By Karu F. Daniels, AOL Black Voices
Not only does Ne-Yo know how to wow the crowd at some of the world's biggest arenas, he's also a charm to talk to behind-the-scenes.
This was quite evident when the hit-making singer and songwriter (of Beyonce's chart-topping single 'Irreplaceable') appeared as main-stage performer last night during the 2007 Essence Music Festival.
While he proved to be a force to be reckoned with onstage (sanwiched between Destiny's Child diva Kelly Rowland and Queen of Hip-Hop Soul Mary J. Blige), it was backstage at the Louisiana Superdome that I got a true essence and a very endearing glimpse of the luscious-lipped multi-platinum-selling Def Jam crooner.
Ne-Yo, legally known as Shaffer Chimere Smith, handled media chores like an old pro; revealing little known details of upcoming music projects with Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Celine Dion, Blige and Usher. He also talked about his philanthropic efforts to build an entrepreneurial-based group home for wayward youth, and talked about how his "association" with best-selling author and former video vixen Karrine Steffans helped silence gay rumors.
Check out an exclusive clip of Ne-Yo -- in his own words -- below...
--Check out our Essence Music Festival Gallery below...
Comments: (3)
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By: Ron on 7/10/2007 5:41AM
Being in a "relationship" with "Supahead" doesn't mean he's not gay. And I don't know if it's me...but every interview I've seen him in he seems "passively" conceited...anyone else know what I mean? Like that arrogant "air?"
Ne-Yo is a very accomplished artist, but he has to remember: There was a time not long ago where nobody knew he was alive. *Note to Ne-Yo* The SECOND BOOK IS ABOUT WHO IS GAY AND HAS AIDS, SO IF STEFFANS MENTIONS YOU IN THAT BOOK...UM...LOL IT'S NOT...NOT...NOT...A COMPLIMENT.
Rule #1
NEVER stop being humble.
Peace,
The Next #1 Musician
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By: Anita on 7/10/2007 6:06PM
I like the man that Ne-Yo is. The confidencece he shows the world is why we like him. If you don't like that it, it shows us a little about the person 'you' are. I believe you have to be confident in the things you do, or why do it.
Ne-Yo you go boy! And don't let anyone tell you you're not the 'man'! You're all man to me and all my friends.
And we are women, not little girls.
Anita
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By: Miss Cece on 8/02/2007 11:40PM
I hope Neyo is really and truely honest with himself
about His sexuality. I know that he has to project a
certain Image, to remain in the mainstream. I also hope
that he is conscience of decisions he makes with his
partners. And most of all I hope that he uses good
judgement when engaging in sex whether it be Male or
Female.
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