By Patrick Luce Feb 1, 2007, 16:40 GMT
R&B sensation Ne-Yo has released the first single, “All Because Of You,” off his forthcoming untitled sophomore album – scheduled for release this spring. Fans can listen to the track exclusively on Ne-Yo's Myspace page.
One is definitely the magic number for Grammy- nominated singer/songwriter, Ne-Yo. After capping off an amazing year, the Def Jam artist has scored a triple threat with three #1’s in just 11 months with: his #1 Album ‘In My Own Words’ which debuted in February of 2006; his #1 single “So Sick” which topped the Billboard 200, Pop, and R&B charts during its first week; and most recently Ne-Yo’s new movie, Stomp The Yard, which swept the box office as the first #1 movie of the New Year, grossing $26 million over the 4-day weekend. As if that weren’t enough, the gifted songwriter also has another chart-topper on his hands, Beyonce’s smash hit “Irreplaceable,” has remained #1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart consecutively for seven weeks.
The multi-platinum recording artist ended 2006 on a high note as he hit the road as part of BET’s sold out Scream 5 “Ruff & Ready, Young & Sexy” tour alongside artists Omarion, Sammie, Mario, Yung Joc, Jibbs, Pretty Ricky, and One Chance. The tour kicked off December 21st in Hampton, VA and concluded on New Year’s Eve in Washington, DC. The momentum has not slowed down for the chart topping songwriter, who is currently making his first big screen debut in Sony Picture’s Stomp the Yard. Ne-Yo plays Rich Brown, the lead character’s best friend whose confidence and wit provides comic relief throughout the film.
Stomp The Yard is a compelling drama about the quest for individuality, which also takes a look at the history behind the African American fraternities’ and sororities’ tradition of stepping. The R&B/Pop star was tapped by MTV to executive produce the soundtrack to Save the LastDance 2 and he also has a small cameo role.
In addition to Ne-Yo being a triple threat in music and in film, the gifted songwriter picked up a 2006 Billboard Music Award for Male R&B/Hip-Hop Artist of the Year and he was just recently nominated for two Grammy Awards for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance for his chart-topping hit “So Sick” and Best Contemporary R&B Album for his debut album, In My Own Words (Def Jam).
Nominated alongside mega stars Beyonce, Janet Jackson, John Legend, and Chris Brown, this marks another first for the newcomer as he is being recognized by the Recording Academy for his amazing songwriting and vocal abilities. The R&B impresario was also recently nominated for a 2006 American Music Award and a Billboard Music Award.
‘In My Own Words’ debuted at #1 on the (Billboard 200, Pop, and R&B charts) after selling an unprecedented 305,000 copies in its first week. Ne-Yo’s debut album has sold over two million records in the U.S., and is an international hit, selling over three million worldwide records and solidifying Ne-Yo’s triple platinum status. Fueled by the R&B/Hip-Hop crossover hit, “So Sick,” which exploded onto the chart at #1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 and Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums Charts, Ne-Yo went on a media blitz with major television appearances on Late Night with David Letterman, Live withRegis and Kelly, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, and The Ellen DeGeneres Show, among others. His second single, “When You’re Mad” entered the charts in the Top 10 and was the #1 most added song at urban stations. Ne-Yo’s third single, “Sexy Love” sealed the deal, as it entered the Billboard Hot 100 charts at #7.
Ne-Yo’s songwriting ability immediately caught Def Jam’s attention after he penned a string of hits for other artists including Mary J. Blige, Faith Evans, Musiq, Marques Houston, and most notably, Mario’s chart topping single, “Let Me Love You.” The platinum hit maker most recently has penned huge hits for music superstars such as Rihanna (“Unfaithful”), Beyonce (“Irreplaceable”), Jay-Z (“Hollywood” and “Minority Report”), Mario Vasquez (“Gallery”), Christina Milian, Ghostface Killah, and Remy Ma.
Ne-Yo is currently in the studio working with Britney Spears and Rihanna. His songwriting talents are also being sought after by Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, and Alicia Keys for their highly anticipated albums.
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