Earlier this month, Ne-Yo released his new single and title track off his forthcoming album ‘Good Man.’
On Friday, the R&B crooner paid a visit to Hot 97 for an interview with Nessa. The conversation started with Ne-Yo making a clarification over the rumors that he “made” his ex Monyetta Shaw have her tubes tied after she gave birth to their second child.
Shaffer explained that they had previously discussed the possibility and made the decision together in the hospital after their son was born, because they believed that 2 kids–a girl and a boy–was perfect for them. He also cleared up the rumor that his current wife Crystal Renay was the reason he split from Shaw. However, according to Smith they met a year after he and Monyetta had split.
Moving into his music, Ne-Yo talked about the differences in his writing process for artists like Rihanna and Mary J. Blige. Both of which he loves for different reasons. He spoke about comparisons between other male R&B artists and why he doesn’t feel competition from the other stars. Additionally, he shared his love for Jennifer Lopez, who he works with on the hit show “World of Dance,” explaining that J-Lo is so down to earth and humble.
As previously announced on Beats 1, Ne-Yo confirmed the featured guests on the Good Man album, which includes PARTYNEXTDOOR, Eric Bellinger, Ty Dolla $ign, 2 Chainz, Stefflon Don, Bebe Rexha and Romeo Santos. Regarding R&B music right now, he had some high praise to give to some of the rising stars like SZA, Daniel Caesar, Sabrina Claudio and Kehlani.
“There’s a huge surge of really good R&B that’s bubbling under that’s coming to the top,” says Ne-Yo. “Emotional connection, it was missing, so that’s my slot,” he added in regards to his new music and where he attempted to go with the new album. “A lot of the songs on this album were inspired by my wife, and the journey of becoming a good man.”
Check out the full interview below.
