Keeping himself busy with co-writing on a wide variety of successful records, touring with Alicia Keys, and placing the finishing touches on his highly anticipated third album, Ne-Yo spoke with Billboard and gave his input on various upcoming projects and experiences he’s had.
Despite working with popular and well-respected female artists like Mary J Blige and Rihanna, the hit maker confessed about being shocked when he found out a record he put together would go to Lindsay Lohan.
“I gotta admit, [Stargate and myself] were like—Lindsay Lohan? I mean, I’ve written for Beyonce, Mary J Blige, Rihanna, Celine Dion and [now] Lindsay Lohan,” he jokingly told Billboard. “We gave her a quality record and she did a ridiculously fabulous job. I was so shocked I had to call her and apologize for what I was thinking—the world is gonna be surprised,” Ne-Yo promised.
Shifting gears and placing attention on his record he wrote for Jennifer Hudson, “Spotlight,” the R&B star admitted to the hardship she has had to go through due to such powerful vocals.
AD LOADING...
“They were really trying to figure out where to take her. The main issue with Jennifer Hudson is her voice is so huge, so how do you take that and radio-ize it, make it radio-friendly,” he said. “[‘Spotlight’] is kind of a classy mid-tempo, and I hope and pray it does well ‘cause Jennifer is an amazing talent,” he added.
Speaking on a couple of other people who have received recent success with their records, Ne-Yo gave a brief narration of why British R&B sensation Leona Lewis’ looks match her talent and what it was like to co-write “His Mistakes” on Usher’s new album.
“Her voice is incredible. She’s beautiful. She kinda has all the ingredients to be a major star,” Ne-Yo said referring to Lewis. Explaining the process for working with Usher, Ne-Yo “actually got to sit down with Usher and talk to him and see where his head is at now so I could write the right record.”
Looking to finish up the Alicia Keys tour on June 18th in New York, Ne-Yo also has plans of having a few select records appear on the upcoming Michael Jackson album and promoting his third Def Jam release, Year of the Gentleman currently set for August 15th.
AD LOADING...
Reported by Cyrus Langhorne.
