Ne-Yo may be putting the finishing touches on his eighth studio album, the March-due ‘Self Explanatory,’ but ahead of its release longtime fans of the singer-songwriter can expect to hear his unmistakable voice aboard another highly anticipated R&B project: Aaliyah‘s first posthumous studio album.
Titled ‘Unstoppable,’ the LP – due on digital shelves later this month – features a studded list of guest stars including Ne-Yo (born Shaffer Smith) as well as Drake, The Weeknd, Chris Brown, Future, and more.
Taking to press recently, Smith gushed when quizzed about his contribution to the long-awaited effort. Look inside to see what he said.
While hot on the promo trail for his role as host of the recently-aired 2022 Urban One Honors, Ne-Yo talked about working on Aaliyah’s new album.
“I know that it’s an honor for my voice to be next to hers on a record,” he said. “That feels good, and I anticipate the album being really, really good. I’ve heard some of the names that are attached to it. I feel like it should be really, really good [and] another way for us to honor her way, way too early passing.”
Though fans have already gotten a taste of its content via its Weeknd-assisted lead single ‘Poison’ (as reported here), Smith was sure not to give too many details, however.
“I can say that the album itself has been in the works for a long time because I remember recording the song that’s gonna be on the album. And it wasn’t last week, it wasn’t last year, it was a little while back when we recorded the record,” he revealed. “And I don’t know what red tape [they] ran into, whatever the case may be, but I know that it was like, alright full throttle, and they pulled back for a long time and then all of a sudden, ‘Hey, the album’s coming out.’ So I don’t know much about the ins and outs.”
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His dish on Aaliyah news came shortly before he spoke exclusively with That Grape Juice about his new album, ‘Self Explanatory.’
Press PLAY on the video below to hear what he told us.
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I never heard him mention Aaliyah’s name until now..never saw him post a pic of her before on any of his pages or anything…ugh I hate how everyone is just using her..it’s sick af. I will not be getting this album and I hate myself for it but I just can’t support it
This album features all men. Specifically ones who degrade, belittle, cheat or abuse women. Not a good luck at all, especially since the information that came out during the R.Kelly trial and how she was groomed and manipulated.
She never featured women on her personal albums anyway except Missy on backing vocals. Aaliayh’s sound worked so well because of the angelic sultry vocals, next to edgy beats and masculine energy. It’s ok for the contrast which she personally chose. The only women she ever mentioned wanting to work with was Sade and Janet. Not these non singing no talents you all praise today. She liked men, get over it.
It’s the men who are on it. Not the fact that there is men
Comprehensive learning is lacking for you fundamentally
Not at all. Your statement was “This album features all men”. My point remains on that fact, regardless of the type of men who are on the project. That said, I don’t like the features. But your comment was to insinuate like the rest of the “conversation” that men should not be featured at all. If you have changed your mind though that’s cool.
Nothing lacking over here blow hole lol.
I honestly wished we had got that 40 and Drake album. Enough Said including Talk Is Cheap we’re so good. Even without Drake I would’ve loved hearing Aaliyah’s vocals on his production. Smh but either someday or in another lifetime but so far I’m not sure about this album especially the title like Barry wtf Aaliyah would never approve of such a basic ass title compared to her 3. The Poison song wasn’t it at all and hell The Weeknd himself didn’t even promote the single
We should have! You can thank the internet for that one being shelved. I’m over it
CLEAR UP HER DAMN VOCALS BLACKGROUND. THIS IS YOUR FINAL WARNING. 🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬