Early inspirations included Michael Jackson, Prince, Stevie Wonder, Donny Hathaway, Marvin Gaye, Lionel Richie... Those were the people I actually wound up studying just to hone my craft.
Copied to Clipboard
Copied to Clipboard
The name of the album is 'Non-Fiction'. And, I'm calling it that because the name of every song on this album is derived from a true story. Now, some of the stories are mine. Some of the stories belong to some of my fans.
Copied to Clipboard
Copied to Clipboard
I'm not a natural. I had to teach myself - or be taught - everything I do. I just spent hours and hours in the mirror mimicking Michael Jackson.
Copied to Clipboard
Copied to Clipboard
We are in a good place. Her name is Crystal Renay. She has much promise. Yes, much promise. Quality.
Copied to Clipboard
Copied to Clipboard
I never really created a difference between Shaffer Smith, my actual name, and Ne-Yo. They are kind of one in the same. It's been a bit of a gift and a curse. As far as Shaffer Smith is concerned, I've never viewed myself as a celebrity.
Copied to Clipboard
Copied to Clipboard
Sammy was the only one that looked like me, so I naturally gravitated to him. Sammy made it cool to be black at a time when, let's just say it, it wasn't very cool to be black. His name was on the front of the building in lights, and he had to go in the back. But you never saw him sweat.
Copied to Clipboard
Copied to Clipboard
A Las Vegas show is all-round entertainment. Which means there's some singing, some dancing, some magic, some drama - everything is rolled into that one performance.
Copied to Clipboard
Copied to Clipboard
Of course, there are some things you keep personal and private because you're a human being. But on the other side of it, I ain't got time to be hiding nothing and all that. It is what it is.
Copied to Clipboard
Copied to Clipboard
In my mind, I was still Chimere's father. I was there when he was born. I saw him when he first came out. I held him. He was my kid.
