Ethnicity:
His mother is a mix of African American and Chinese descent, and his father is African American.
Ne-Yo was born in Camden, Arkansas, and baptized as Shaffer Chimere Smith. "Chimere" is a name originating from the Igbo language.
Both of his parents were musicians. As a young child, he was raised by his mother after she separated from his father.
Las Vegas Academy
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". Then in 2007, he released his second album, Because of You, which contained the US top 3 hit, "Because of You". 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.
In 2009, Billboard ranked him as the 57th Artist of the 2000s decade.In addition to a successful recording career, Ne-Yo has amassed a catalog of chart-topping songs that he has written for other artists.
Singer: (albums) In My Own Words, 2006, Because of You, 2007 (Grammy award, Best Contemporary R&B Album, 2008), Year of the Gentleman, 2008; actor: (films) Save the Last Dance 2, 2006, Stomp the Yard, 2007; singer: (songs) Miss Independent, 2008 (Best Male R&B Vocal Performance, Best R&B Song, Grammy Awards, 2009)
