VH1 Goes “Behind The Song” With Ne-Yo: A Look At His Song Writing
Ne-Yo From VH1's "Behind The Music"
As we mentioned to you last week, VH1 aired the second episode in the 15th anniversary season, yesterday September 23rd. That episode profiled acclaimed R&B singer/songwriter/producer turned Motown Records SVP of A&R, Ne-Yo. As Ne-Yo prepares to release his Motown debut, R.E.D. , Behind The Music tells his remarkable story of overcoming poverty, an abusive father, manipulative exgirlfriend, and a failed deal with Columbia Records. Ne-Yo emerged on the scene in 2005 as one of the first signings from Jay-Z as then president of Def Jam Records. However before linking up with Def Jam, Ne-Yo made a name for himself as a songwriter behind some big hits for other artists. Ne-Yo writing hits for others with production duo, Stargate as he would also came to be a leader in the R&B/Pop genre as an artist. One of those songs of his was “Irreplaceable” from Beyonce’s 2006 album, B Day. Behind The Music’s new online feature, Behind The song tells story behind Ne-Yo writing this timeless hit for Beyonce.
Behind The Song: Ne-Yo
“Beyonce Knowles’ ‘Irreplaceable'”
From VH1.com
Beyonce Knowles
“Irreplaceable”
From B Day
Music World/Columbia Records
Other Key Songs Written By Ne-Yo For Other Artists
Mario
“Let Me Love You”
From Turning Point
J. Records/RMG
Rihanna
“Unfaithful”
From A Girl Like Me
SRP/Def Jam Records/IDJMG
Paula Deanda Featuring The Dey
“Walk Away (Remember Me)”
From Paula Deanda
Arista Records/RMG
Mario Vazquez
“Gallery”
From Mario Vazquez
Arista Records/RMG
Beyonce Knowles
“Flaws And All” (Live)
From B Day (Deluxe Edition)/The Beyoncé Experience Live
Music World Music/Columbia Records
Rihanna Featuring Ne-Yo
“Hate That I Love You”
From Good Girl Gone Bad
SRP/Def Jam Records/IDJMG
Rihanna
“Take A Bow”
From Good Girl Gone Bad (Reloaded)
SRP/Def Jam Records/IDJMG
Jennifer Hudson
“Spotlight”
From Jennifer Hudson
19/Arista Records/RMG
Keri Hilson Featuring Ne-Yo And Kanye West
“Knock You Down”
From In A Perfect World
Mosley Music Group/Zone 4/Interscope Records
Rihanna
“Russian Roulette”
From Rated R
SRP/Def Jam Records/IDJMG
Keri Hilson
“Pretty Girl Rock”
From No Boys Allowed
Mosley Music Group/Zone 4/Interscope Records
Pitbull Featuring Ne-Yo, Afrojack And Nayer
“Give Me Everything”
From Planet Pit
Polo Grounds/Mr. 305/J. Records/RMG
Ne-Yo has made a career for himself of being able to write music for some of the most talented and famous musicians/performers in the world. But last night’s Behind The Music highlighted one working relationship Ne-Yo has described as a dream come true. That experience was in spring of 2009 when the king of Pop, Michael Jackson called Ne-Yo with hopes to collaborate with him, Last night’s Behind The Music did a great job in showing how much of an impact MJ had as Ne-Yo as a musician and a music fan. Both Ne-Yo and his mother described how he learned how singers use their vocal ability by listening to MJ’s 1982 Thriller album cut, “The Lady In My Life.” The impact of that song in Ne-Yo’s life came full circle when Ne-Yo gave a fitting performance of that song as a tribute to Michael a week after his tragic death at the 2009 BET Awards . In the clips below you will find Ne-Yo describing what it was like to talk to and work with Michal Jackson about their intended future collaboration. You will then find the video of Ne-Yo’s BET Awards performance of Michael Jackson’s “The Lady In My Life”.
Ne-Yo Talks About Meeting/Working With Michael Jackson
From Behind The Music: Ne-Yo
VH1
Related Media
Michael Jaxkson
“The Lady In My Life”
From Thriller
Epic Records
