Artist: Ne-Yo

Seeing as he's just gone No.1 in the UK, Archna Sawjani lets Ne-Yo have the Last Word on Lindsey Lohan, Kanye and his boy Jay-Z...

Last time you made a house track?
The reason I made Closer was because I wanted to expand my style and try something new. I travel a lot and whenever I am in the UK, I witness the whole dance music scene. I really wanted to do a house track with a Ne-Yo twist to it. I definitely want to bring it to the US more.

Last time you got bored of R&B?
I’m not necessarily bored with R&B, but I just wanted to step out the box. I've got to mix it up and so that’s why this album The Year Of The Gentleman sounds the way it sounds. It’s going to be a little bit of everything; pop, rock, a little bit of house... it‘s a mixed bag.

Last time you behaved like the perfect gentleman?
It's just the way I am in general. I feel what is to be called a gentleman is a little bit lacking right now; from the way we treat our women; to what it is to be an entertainer. Back in the days of the ‘Rat Pack’, it was cool to be a gentleman; now it's all jeans hanging off their ass, tennis shoes, and baseball caps. I'm trying to bring that smoothness back.

But don't nice guys finish last?
I actually think the essence of a gentleman is to know what it takes to finish first. That’s one of the reasons I wanted to name it Year Of The Gentleman. Don’t underestimate us [laughs].

Last hit track you wrote?
I’ve written for John Legend recently, Usher, Ciara, Pussycat Dolls, Leona Lewis and Lindsay Lohan. I'm also submitting songs for Michael Jackson’s new album. He's being very selective; very picky, but he's supposed to. This is a going to be an important album. It’s still very early days, but I am very excited.

What did you think of the reactions to your last album?
Ummm [pauses] I think that I gave people just enough to know that my new album is coming. I stayed true to my sound cos you don’t create a group of fans and then alienate them. But I want everybody to keep an open mind with this album.

Last time you checked out UK music?
I think Leona Lewis’ voice is incredible. I think that she is an absolute talent and I think she is gorgeous. LA Reid introduced me to Duffy’s record. I really love her voice. I’m a die-hard Amy fan. Self-destructiveness is what makes her real – it makes for great songs.

Last time you read the blogs that hate on you?
Nah, I don’t pay attention to blogs.For anyone who is writing anything negative about me in a blog, keep on going.

Last time you threw a party?
I had one for everyone at Def Jam who got nominated for a Grammy. Jay was there, Prince, Stevie Wonder, Usher, Rihanna and Chris Brown. It was a real incredible night especially as everyone knows Prince is my inspiration. He came up to me and told me he really liked what I was doing. I was speechless.

Lastly, are you happy?
Fame can be lonely. It really can be, but I love what I do and wouldn’t change a thing, so yes I am happy.

Year Of The Gentleman is out 4 August. MySpace.com/neyo

RWD Magazine

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