Music Maker: Ne-Yo

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No matter if you're into pop, hip-hip or adult contemporary, there is no escaping Ne-Yo!

There are some people (Jay Z and Prince come to mind) that have this musical superpower and can literally whip out a hit single just like that. Snap. Just like that! Ne-Yo's got the magic touch.

He's written songs for vocal powerhouses like Whitney Houston and Celine Dion, penned pop masterpieces for Britney Spears, Corbin Bleu, Enrique Iglesias and one of my favorite dance floor divas, Anastacia.

He's also working with Lindsay Lohan, both writing and producing on her upcoming album Spirit in the Dark.

It is no wonder that the world's biggest and brightest superstars are on a wait list to get in the studio with him. Currently hanging in the waiting room: R&B crooners Craig David and Usher, crossover sensation Chris Brown, Oscar-winner Jennifer Hudson, and the lady of Bleeding Love, Leona Lewis. Good crowd!

Natch, he's scoring hits for his own projects as well. Since his debut in 2006, Ne-Yo's racked up seven top ten songs and two number-one albums. His latest, Year of the Gentleman, dropped in September and was named in honor of his artistic influences - 1960s Rat Pack members Sammy Davis, Jr. and Frank Sinatra.

He says he's trying to take it back to where you couldn't walk out of the house unless you looked your best. The old school masters are suited and everything is right from top to bottom. Not saying it has to be a suit, 'cause clothes don't make the man - it's the attitude and person. The music needs to personify that.

A young, talented and a diverse class act all around, Ne-Yo is What's Hot!

Word. -Wes

Are you an artist, manager, PR person or fashion aficionado with a suggestion for What's Hot? Hit me up! Email me and turn me on to something fresh!