Ne-Yo is an American singer, songwriter, and producer.[1] While a teenager, he wrote songs for other artists, such as Youngstown and Mario, for whom he wrote "Let Me Love You". The song became "one of the most-played songs on urban radio stations across the U.S".[2] Ne-Yo has released four studio albums: In My Own Words (2006), Because of You (2007), Year of the Gentleman (2008), and Libra Scale (2010). His debut album, In My Own Words, was released in early 2006 through Def Jam Recordings and debuted at number one on Billboard 200. More than 301,000 copies were sold in the first week, and the album was certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America after more than two million copies were sold in the United States and four million worldwide.[3] His second album, Because of You, was released in May 2007, and its first single was "Because of You".
Recently, Ne-Yo was honored with four awards at the 2009 ASCAP "Rhythm & Soul Awards". Ne-Yo took home awards for "Closer", "Take a Bow", "Miss Independent", and "Bust It Baby II".[4]
The Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Awards is sponsored by Billboard magazine, and is one of several United States music awards shows (among the others are the Grammy Awards and the American Music Awards).[5]
The Soul Train Music Awards is an annual awards show that honors black musicians and entertainers. Ne-Yo has received two awards from the five nominations.[5]