Shaffer Chimere Smith, that’s what it says on his birth certificate. He is already a master of his universe… Professionally known as ‘Ne-Yo’, African American-Chinese by heritage. Ne-Yo has improved on his first album, “In My Own Words” by evading the common slump that has hit so many artists in this genre. Being able to work with such industry icons as Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, Usher, and Enrique Iglesias, all of which have given Ne-Yo credit for writing at least one song within their well-known and lucrative careers, only exemplifies an already established resume.

"Because of You” is the official first mega-hit of the summer. Or at least should be. Its upbeat modern funk tempo, beautifully easy on the ear and love-sick (in a good way) singing makes “Because of You” the perfect lead single off of an album hugely anticipated.

“Sex with My Ex” gives love ballads an edge. The constant moans filling in the background can make any room ten degrees hotter than it was before the song came on. On Because Of You, two absolute giants, Jay-Z and Jennifer Hudson, join Ne-Yo in his mission for R&B perfection. Hova’s verse on “Crazy” sprinkles this must-be single with lines about breaking the Da Vinci Code and pulling words out of the air like Bluetooth. Mr. Carter’s 30-second cameo alone makes this album a must have for anyone who has ever as much as thought about hip-hop or R&B.

Then on “Leaving Tonight” Hudson proves all American Idol lovers wrong by consistently rising throughout the song until her talent and vocal prowess boil over to make an awfully huge, yet so-sweet blend. Their chemistry throughout the entire track becomes so passionate that one would have to suggest an impending engagement.

The content of the album ticks all the ingredients of this genre: loving, leaving and lusting are all the subjects of choice. Because Of You is a solid album for Shaffer Smith, no doubt about it. However, there are two or three tracks of "different" sounds that he teases us with on the album that don’t satisfy as much. But obviously understanding the music industry for what it is, Ne-Yo knows that jumping out the box, you put yourself in the first time around, might not be what the masses are looking for. If the talent bar for up-and-comers is set impossibly high in the coming years, chances are it will be all because of him.