@Smartee...

Usher's lyrics on Here I Stand were some of the most mature lyrics he's ever recordedn, and likewise on this new album the songs which weren't released such as Mars vs Venus & Monstar both produced by Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis were good lyrics. We do not know how much (or little) Usher contributes to the writing of his lyrics because he does not talk about it. But I don't think that's means to assume he doesn't write anything at all, as his name is listed in the credits -- sometimes at the beginning, and other times at the end. The industry is full of ghost writers and even artists that you assume write all of their own shit -- ie Alicia Keys -- have ghost writers and pay to have their name on the byline so who really knows who writes what. Anyway, as far as Ne-Yo, I liked his first album In My Own Words, but I don't see where his lyrics are anything to get up off of my chair about. Like most contemporary R&B artists, Ne-Yo included, the themes and writing are very cyclic and regurgitate the same scenarios without any poetic verse. Not since the MoTown era with the likes of Stevie Wonder or even the New Jack Swing era with Tony Toni Toné has there been anything revolutionary with modern R&B singers. As for Beyoncé and Usher, you sound ignorant assuming that their previous music was "ghetto R&B". What exactly constitutes as "ghetto R&B"? The same music Ne-Yo did on his first two albums? 'U Remind Me' had no "ghetto" elements to it, which I'm assuming you mean to say more hip hop influenced and neither did 'Me, Myself & I' as far as Beyoncé is concerned. In fact, Usher's music was always heavy R&B with the likes of Babyface & Donell Jones producing a lot of his work UNTIL every one went batshit over 'Yeah'. Anyway, as for selling out... please tell me the last "R&B" song which was "classy" to go to #1 or even enter the top ten of Billboard. No one is selling out, R&B is not in high demand as it was years ago and this is why our stars are moving with the times. You have to move with trends to stay relevant, and the artist who does not evolve or change fails. Simple as that. They are mainstream artists; if you'd like to listen to 'classy R&B' please find the oldies station and or go support Amel Larrieux, Goapele, Brittany Bosco, Janelle Monaé, Noel Gourdin, Dwele and the rest of the neo-soul artists whose pens are way better than Ne-Yo's and cover not only things pertaining to relationships, but love of self, socially aware songs, and then some. Above all else remember, the entertainment industry is a BUSINESS, and they are in it to make money. They are no more 'selling out' now than when they signed their contracts at the beginning of their careers.