Ne-Yo Biography: Wife, Age, Children, Net Worth, Parents, Height, Songs, Albums, Movies

Biography

Ne-Yo, born Shaffer Chimere Smith on October 18, 1979, in Camden, Arkansas, is a multi-talented American singer, songwriter, actor, dancer, and record producer.

He rose to fame in the mid-2000s with his debut album In My Own Words (2006), featuring the smash hit So Sick. Renowned for his smooth R&B sound and masterful songwriting, Ne-Yo has crafted chart-topping hits for global superstars, including Irreplaceable for Beyoncé, Unfaithful for Rihanna, and Let Me Love You for Mario.

Throughout his career, he has released several successful albums, such as Because of You (2007) and Libra Scale (2010), securing three Grammy Awards and solidifying his place as a key figure in contemporary R&B.

Beyond music, Ne-Yo has explored acting, appearing in films like Stomp the Yard (2007) and popular TV series such as Empire.

American singer-songwriter
Ne-Yo
Wiki Facts & About Data
Real Name:	Shaffer Chimere Smith
Stage Name:	Ne-Yo
Born:	18 October 1979 (age 45 years old)
Place of Birth:	Camden, Arkansas, United States
Nationality:	American
Education:	Las Vegas Academy
Height:	1.73 m
Parents:	Lorraine Smith, Wiley L. Smith
Siblings:	N/A
Spouse:	Crystal Renay (m. 2016–2023), Javaughn Robinson (m. 2024)
Girlfriend • Partner:	Jessica White (2009 – 2010), Simply Jess, Tennille Jimenez (2009 – 2010), Casha Darjean (2006 – 2007), Karrine Steffans (2006), Phoenix White, Monyetta Shaw (2011 – 2013), Sade Bagnerise,
Children:	Shaffer Chimere Smith Jr., Roman Alexander-Raj Smith, Isabella Rose Smith, Madilyn Grace Smith, Mason Evan Smith, Braiden Smith
Occupation:	Singer • Actor
Net Worth:	$9 million (USD)

Early Life & Education

Ne-Yo, born Shaffer Chimere Smith on October 18, 1979, in Camden, Arkansas, hails from a diverse cultural background. His mother, Lorraine Smith, is African-American, while his father, Wiley L. Smith, has African-American and Chinese heritage.

Although his religious beliefs have not been widely discussed, there is no strong public indication that faith played a major role in his upbringing or career. His stage name, Ne-Yo, was given to him by producer Big D Evans, who likened his musical instincts to Neo’s ability to “see the Matrix” in the iconic sci-fi film.

After his parents’ separation, Ne-Yo was raised primarily by his mother. At a young age, he relocated to Las Vegas, Nevada, a move that exposed him to a thriving entertainment culture.

His parents, who had music backgrounds, further shaped his musical foundation. Though little is known about his father after the separation, Lorraine played a crucial role in nurturing his talents. Details about siblings remain scarce, suggesting that either Ne-Yo was an only child or his family has kept such matters private.

For his education, Ne-Yo attended the prestigious Las Vegas Academy, a magnet high school specializing in the arts. There, he refined his singing, songwriting, and performance skills.

Initially performing under the stage name GoGo, he joined the R&B group Envy, which gained recognition through performances on Showtime at the Apollo and MTV’s The Cut. Although the group disbanded in 2000, the experience proved invaluable, preparing him for a solo career.

Career

Ne-Yo, born Shaffer Chimere Smith, is a multifaceted artist who has made an indelible mark on contemporary R&B as a singer, songwriter, actor, dancer, and record producer.

His musical journey began in Las Vegas, Nevada, where he moved with his mother as a child. As a teenager, he performed under the stage name GoGo in the R&B group Envy, which gained recognition through performances on Showtime at the Apollo and MTV’s The Cut. Though the group disbanded in 2000, this early experience helped shape Ne-Yo’s transition from performer to a sought-after songwriter.

His big break came in 2004 when he wrote Mario’s hit Let Me Love You, which topped the Billboard Hot 100 for nine weeks and earned a Grammy nomination. This success led to a deal with Def Jam Recordings in 2005, marking the beginning of his solo career.

Adopting the name Ne-Yo, inspired by The Matrix, he released his debut album, In My Own Words (2006), which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and featured the chart-topping single So Sick. The album’s success established Ne-Yo as a leading voice in R&B, earning him critical acclaim and platinum status.

Ne-Yo continued his dominance with Because of You (2007), which won a Grammy for Best Contemporary R&B Album, and Year of the Gentleman (2008), featuring the hits Closer, Miss Independent, and Mad. Miss Independent earned him two Grammys, while the album received a nomination for Album of the Year.

His subsequent projects showcased his versatility, from the concept-driven Libra Scale (2010) to the dance-infused R.E.D. (2012) and the introspective Good Man (2018). His latest album, Self Explanatory (2022), continued his legacy with collaborations featuring Yung Bleu and others.

Beyond his solo work, Ne-Yo is a prolific songwriter, penning hits like Rihanna’s Unfaithful and Take a Bow, Beyoncé’s Irreplaceable, and songs for Chris Brown, Jennifer Hudson, and Mary J. Blige. His contributions to music earned him a place in the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2023. As a producer, he co-founded Compound Entertainment and played a key role at Def Jam as an A&R executive.

Ne-Yo has also made a name for himself in acting, with roles in Stomp the Yard (2007), Battle: Los Angeles (2011), and Red Tails (2012). He starred as the Tin Man in The Wiz Live! (2015) and played Sage Odom in Step Up: High Water (2018-2022).

On television, he was a judge on World of Dance (2017-2020) alongside Jennifer Lopez and made guest appearances on CSI: NY and Empire.

With three Grammy Awards, multiple BET, Billboard, and Soul Train Music Awards, and over 20 million albums and 50 million singles sold worldwide, Ne-Yo remains a dominant force in the music industry.

His ability to blend R&B with pop, hip-hop, and dance influences keeps him relevant, while his entrepreneurial efforts—such as co-owning the Compound University music school and serving as Vice President of A&R at Motown Records since 2022—highlight his lasting impact on the industry.

Social Media

• Wikipedia: Ne-Yo
• Facebook: NE-YO
• YouTube: NE-YO
• Twitter: NE-YO (@NeYoCompound) / X
• IMDb: Ne-Yo

Personal Life

Ne-Yo, born Shaffer Chimere Smith on October 18, 1979, in Camden, Arkansas, is 45 years old.

Ne-Yo has been married twice. His first marriage was to model and television personality Crystal Renay Williams. They began dating in 2015, got engaged later that year, and tied the knot on February 20, 2016, in a ceremony near Los Angeles. Together, they had three children: Shaffer Chimere Smith Jr. (born June 15, 2016), Roman Alexander-Raj Smith (born June 14, 2018), and Isabella Rose Smith (born June 25, 2021).

Their relationship faced challenges, leading to a brief separation in 2020 before reconciling. However, in July 2022, Crystal filed for divorce again, citing Ne-Yo’s infidelity, specifically his fathering of a child outside their marriage. Their divorce was finalized in January 2023, with Crystal receiving a $1.6 million lump sum, $12,000 per month in child support, and $5,000 per month in alimony for three years, along with joint custody of their children.

Ne-Yo married Javaughn “Big Daddy Jay” Robinson on December 14, 2024, in an intimate ceremony at Resorts World’s Rose Rooftop in Las Vegas, attended by about 150 guests.

Beyond his children with Crystal, Ne-Yo has four other children from previous relationships: Madilyn Grace Smith (born November 12, 2010) and Mason Evan Smith (born October 9, 2011) from his former engagement to television personality and author Monyetta Shaw.

Ne-Yo and Monyetta were engaged from 2010 to 2013 but never married, ending their relationship amicably. He also has Braiden Smith (born April 24, 2021) with Sade Bagnerise, born during a separation from Crystal, and an unnamed child born in July 2022 with another woman, which played a role in the dissolution of his marriage to Crystal. This brings Ne-Yo’s total number of children to seven as of 2025.

Ne-Yo stands at approximately 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm). His athletic build and dynamic stage presence have contributed to his reputation as a skilled performer, with his dance abilities often showcased in music videos and live performances.

Ne-Yo dated Casha Darjean (2006-2007), Karrine Steffans (2006), and Tennille “Nikki” Jimenez (2009-2010). He was also linked to Phoenix White, though the exact timeline remains unclear, and had a brief encounter with Simply Jess.

Additionally, he was rumored to have been involved with Jessica White from 2009 to 2010. His engagement to Monyetta Shaw (2010-2013) was a significant chapter in his life, marked by the birth of their two children, though they ultimately parted ways.

After his split from Monyetta, Ne-Yo began dating Crystal Renay in 2015, which led to their marriage. Following his divorce from Crystal, he was briefly linked to various individuals before ultimately marrying Javaughn Robinson in 2024.

Ne-Yo, at 45 years old, has been married twice—first to Crystal Renay (2016-2023) and currently to Javaughn Robinson since 2024. He has seven children from multiple relationships and continues to balance his personal life with his thriving career.

Net Worth

Ne-Yo, born Shaffer Chimere Smith, has an estimated net worth of approximately $9 million (USD. His wealth is derived from a multifaceted career as a singer, songwriter, record producer, actor, and dancer.

Ne-Yo’s financial success began with his songwriting, notably penning Mario’s 2004 hit “Let Me Love You,” and continued with his own chart-topping albums like In My Own Words (2006), Because of You (2007), and Year of the Gentleman (2008), which collectively sold millions worldwide.

His songwriting for artists like Rihanna, Beyoncé, and Chris Brown, along with his role as co-founder of Compound Entertainment and Vice President of A&R at Motown Records, have significantly contributed to his earnings.

Additional income stems from acting roles in films like Stomp the Yard (2007) and Red Tails (2012), as well as television appearances, including judging on World of Dance (2017-2020).

Discography

Studio Albums (as a Recording Artist)

1. In My Own Words (2006)
   • Notable singles: “So Sick,” “Sexy Love,” “When You’re Mad”
   • Debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200, certified platinum.
2. Because of You (2007)
   • Notable singles: “Because of You,” “Do You,” “Can We Chill”
   • Grammy win for Best Contemporary R&B Song (“Because of You”).
3. Year of the Gentleman (2008)
   • Notable singles: “Closer,” “Miss Independent,” “Mad”
   • Grammy wins for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance and Best R&B Song (“Miss Independent”).
4. Libra Scale (2010)
   • Notable singles: “Beautiful Monster,” “Champagne Life,” “One in a Million”
   • A concept album inspired by comic books and films.
5. R.E.D. (2012)
   • Notable singles: “Let Me Love You (Until You Learn to Love Yourself),” “Lazy Love”
   • Blends R&B with pop and dance influences.
6. Non-Fiction (2015)
   • Notable singles: “She Knows” (feat. Juicy J), “Time of Our Lives” (with Pitbull)  
   • Features collaborations with various artists.
7. Good Man (2018)
   • Notable singles: “Good Man,” “Push Back” (feat. Bebe Rexha & Stefflon Don)  
   • Returns to his R&B roots.
8. Another Kind of Christmas (2019)
   • Notable singles: “This Christmas,” “Talk About It”
   • A holiday-themed album.
9. Self Explanatory (2022)
   • Notable singles: “Stay Down” (feat. Yung Bleu), “Don’t Love Me”
   • Showcases his continued evolution as an artist.

Notable Singles (Non-Album Releases and Collaborations)

• “Knock You Down” (2009) – Keri Hilson feat. Kanye West & Ne-Yo  
• “Give Me Everything” (2011) – Pitbull feat. Ne-Yo, Afrojack & Nayer  
• “Turn All the Lights On” (2012) – T-Pain feat. Ne-Yo  
• “Play Hard” (2013) – David Guetta feat. Ne-Yo & Akon  
• “Incredible” (2013) – Celine Dion feat. Ne-Yo

Songwriting Credits (Selected Works for Other Artists)

• Mario – “Let Me Love You” (2004)  
• Rihanna – “Unfaithful” (2006), “Take a Bow” (2008), “Russian Roulette” (2009)  
• Beyoncé – “Irreplaceable” (2006)  
• Chris Brown – “With You” (2007)  
• Jennifer Hudson – “Spotlight” (2008)  
• Mary J. Blige – “Take Me as I Am” (2005)  
• Ciara – “Like a Boy” (2007)  
• Leona Lewis – “Better in Time” (2008)  
• Celine Dion – “It’s All Coming Back to Me Now” (2006, co-write)

Filmography

Film (Acting Roles)

• Stomp the Yard (2007) – Rich Brown  
• Save the Last Dance 2 (2006) – Cameo as a street performer  
• Battle: Los Angeles (2011) – Cpl. Kevin Harris  
• Red Tails (2012) – Andrew “Smokey” Salem  
• The Wiz Live! (2015) – Tin Man (TV movie)  
• Girls Trip (2017) – Himself (cameo)  
• Hip Hop Family Christmas (2021) – Jayson Shannon  
• Hip Hop Family Christmas Wedding (2022) – Jayson Shannon

Television (Acting and Appearances)

• CSI: NY (2007) – Guest role as a hitman  
• The Mindy Project (2015) – Guest role as Marcus  
• Empire (2016) – Guest role as himself  
• Step Up: High Water (2018-2022) – Sage Odom (main role, 3 seasons)  
• World of Dance (2017-2020) – Judge alongside Jennifer Lopez and Derek Hough  
• The Masked Singer (2023) – Competitor (won Season 10 as “Cow”)

Production and Other Ventures

• Compound Entertainment – Co-founder and producer, signed artists like RaVaughn and Adrienne Bailon.  
• Motown Records – Vice President of A&R (since 2022), overseeing artist development and releases.  
• Compound University – Co-owner of this music school, focusing on education and talent development.

Awards and Nominations (Selected)

• Grammy Awards: 3 wins from 15 nominations
  • Best Contemporary R&B Song (“Because of You,” 2008)  
  • Best Male R&B Vocal Performance (“Miss Independent,” 2009)  
  • Best R&B Song (“Miss Independent,” 2009)
• BET Awards: Multiple wins, including Best Male R&B/Pop Artist  
• Billboard Music Awards: Recognized for chart performance  
• Soul Train Music Awards: Multiple wins for songwriting and performance  
• Songwriters Hall of Fame: Inducted in 2023 for his songwriting contributions

Early Career (Pre-Solo Work)

• Envy (late 1990s-2000) – Member of this R&B group under the stage name “GoGo,” performed on Showtime at the Apollo and MTV’s The Cut before disbanding.

Notes

• Ne-Yo’s discography includes over 20 million albums and 50 million singles sold worldwide by 2023, reflecting his commercial success.  
• His songwriting has been a significant part of his career, often overshadowing his own performances in terms of industry impact.  
• His acting roles showcase his versatility, with a focus on music-related or dramatic characters.  
• Collaborations with artists across genres (pop, hip-hop, R&B) highlight his adaptability and broad appeal.