Born in Camden, Arkansas, Ne-Yo developed a love for music at an early age and began writing songs when he was just a teenager. He moved to Las Vegas in 2000 and began performing at local clubs and talent shows. In 2003, he was signed to the independent record label Def Jam Recordings and released his debut album, "Ne-Yo", the following year.
The album was a huge success and reached number one on the US Billboard 200 chart, selling over 1.5 million copies in the US. The album's lead single, "So Sick", was a massive hit and reached number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, becoming one of the best-selling singles of 2005.
Ne-Yo's success continued with his second album, "In My Own Words", which was released in 2006 and also reached number one on the US Billboard 200 chart. The album featured the hit singles "Sexy Love", "Because of You", and "Do You".
Since then, Ne-Yo has released a total of six studio albums, all of which have reached the top ten of the US Billboard 200 chart. He has also written and produced songs for a number of other artists, including Beyoncé, Rihanna, Usher, and Kanye West.
In addition to his music career, Ne-Yo has also appeared in a number of films and television shows, including "Stomp the Yard", "Battle: Los Angeles", and "The Wiz Live!". He has also served as a judge on the music competition show "World of Dance".
Ne-Yo's success is due to his unique blend of R&B, hip-hop, and pop music, as well as his songwriting skills. He has been praised for his smooth vocals and infectious melodies, and his songs have been covered by artists around the world.