Born in Camden, AR, R&B musician Shaffer Chimere Smith Jr. is better known as his stage name Ne-Yo. His debut album In My Own Words was released in 2006, and the singer would remain squarely in the public eye during the following years, with a consistent stream of hits. Ne-Yo would also make regular appearances in films, with roles in Save the Last Dance 2, Stomp the Yard, and Battle: Los Angeles. He starred as the Tin Man in the NBC's live-event version of The Wiz in 2015.
Ne-Yo
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- Entered the music industry as a member of the short-lived R&B group Envy.
- Is a successful songwriter with writing credits that include Rihanna's "Take a Bow," Beyoncé's "Irreplaceable" and Jennifer Hudson's "Spotlight."
- The first three of his albums - In My Own Words, Because of You and Year of the Gentleman - went platinum.
- In 2009, was nominated for five Grammys, including Album of the Year and Best R&B Song.
- Collaborated with Marvel's Stan Lee to create a comic book to accompany his 2010 album Libra Scale.
- In 2011, performed at a campaign fundraiser for Barack Obama with the Goo Goo Dolls.
- In 2012, signed to Motown Records and was named Senior Vice President of A&R of the label.
- Founded the Compound Foundation, a national organization with a goal of enhancing the well-being of youth growing up in foster care and group homes.