NE-YO MODERN

NE-YO refuses to be another trendy casualty.

Written By Laurence Bass, Creative Director: Kanan Whited, Production Director: JawnAnthony Bramble
Photographer: Daniel D’ottavio, Make-up Artist: Emi Kaneko, Model: Eugena @ Fusion Model Management, Location: Drive 495, NYC

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Opening Photo: suit & shirt by Dionisio Vasco, cashmere cardigan by Eredi Pisanó, tie by Dion, fedora by Jaxon; This Photo: suit by Eredi Pisanó, shirt by Dionisio Vasco, tie by Dion, club by CallawayFashion is seasonal. Today’s runway darling is often eclipsed by the mere thought of next year’s trend.  The life expectancy of a fashion statement is determined by quarterly sales and celebrity endorsements. Style is the complete antithesis of public opinion. The language of self-expression is rebellious by nature and thrives on individualism. Unfortunately, the music industry fears the indefinable. The list of musicians who sacrifice their artistry for the glow of fanfare spans generations. Shaffer Smith refuses to be another causality.

Smith, universally known as singing sensation Ne-Yo, sits behind the soundboard in his Manhattan recording studio. This ambiance differs from the hectic normalcy to which he was become accustomed. Flashing paparazzi, the red carpet and lines of adoring fans waiting for his autograph are all a part of the proverbial game. “I never thought that I would need an escape from the music industry,” says Smith. “This business will make you appreciate silence.” In his words, he only gets three days a year to actually relax. Smith finds refuge in this room.  In no way is this surprising. Music has always been his sanctuary. Coming from the school of balladeers, crooners and soul men, Smith understands the magnitude of song.

A songwriter by trade, Smith’s career started away from the limelight of superstardom. His sensitive brand of soul caught the attention of iconic producer and CEO of Def Jam Records, Antonio “L.A.” Reid. He gave Smith carte blanche to produce, arrange and write his debut album In My Own Words (2006). Bypassing the sophomore jinx, Smith found success again the following year with Because of You. In preparation for his third album, Smith adhered to the fundamentals that propelled him to the top of the charts. Year of the Gentleman is the product.

“They so desperately want me to be this ‘jet-setting’ super celebrity guy and that’s never been me,” says Smith referring to his management. “I could never see me being anything other than who I am. It just makes no sense to me.” Amidst the marketing campaign based on his image, Smith remains true. The arsenal of talent he displays on stage, in the studio and on screen is boundless. “I don’t view my music as just R&B. At the end of the day, I’m trying to be a part of the movement to eradicate all of these different genres of music. This is in the hope that we get two genres. Good Music and Bad Music. Period. When you say R&B, it limits me to a certain group of people. I want to make music for everybody.”