Story by A.R.
Images by Treagan Colston for Steed Media Service
Shaffer “Ne-Yo” Smith was the biggest star in the room, but it was obvious that he was comfortable not being in the spotlight. But Ne-Yo’s significant other, Monyetta Shaw, dressed in a gorgeous pink gown embraced being the center of attention. While Ne-Yo remained as low-key as Stedman Graham throughout the night, Shaw graciously welcomed attendees to preview her new clothing store, Emerlyn & Ester Boutique located in north Atlanta. Ironically, Ne-Yo’s career in the music industry began with him doing background work and helping others reach stardom and success. First known for his powerful pen, Ne-Yo was the mastermind behind No. 1 hits for mega-artists such as Beyoncé, Rihanna, Jamie Foxx, Chris Brown and Mary J. Blige. But while his words allowed other artists to capture big hits, it took years for Ne-Yo to break through as a solo artist. Signed to Columbia Records in 2001, Ne-Yo’s album was shelved after the president of the label, Donny Iner, was disappointed with Ne-Yo’s lackluster showcase. “The record was done,” says a former Columbia Records executive who worked with Ne-Yo at the time. “But the label would not release it. I just don’t think that it was his time. Some of the music was great, but it was a different era. I don’t think the label knew what to do with him. But the disappointment made him stronger, tougher and [he] concentrated more on his presentation.” The Las Vegas native finally was able to present himself as a complete package in 2005. Ne-Yo signed with Def Jam records and released his debut album, In My Own Words. The
critically-acclaimed album topped the Billboard charts and featured the hit singles “So Sick,” “When You’re Mad,” and “Sexy Love.” Ne-Yo’s success continued with the release of the Grammy Award-winning albums,
Because of You and
Year of the Gentleman. In three years, Ne-Yo positioned himself as a leading man in R& B. But in spite of his accomplishments, Ne-Yo found himself bored with the state of the music industry. So to challenge himself artistically, he created a concept album that incorporates his love for comics, science fiction and romance. “I feel like entertainment is on its simple stupid stage where people don’t care about it unless it’s sex or dancing,” Ne-Yo said during an interview at Chen Chow in Detroit. “I decided to step away from the pack and do something that requires more creativity.” Inspired by a short story that he wrote,
Libra Scale features a play-like storyline that provides insight on how power and fame can affect true love. “Within the realm of having fun, it makes you think about morality,” Ne-Yo says. “If you had to choose between love or power and fame, which way would the Libra Scale tip for you? So it makes you think about what you value most. The story follows three guys named Clyde, Leroy and Jerome. They are average guys who are working a 9-to-5 and have dreams of gaining money and power. They get the opportunity to become superheroes and protect the city that they live in. But by becoming super heroes and getting money, power and fame, they must follow three rules. The rules are: 1) You must protect the city at all times; 2) You can’t tell anyone where the powers came from, and the most important rule is; 3) You’re not allowed to fall in love. You can have casual hookups, but you can’t fall in love or have emotional connections. As time goes by, Jerome gets fed up with the shallow lifestyle. He meets a girl named Pretti Sinclair and he falls in love with her. He is forced to make a decision. Is he going to fall in love with this woman, or will he continue with the life that he is already living? That’s when the Libra Scale comes into play.”
Libra Scale is undoubtedly Ne-Yo’s most creative album to date. However, it’s considered a commercial disappointment after selling only 112,000 in the first week of its release. Ne-Yo admits that
Libra Scale was not his best work and that his fans deserved better. He is currently working on new material and will get back to the basics of making love songs for his upcoming album. Ne-Yo is also focusing on establishing his new record label, Compound Entertainment. He signed a joint venture with Island Def Jam and will hone the skills of artists such as Loren Allred, FDM, Lisa Tucker and Jadyn Maria. His label is also the home of producers Chuck Harmony, Miyk Snoddy and Heavy Weights. Ne-Yo’s business acumen has afforded him the opportunity to help others through his Compound Foundation. Headed by his mother Lorraine Smith, the Compound Foundation works to enrich the lives of youth across the nation by funding programs and donating school supplies and clothes to kids in need. “We don’t believe in wasting things,” Lorraine Smith says. “Sometimes in the entertainment world, they don’t want to be seen in an outfit more than once. We are not going to let those clothes [go to] waste. Ne-Yo donates a lot of his casual wear to the foster children who we work with at the Compound Foundation.” Some of the programs sponsored by the Compound Foundation include Compound Cares, It’s Cool Having Tools and Model Care, Model Citizens. As the Compound Foundation continues to make strides in the lives of kids, Ne-Yo is becoming accustomed to raising a child of his own. On Nov. 12, Monyetta gave birth to the couple’s first baby, Madilyn Grace. Shortly after Madilyn’s birth, Ne-Yo tweeted, “As my life transforms due to the new life sprung up on me. It’s good to know my folks support. She’s happy and healthy.” The creator of several of the best love of songs of his generation went on to say that he was in love for the very first time. Ne-Yo’s ability to understand and interpret the undeniable connections of love allows him to exist in a league of his own in the music industry. “I would like for people to realize that love conquers all,” Ne-Yo says. “Even when love may seem like the wrong thing to do, it will always mean more in the end. Money, power and fame are all temporary. But love is eternal.”
