Known as much for his Midas touch as a songwriter/producer for other artists as the success of his own material, Ne-Yo has been a main fixture on the radio waves for more than a decade. Born Shaffer Chimere Smith in Las Vegas, the 31-year-old first proved himself as a go-to songwriter when he penned “Let Me Love You” for Mario. All he’s done since that 2004 smash is release five studio albums, and produce songs for the likes Rihanna, Whitney Houston, Mario Vasquez and Beyonce. And somehow, Ne-Yo found time to record a new album, Non Fiction, slated for release next month, which already spawned a top-5 single in “Money Can’t Buy” featuring Young Jeezy. As he settles into his second decade as a musical renaissance man, Ne-Yo has established himself as one of the most consistent hit-makers in music today.
Tue., Oct. 14, 7 p.m., 2014
Daniel Kohn is a writer based in Southern California. With bylines in an assortment of outlets, Kohn primarily specializes in music with other interests ranging from sports to food. As a transplant, Kohn loves the beautiful weather and is glad he no longer has to deal with brutal winters. If you see him, say hi and of course, he’s always willing to down a beer or two…if you’re paying.