R&B hitmaker Ne-Yo seems more inspired by the polished style of The Rat Pack than his contemporaries, and his album "Year of the Gentleman" speaks to his well groomed sensibilities. Born Shaffer Chimere Smith, he goes by Ne-Yo, named after Keanu Reeves' character in The Matrix. His multi-platinum chart topping debut, In My Own Words, featured hit singles Sexy Love, So Sick, and When You're Mad. Other popular singles include the songs Closer and Because of You. Aside from recording his own smash hits, Ne-Yo has also written songs for Rihanna, Janet Jackson, Mary J. Blige and Celine Dion and notably the record breaking song Irreplaceable for Beyonce.