1 FM, where he had the opportunity to interview musicians, including Lata Mangeshkar in the episode aired last.[45]

Dubbing Roles[edit source | edit]

Nigam voices certain roles in Hindi for foreign films, especially Hollywood films.
On February 2013, An announcement has been made that Sonu is assigned to lead his voice in a Hindi dubbed version of a Japanese anime film, The Mystical Laws.[46]

Animated Films[edit source | edit]

Film title Original Voice Character Dub Language Original Language Original Release Dub Release Notes
Disney's Aladdin[47] Scott Weinger
Brad Caleb Kane (Singing)		 Aladdin Hindi English 1992 2005 Gave both the speaking and singing voice to Aladdin in this film. Aired on Disney Channel India.
Rio Jesse Eisenberg Blu Hindi English 2011 2011

Anime Films[edit source | edit]

Film title Original Japanese Voice Character Dub Language Original Release Dub Release Notes
The Mystical Laws [48]

Hindi 2012 2013 [49]

Personal Life and Volunteer Work[edit source | edit]

Sonu Nigam during a Peace Rally in Mumbai on 20th November 2011
Sonu Nigam comes from a Kayastha family. Born to Agam Kumar Nigam and Shobha Nigam, he attended the J.D. Tytler School. He has two sisters, Meenal and Teesha. In the last few years, his father has released several hit albums including "Bewafaai" and "Phir Bewafaai" and, more recently, "Bewafaai ka Aalam". Teesha is an upcoming singer and has several songs and awards to her name in Telugu movie Magadheera, and in Hindi and Kannada.
Sonu married Madhurima, who is from a Bengali family, on 15 February 2002.[50] They have a son, Nevaan, born in 2007.[51] Nevaan is also very interested in music and has recently recorded a song with Lata Mangeshkar.
Sonu Nigam practices fitness and yoga exercises, and has trained in Taekwondo.[1] He claims to be spiritual rather than religious.[52]
Nigam has done work for various charities in India as well as abroad for the Dignity Foundation, for various organizations working in the fields of cancer, leprosy, blindness and women's welfare, and for families affected by the Kargil war and earthquakes. He also sponsors a child from the organization "Crayon".[1] He has made numerous appearances for the cause of HIV/AIDS and has brought out a song titled "Papa I'm sorry" related to this. He has also released songs and made contributions to the cause of peace between India and Pakistan.

Awards and nominations[edit source | edit]

[53]
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Ne yo

Ne-Yo

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Ne-Yo
Ne-Yo 2013.jpg
Ne-Yo in January 2013
Background information
Birth name Shaffer Chimere Smith
Born (1979-10-18) October 18, 1979 (age 33)
Camden, Arkansas, United States
Origin Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Genres R&B, pop, hip hop, soul, dance
Occupations Singer–songwriter, record producer, dancer, actor,
Instruments Vocals, guitar, piano
Years active 2005–present
Labels Compound, Motown, Def Jam
Associated acts Rihanna, Kanye West, Conor Maynard, Calvin Harris, Keri Hilson, Mariah Carey, 50 Cent, Bridget Kelly, Jay-Z, Beyoncé Knowles, Jennifer Hudson, Jamie Foxx, Rick Ross, Pitbull, Chris Brown, David Guetta, Afrojack, Trey Songz, T-Pain, Timbaland, Wiz Khalifa, Celine Dion, Jessica Sanchez
Website yearofthegentleman.com
Shaffer Chimere Smith (born October 18, 1979) better known by his stage name Ne-Yo, is a Grammy Award winning American R&B recording artist, songwriter, record producer, dancer, and actor. Beginning his career as a songwriter, Ne-Yo penned the hit "Let Me Love You" for singer Mario. The single's successful release in the United States prompted an informal meeting between Ne-Yo and Def Jam's label head, and the signing of a recording contract.
In 2006, he released his debut album, In My Own Words, which contained the US number one hit "So Sick", as well as the top 10 hit "Sexy Love". In 2007, he released his second album, Because of You, which contained the US top 3 hit of the same name. In 2008, he released his third album, Year of the Gentleman, which contained the top 10 hits "Closer", "Mad" and "Miss Independent". His fourth studio album, 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. In November 2012, Ne-Yo released his fifth studio album R.E.D. to favorable reviews and mild chart success. The album's debut single "Let Me Love You (Until You Learn to Love Yourself)", became his first solo song to reach the top 10. In 2009, Billboard ranked him as the 57th Artist of the 2000s decade.[1] 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.[2]

Early life[edit source | edit]

Ne-Yo was born in Camden, Arkansas. His mother is of African American and Chinese descent, and his father is African American. Both of his parents were musicians. As a young child, he was raised by his mother after she separated from his father.[3] In hopes of better opportunity, his mother 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.[4] The group disbanded in 2000, and Smith continued to write songs for other artists before starting his solo career.

Music career[edit source | edit]

1999–2005: Career beginnings[edit source | edit]

Ne-Yo performing in July 2005
At an early age Ne-Yo, emerged on the recording industry scene as member of the Romford-based quartet, Envy, which featured Chimna Orji as its leading woman.[5] After the group disbanded in 2000, Columbia Records signed Ne-Yo, but the label dropped him before he could release his already-recorded first album.[6] American singer Marques Houston happened to hear "That Girl", which Ne-Yo had planned to release as his debut single off his then-unreleased album. Houston re-recorded the song and released it as a single for his 2003 album MH.[5] The release of the song led to Ne-Yo being recognized as a top songwriter.[5]
For the next two years, Ne-Yo continued writing songs, some of which have not been officially released.[5] 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,[7] though all of which failed to give Ne-Yo much mainstream attention.[5] Ne-Yo has also contributed songs to singers Mary J. Blige, B2K, Faith Evans and Musiq, among others.[8]
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.[7] After the successful release, Tina Davis, former A&R representative for Def Jam Recordings, arranged an informal meeting with label head L.A. Reid.[5] 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.[6][8]
The stagename "Ne-Yo" was coined by Big D Evans, a producer with whom Ne-Yo once worked,[9] because Evans claimed that Ne-Yo sees music as Neo sees the matrix.[10]

2006–07: In My Own Words and Because of You[edit source | edit]

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 the first week.[11] During the same week, the single had reached number one on the |Billboard Hot 100.[12] Later singles released were "When You're Mad" and "Sexy Love", which peaked at number 15 and number 7, respectively.[13] The album has been certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for a shipment of over one million units.[14]
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.[15] The first single from the platinum-selling album was the title track, which peaked at the number-two spot.[13] Despite the success of "Because of You", later singles released charted lower and were unable to reach the Top 20.[13] The album has been certified platinum by RIAA for a shipment of over one million units.[14] In December 2007, Ne-Yo and the Goo Goo Dolls performed at a fund-raising concert for the then presidential candidate Senator Barack Obama.[16]

2008–09: Year of the Gentleman and Greatest Hits[edit source | edit]

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."[17]
The album sold 250,000 copies in its first week in the United States, debuting on the Billboard 200 at number two.[18] Reviews for the album were positive: in one of which, 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".[19]
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.[20] Year of the Gentleman has been certified platinum by RIAA for a shipment of more than one million copies.[14] 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.
On September 2, 2009, Ne-Yo released greatest hits album Ne-Yo: The Collection in Japan.[21] The album was also released with a limited edition CD+DVD edition complete with the music videos of singles.[22] It debuted at number four on Japan Oricon weekly albums chart, selling 55,625 copies in the first week.[23]
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 that was hosted by iheartradio.[24] Ne-Yo made an appearance at New York Comic Con to announce he was collaborating with Stan Lee for a Libra Scale comic.[25] Ne-Yo also met with fans for pictures and autographs in the Cultyard of the comic con.[26] The second and third singles released off of the album are Champagne Life and One in a Million, respectively. Speaking of Libra Scale, 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?"[27]
The album debuted at number nine on the US Billboard 200, selling 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.

2011–present: R.E.D. and other projects[edit source | edit]

Ne-Yo in a recording studio in 2011
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 Knowles, Monica, Alexandra Burke, Cheryl Cole and Willow Smith's upcoming albums. Ne-Yo starred in two motion pictures, Red Tails, due for a release 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 pop 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 is one of the few artists not to cancel appearances in the wake of the 2011 Japan earthquake.[28]
In the spring of 2011, Ne-Yo collaborated with American rapper Pitbull and Nayer on his single, Give Me Everything, which peaked at number-one on the Billboard Hot 100, giving Ne-Yo his second U.S. number-one single since 2006's So Sick and his first as a guest artist. Ne-Yo has also revealed an interview that he would like to collaborate with Chris Brown, Lil Wayne and Drake on his new album.
Ne-Yo performing songs from R.E.D. in 2012.
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.[29][30] He was also appointed Senior Vice President of A&R of Motown, where he will serve "...as a producer and mentor to the label's artists, as well as seeking out and signing new talent to the label."[31] Ne-Yo is set to release his fifth studio album, R.E.D. (as in "Realizing Every Dream") on September 18, 2012.[32][33] The album was initially titled The Cracks in Mr. Perfect.[34] The album's first official single, "Lazy Love" was released on June 12, 2012 and peaked at number forty-two on Billboard's 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.[35] Because of Kevin McCall's new album and the song Ne-Yo will be in, Love Time, is 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.[36] R.E.D. was released in the United Kingdom on November 5, and in North America on November 6, 2012.[37]
In April 2013 Ne-Yo announced that he and Cher Lloyd are to collaborate on new Fruttare song 'It's All Good' [38]

Other ventures[edit source | edit]

Ne-Yo promoting Because of You in 2007

Songwriting and production[edit source | edit]

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 having known the team produces R&B records, he decided to collaborate with them. The collective's early works were tracks off In My Own Words including So Sick.[39]
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.[40] 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.[41] In 2010, he dueted with Mariah Carey on 'Angel's Cry', a song on 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.[40] He also collaborated with Lindsay Lohan on her new material, having already finished "Bossy", a pre-single for her new album Spirit in the Dark.[42] 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.[43] However, at the time of Jackson's death, Ne-Yo's collaborations with him had yet to move past the writing stage.[44] In an interview in 2010 he said since Jackson's death he's been confused as what to do with the songs, as he feels that selling them to another artist or even releasing the songs himself would be disrespectful to Jackson legacy.[45] In 2009, he wrote Truth (Saigo no Shinjitsu) for Japanese pop group w-inds..[46]
Ne-Yo performing in 2012.
Ne-Yo ventured out to open his own recording studio called Carrington House in Atlanta, Georgia.[47] 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-fledge 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.[6][47]

Television[edit source | edit]

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.[48] 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.[48][49]
Ne-Yo also appeared in an episode of the seventh season of CSI: NY as a hitman, under his birth name of Shaffer Smith.
In 2011, Ne-Yo appeared in an episode of The Fresh Beat Band as himself.

Personal life[edit source | edit]

Family[edit source | edit]

In 2005, Jessica White, Ne-Yo's girlfriend at the time gave birth to a boy, naming him Chimere after Ne-Yo's middle name.[40] Though Ne-Yo believed he was the father, he later discovered the child was not his. He is now in litigation with the child's mother.[50][51]
In June 2010, Ne-Yo told Ebony that he and his girlfriend, Monyetta Shaw, were expecting their first child together, a girl due early in 2011.[52] Shaw gave birth early to a girl, Madilyn Grace Smith, on November 12, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. Announcing the birth, Ne-Yo said of his first child, "I've been in love before but this feels like nothing I've ever felt...Like I'm in love for the first time."[53]
In September 2011, Ne-Yo revealed that he was expecting his second child with Monyetta Shaw. Shaw gave birth to a boy, Mason Evan Smith, on October 9, 2011.[54]

Legal troubles[edit source | edit]

On February 19, 2008, Ne-Yo was arrested for reckless driving while driving through Cobb County, Georgia. He was driving at over 100 mph in his 2006 Range Rover and did not have a valid license. It was reported that he was doing about 150 mph, 100 mph over the speed limit. According to the Atlanta-Journal Constitution. On June 2, 2008, Ne-Yo was sentenced to 24 hours community service by a judge. He pleaded guilty to driving without a license and pleaded "no contest" to the reckless driving charge.[55]
In Summer 2011, Ne-Yo recorded a song with Pitbull, Nayer and Afrojack called Give Me Everything. Pitbull referenced actress Lindsay Lohan by name in his lyrics. Lohan later sued over the reference.[56]

Discography[edit source | edit]

Main article: Ne-Yo discography

Filmography[edit source | edit]

Year Title Electric Company Role Himself Notes
2006 Save the Last Dance 2 Mixx Direct to video
2007 Stomp the Yard Rich Brown Film[57]
2011 CSI: NY The hitman[58] Episode 7.14 "Smooth Criminal"[59]
The Fresh Beat Band Himself Special episode "Band in a Jam"[60]
Battle: Los Angeles Specks Film[61]
2012 Empire Girls: Julissa & Adrienne Himself Reality-Show
Red Tails Andrew 'Smoky' Salem Film[62]
I Heart Tuesdays None (TV), creator
The X Factor Guest Mentor
Never Mind the Buzzcocks Guest Host
90210 Guest star

See also[edit source | edit]

References[edit source | edit]

  1. ^ Best of the 2000s -Artists of the Decade - 51-60
  2. ^ http://www.songwritershalloffame.org/ceremony/awards/C3009
  3. ^ Lo, Ricky (2008). "Let Ne-Yo Love You". The Philippine Star (Philippines). 
  4. ^ "Artist Biography | Ne-Yo biography". Artists.letssingit.com. Retrieved 2011-03-13. 
  5. ^ a b c d e f Reeves, Mosi (2006-09-07). "Slick of It All". Miami New Times. Retrieved 2008-12-27. 
  6. ^ a b c Jones, Steve (2007-05-15). "Ne-Yo keeps tunes coming". USA Today. Retrieved 2008-12-27. 
  7. ^ a b Kellman, Any. "Neyo: Biography". Allmusic. Retrieved 2008-12-26. 
  8. ^ a b Reid, Shaheem. "Jay-Z’s Picks: Teairra Mari, Rihanna, Ne-Yo". MTV. Retrieved 2008-12-25. 
  9. ^ Scott, Kevin R. (October 24, 2005). "20 Questions with Ne-Yo". Vibe. Archived from the original on May 12, 2008. 
  10. ^ Lorez, Jeff (2006). "Ne-Yo 2006 Interview". Soulmusic. Retrieved 2008-10-21. 
  11. ^ Hasty, Katie (2006-03-08). "Ne-Yo's 'Words' Speak Volumes At No. 1". Billboard (Nielsen Business Media, Inc). Retrieved 2008-12-26. [dead link]
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  14. ^ a b c "RIAA – Gold and Platinum". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved 2008-12-25. 
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  26. ^ Cope2, 09 October 2010 "COPE2,NE-YO,PHETUS SIGN IN AT ELITE GUDZ AT THE NEW YORK COMICCON!!! SUCCESS!!!!!!"
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  28. ^ "Ne-Yo: I had to perform in Japan". Musicrooms.net. 2011-03-26. Retrieved 2011-08-05. 
  29. ^ Williams, Brennan (2012-01-25). "Ne-Yo Leaves Def Jam For Motown Records". Huffingtonpost.com. Retrieved 2012-03-30. 
  30. ^ Markman, Rob (2012-01-25). "Ne-Yo Leaves Def Jam To Become Motown Exec - Music, Celebrity, Artist News". MTV. Retrieved 2012-03-30. 
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  33. ^ Ne-Yo interview by Pete Lewis, 'Blues & Soul' September 2012
  34. ^ Muhammad, Latifah. "Ne-Yo 'The Cracks in Mr. Perfect' Album: 'Don't Make 'Em Like You No More' Is First Single". The Boom Box. Retrieved 11 March 2012. 
  35. ^ "Twitter / siamusic: Wrote a song with @NeYoCompound". Twitter.com. Retrieved 2012-08-26. 
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  38. ^ http://www.sugarscape.com/main-topics/music/852109/cher-lloyd-and-neyo-collaborate-new-fruttare-song-its-all-good
  39. ^ Sisario, Ben (2007-05-06). "Wizards in the Studio, Anonymous on the Street". The New York Times. Retrieved 2008-12-25. 
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  42. ^ Laudadio, Marisa; Herndon, Jessica (2008-05-07). "Listen to Lindsay Lohan's New Song 'Bossy'". People. Retrieved 2008-12-24. 
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  48. ^ a b "Ne-Yo Creating 'I Heart Tuesday' For Cartoon Network". MTV. Retrieved 25 March 2013. 
  49. ^ Michael Arceneaux (2012-11-08). "Ne-Yo: My Animated Show Won’t Look Like 'The Boondocks'". theurbandaily.com. Retrieved 2013-02-21. 
  50. ^ Gardner, Elysa (2008-10-31). "R&B star Ne-Yo flaunts his gentlemanly style". USA Today. Retrieved 2009-03-06. 
  51. ^ Honey (2010-02-22). "You ARE the FATHER?! Ne-Yo Expecting a Baby With Girlfriend Monetta style". Honey. Retrieved 2010-11-22. [dead link]
  52. ^ "Ne-Yo Expecting First Child". TVGuide.com. 
  53. ^ "Ne-Yo Is a New Father". People. November 13, 2010. 
  54. ^ Ravitz, Justin (September 19, 2011). "Exclusive: Ne-Yo Is Engaged – and Expecting Second Child!". Us Weekly. Retrieved September 21, 2011.
  55. ^ TMZ staff (2008-02-22). "Cops: Ne-Yo Was Driving CRAZY!". TMZ. Retrieved 2008-12-24. 
  56. ^ "Lindsay Lohan sues Pitbull - MSN Music News". Music.msn.com. Retrieved 2011-10-31. 
  57. ^ Carroll, Larry (January 3, 2007). "Ne-Yo, Chris Brown Open Up About Stepping Up For Stomp The Yard". MTV. Retrieved August 26, 2011.
  58. ^ James Dinh. "Ne-Yo To Guest-Star As Hit Man On 'CSI: NY'". Retrieved Oct 16 2012. 
  59. ^ Abrams, Natalie (November 30, 2010). "Ne-Yo to Guest-Star on CSI: NY". TV Guide. Retrieved December 1, 2010.
  60. ^ Seidman, Robert (May 17, 2011). "Ne-Yo Guest Stars in an Hour-Long Special of Nickelodeon's The Fresh Beat Band on June 24". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved October 28, 2011.
  61. ^ "Battle: Los Angeles Review". (March 10, 2011). IGN. Retrieved April 6, 2011.
  62. ^ "Red Tails Finishes Casting and Begins Production"[dead link]. (April 6, 2009). StarWars.com. Retrieved August 25, 2011.


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