I’m sure you’re all familiar with the scuffle he was involved in December with Jim Jones and Young Vaughn and the infamous “joke” about seeing Jeezy naked, if not, scroll over here…and here to get better acquainted.

Through all the ish thrown Neyo’s way, I have to give it to him, he definitely holds his composure through all the BS. Now if it were me, well let’s just hope people don’t get that bored to the where they start making ish up about me. Scroll down for the interview with Neyo and Big Boi. ENJOY!

Sincerely

Low “Tip of my hat to the big homey, Neyo” Key

Ne-yo visits Big Boy’s Neighborhood (talks about Gay Rumors and Louis Vuitton) from qdeezy on Vimeo.

Anyway, if you frequent these parts, then you’re pretty familiar with my magazine game; I GETZ THEM EARLY, LOL! This time, I didn’t hit my secret newsstand, I actually swiped it from an associate at an event several days ago. Since this issue doesn’t hit stores until February 17, I think I’m WAAAY ahead of the game with this issue. Others may have it (VIBE employees), but like always, your exclusive preview is available here……..FIRST!

Looks like VIBE is on that fresh sh*t because all the contents in this issue are geared towards the fresh and the FRESH ONLY. The Evolution of Andre Benjamin: FRESH! The White Tee: ReFRESHing! The Tattoo: SEXY FRESH! Terrence Dean breaks down The J-Sette (the dance routine seen in Beyonce’s, “Single Ladies” visual), while Memsor Kamarake rebirths and re-styles “The Black Model”.

Of course, an issue on Style wouldn’t be complete without the 31 Most Stylish individuals in the game. And since I’m not THAT much into the style realm, I’m not sure how valid these rankings are. Now I could sit here and reveal the entire list, but that would probably piss off B.W., D.Smith and the homey J.Cummings, so I’ll just list a couple names sans their rankings. Also, this list isn’t in any particular order, I’m just randomly naming the participants involved; Troy Polamalu (Pittsburgh Steelers), Kanye West, Alain “A-Trak” Macklovitch, Yung Dro, Vashti Kola (IM GOING TO MARRY HER), Wale, Solange, Lil Wayne, Rihanna, Travis McCoy, Keri Hilson, Estelle, Neyo, MIA, and many more!

Oh, and I can’t forget the cover girl herself, Keyshia Cole. This isn’t one those interviews (where’s your life at now, how is Young Jeezy doing, is your show scripted), this is a FRESH interview. Keyshia discusses the evolution of her style, the influences that make up her style and where she’s headed (style wise). Check out what she had to say……

Keyshia Cole on developing into the person she is now….

“I used to be real passive, no matter what it was–my performing, everyday living, a man, family. Now, it’s like I’ve got to put my foot down. I’ve come too far to keep accepting a lot of anything. I’m comfortable with myself.”

Keyshia Cole on her mother influencing her style…..

“Not necessarily, because my mom…..it depends. [My adoptive mother]Yvonne Cole, definitely. Definitely more than my biological mother because while I was around my mother my entire life, she was really gone. I’d see her, I would find her and in the next 10 minutes she would be gone. She was constantly moving. But Yvonne taught me everything about being a woman that I need to know. Everything. Don’t go to church without a slip. All of that.”

Think you feel fresh now, wait until you devour the entire issue. Once again, VIBE Magazine proves why they’re always one step ahead. (WHAD UP DANNY?).

Sincerely

Low “I’m So Dope Boy Fresh…I Think” Key  

As we all know, Neyo pens material for not only male artists, but female artists as well. Over the past 12 months a bevy of tracks have surfaced from the singer; some of which have been deemed as demo’s for certain female artists.

Unfortunately, it’s slipped the minds of many because “gay” rumors began to swirl. In addition to that, Neyo later found himself in a pot of hot water due to some disparaging comments about a certain skin color and a story about him “peeking” into Young Jeezy’s apartment (comedy). Well, it seems like Neyo’s about fed up with the chit chat and has taken it upon himself to address the riff raff. Check out what he had to say below….

“One rule of being a gentleman is to keep your cool and composure at all cost, but right about now I gotta loosen up this tie and take off this expensive suit jacket and talk to the people for a minute. The haters especially.

Pardon my french, but what the fuck is wrong with y’all!?! Are you so desperate for an R&B bad guy that you gotta find a way to create one in me??

Okay, the comment about light skinned babies…….an obvious joke, maybe not a good joke, but clearly a joke. Y’all REALLY took that serious!?!

I understand that a hater’s job is to hate, clearly. But it’s when people start feeding in to what a hater is saying that something must be addressed.

The whole gay thing. For goodness sake it’s been 4 years!!!! Y’all still on that huh?

The whole “boys” song, and the song “go over there”. See this is what happens when people steal. These songs were clearly written for women.

Had you been patient, you would have heard them the way they were supposed to be heard, with the voice of the intended artist on em’. But noooo, someone gets a hold of these demos and suddenly everybody forgets that I write songs for women. Riiight.

I tell People Magazine that Young Jeezy’s crib is right next to mine and that once I saw him in there from across the way. I then make a JOKE about him maybe not wanting to walk around naked in his crib with the shades up because the buildings are THAT close to each other, and that AIN’T something I care to see. Suddenly, everybody thinks I said I saw Young Jeezy in his crib naked when, NEVER ONCE did I say anything like that.

I mean come on people. Is this really what you’re gonna spend time on??

Will you not be satisfied until I truly become this asshole you so desperately want me to look like?? Here’s my stand on the whole thing: I’m NOT gay, I’m NOT prejudice to anyone, I DID NOT get stomped out by Jim Jones or anyone else, I’m NOT engaged, I’M NOT STUPID.

And to anyone that INSISTS on thinking that any of these things are true……FUCK YOU. To the haters….find some new material please!!! It’s 2009, our president is black!!! Time for change. To everyone else……I love you to death, thanx for all your support. WE PLATINUM ROUND HERE!!!!!

Much love, and see you at the Grammy’s. Check the suit…..it’s going to be TROUBLE!!!”

So, is Neyo overreacting to the haters or did he service them jussssssssssst right????

Sincerely

Low “GET EM NEYO” Key  

Lists’ like these are always difficult to construct. On one hand, you’re attempting to remember every song that was forced down your throat and actually considered “hot”. But then, on the other hand, I’m trying to keep in mind that just because I liked that song, doesn’t mean the entire universe had to fall in line with my opinion.

Either or, these songs held a significant amount of weight in 2008. Whether it was the impromptu love for the hook, the infectious beat or the illegitimate lyrics that made not 1/3 bit of sense, but you just HAD to recite them, these songs will be known as 2008’s Top Tunes. Oh, and if I’m missing any, don’t be shy…go head and add them in the comments section. ENJOY

10. T-Pain ft. Lil Wayne- Can’t Believe It

This track not only forged a BFF alliance between the two, but it EASILY took over radio DIRECTLY after its release. Soon after, the dread headed twins conceived “Got Money” and their highly anticipated joint Lp, He Raps, He Sings. I can’t believe it….no seriously…I CAN’T!

9. T.I.- Whatever You Like (Produced By Jim Jonsin)

“Whatever You Like” did some extraordinary damage on the Billboard charts thanks to a little help from “Lollipop” producer, Jim Jonsin. And thanks to T.I., every tender roni I encounter thinks she can have whatever she likes. Sorry ladies, keep that sentiment to yourself.

8. MIA- Paper Planes (Produced By M.I.A., Diplo and Stitch)

Though 2007 marked it’s official crash landing on earth and February 12 marked its official US iTunes release, “Paper Planes” didn’t gain official commercial and U.S. acceptance until it’s appearance in the movie trailer for “Pineapple Express” back in June. Shortly after, pretty much EVERY rapper and their sidekicks tried their hand at remixing the catchy tune. Oh, did I mention it snatched a Grammy nod for Record of the Year?

7. Alicia Keys- Superwoman (Produced By Alicia Keys)

A song dedicated to EVERY strong female in the world? Hell yeah it’s on here as well the list of nominees for the 51st Annual Grammy Awards (Best Female R&B Vocal Performance). I bet you Barack hears this song every time he glances at Michelle…

6. Neyo- Miss Independent (Produced By Stargate)

Neyo gained so many brownie points from the females because of the songs context and he ALSO gained an EXTREME amount of cool points from the fellas because of the bulky amount of eye candy trotting through the visual. It also didn’t hurt that he invited Jamie Foxx and Fabolous along for the remix. Only sad thing about this is every female with a debit card thinks she can claim independence….it’s ok to ask for help babygirl, we got you.

5. T.I. ft. Kanye West, Jay-Z & Lil Wayne- Swagger Like Us (Produced By Kanye West)

Only reason why this isn’t further down on the list is because A.) It was a late bloomer and B.) It wasn’t officially pegged as a single from T.I.’s project but played through every club, radio and ipod speaker on God’s green earth. Sidebar: Since “Swagger” is a word I sincerely hate right now, A HUGE thank you is in order for Kanye West and MIA.

4. Usher ft. Young Jeezy- Love In This Club (Produced By Polow Da Don)

First time I heard this lil ditty, I was hooked. I even thought Usher was heading in the direction of Confessions, but of course, I was let down to 8th degree. Regardless, Jeezy came correct, Polow did his thing, and Keri Hilson will FOREVER be my mistress of choice…sorry future Mrs. LowKey!

3. Beyonce- Single Ladies (Produced By Tricky Stewart)

It’s an amazing sight to witness when you’re standing by the bar, the first 12 seconds of this record comes on and you see EVERY female (Bartenders, waitresses, female janitors and female security guards included) go APE sh*t, gyrating in every way possible known to mankind. True story, I once saw a married woman secretly take off her wedding ring for 3:13 JUST to call herself a single lady and then put it back on as if the song never existed. DAMN YOU, BEYONCE

2 . Young Jeezy ft. Kanye West- Put On (Produced By Drumma Boy)

Everyone…and I mean EVERYONE (yup, even her) thought they were from Atlanta when Jeezy unleashed this massive hit to the public. It gave you the sense of urgency to rep WHEREVER you were from (yup, even her again) whenever this song tickled your ear drum. This was also the first time we heard Kanye exercise his right on T-Pain’s golden apparatus. I PUTTTTTTTT ONNNNNNNNNNN!

1. Lil Wayne- A Milli (Produced By Bangladesh)

1. Lil Wayne- Lollipop (Produced By Jim Jonsin)

Really…..do I NEED to explain myself on either of these?????

Sincerely

Low “At least ONE of these songs gets some kind of burn in my day to day operations” Key

Sharing the same sentiment, Jermaine Dupri, one of the masterminds behind Usher’s epic Confessions Lp, is gearing up to work with the R&B titan starting January 16. JD made the announcement during his latest “Living The Life” YouTube webisode. Dupri said while sipping on a glass of red wine, “I’m starting on Usher’s album January 16, so episodes of “Living The Life” starting on January 16 will be about Usher’s album; how it’s taking place and what’s going on with it.”

Could this possibly mean Usher’s presence will be once again felt significantly in the R&B realm? In addition to JD assisting with Usher’s return, our modern day BabyFace, Neyo, will also lending a helping hand on Usher’s sixth album. Back in November, Neyo was the first artist to publicly reveal his true feelings about Here I Stand (slide over here to read). What would really be amazing if JD added Neyo to his Dream Team of writers and producers ( Johnta Austin, Brian M. Cox) to help Usher get back on top.

Can JD, Usher and Neyo create the ultimate project??? What are your thoughts????

Sincerely

Low “Neyo, JD and Usher???? Hmm, that’ll be interesting” Key

In the case of me having to actually pick between the two; I probably would pick Neyo…only because his first album was during my last relationship and it basically told the entire story of how it played out. Just had to let you guys know lol…

The only difference, statistically, between the two is Neyo’s album count is already at three, so experience already ways heavy on the side of the Arkansas native (yes, Neyo is originally from Arkansas). In the past 2 years, both Neyo and The Dream have massacred writing pads with their unique penmanship showing no mercy for each other or the competition.

Neyo’s infectious material has channeled more so the opposite sex’s perspective more than the male’s, at times. Beyonce’s, “Irreplaceable” became a massive female anthem signaling every dishonest man to the left. And let’s not forget his breakout hit, “Let Me Love You” crooned by Mario back in 2004.

But on the other side of town The Dream, who began his writing tenure in 2003 after penning “Everything” for B2K, has also kept dance floors packed and radio airwaves filled via Rihanna (“Umbrella”), J. Holiday (“Bed”), Mariah Carey (“Touch My Body”), Mary J. Blige (“Just Fine”) and more recently, Beyonce (“Single Ladies”).

 Both are capable of writing hits for themselves and others, but it’s something distinctively unique about the both of them. Neyo’s material is more relationship driven; the heartaches and pains deriving from that particular situation. While The Dream, who can also channel the relationship commentary, has a bit more fun laminating the raunchy side of things (See Usher’s, “Trading Places”, lol). But hey, those are just my observations.

Time for the debate: Who Is A Better Songwriter; Neyo or The Dream?????? Having a hard time deciding? No worries, I’ve listed a throng of joints both artists have written in the last 3 years. ENJOY!

Songs written by Neyo

Mario- Let Me Love You (Turning Point, 2004)

Rihanna- Unfaithful (A Girl Like Me, 2005)

Neyo- So Sick, Stay, When You’re Mad (In My Own Words, 2006)

Beyonce- Irreplaceable (B’Day, 2006)

Rihanna- Hate That I Love You (Good Girl Gone Bad, 2007)

Neyo- Because of You, Can We Chill, Addicting, Go On Girl (Because of You, 2007)

Mary J. Blige- Work In Progress (Growing Pains, 2007)

Leona Lewis- I’m You (Spirit, 2007)

Usher- His Mistakes  (Here I Stand, 2008)

Rihanna- Take A Bow (Good Girl Gone Bad: Reloaded, 2008)

Neyo- Fade Into The Background (Year of the Gentlemen, 2008)

Jennifer Hudson- Spotlight (Jennifer Hudson, 2008)

Ciara- Supernatrual (Fantasy Ride, 2008)

Janet Jackson- This Can’t Be Good (Discipline, 2008)

Songs written by The Dream

Britney Spears- Me Against The Music (In The Zone, 2003)

Chris Brown ft. Lil Wayne- Gimmie What You Got (Exclusive, 2007)

Ciara ft. Ludacris- High Price (Fantasy Ride, 2008)

J. Holiday- Bed (Back Of My Lac, 2007)

Janet Jackson- Greatest X (Discipline, 2008)

Karina Pasian- 16 @ War (First Love, 2008)

Raheem DeVaughn- Customer (Love Behind The Melody, 2008)

Mariah Carey- Touch My Body (The Emancipation Of Mimi, 2008)

Mary J. Blige- Just Fine (Growing Pains, 2008)

Beyonce- Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It) (I Am……Sasha Fierce, 2008)

Nivea ft. Lil Jon- Okay (Complicated, 2005)

Rihanna ft. Jay-Z- Umbrella (Good Girl Gone Bad, 2007)

Usher- Trading Places (Here I Stand, 2008)

The Dream- Living A Lie, Nikki, Playin In Her Air, Falsetto (LoveHate, 2007)

Come on….make the decision; Neyo or The Dream??????? 

Sincerely

Low “I’m Soooooo Sickkkk of love songs” Key 

No he’s not working a new project, no he’s not re-releasing The Year of the Gentlemen and no he’s not issuing a remix project…Neyo jus has alot of damn music in the stash. I could break out a couple more joints that I have in the chamber, but this one, for some reason, caught my attention so I decided to share it with you guys.

Though it sort of sounds like a mini duplication of “Miss Independent” (the beat, not the content), it’s still distinctive. I don’t know about you guys (and I mean that literally) , but have you ever been in the club scoping out the PYT’s and this one particular honey dip caught your attention but she was occupied by some other dude (happen to me last week, lol.

Anyway, the good folks at B.E.T. You Haven’t Heard This are taking care of all your exclusive needs and trus me, I’m not done!

Neyo- She Want Me | Produced By Stargate|

Like it, Love it or Leave it?????

Sincerely

Low “Keep em coming, Neyo” Key

Usher already making a return???? Yes He Is…….

I’m assuming Mr. Raymond has officially received the memo that Here I Stand just wasn’t the Usher we were all used to. Not to say HIS was a flop(creatively it wasn’t, number wise it might have been), but Confessions made HIS look like an under produced mixtape, to say the least.

Not only that, but it seems like with this new tour he’s embarking on, he’s attemtpting to regain the ambiance that made every female fall in love with him in the first place. It’s not that we find his marriage life boring, but if we wanted to hear about marital bliss…..matter fact, yes we do, we find it insanely boring (sorry, dude).

With a new project hitting retail at the top of ‘09, Usher might be able to reclaim that top R&B slot since it’s pretty vacant right now. And to top it off, he’s snatching R&B’s other top gunner, Neyo, to “potentially” construct the new set. “Neyo is actually potentially gonna be a part of this project,” he revealed. “On the last one we didn’t work together until the very end — hopefully we are gonna try and get together early”, Usher revealed to MTV.com

Neyo, who was probably the only one too keep it funky about how much HIS tanked, had this to say about the married singer and his new project, “Well, I was one of the first people to tell Usher, personally, that I didn’t think he was focused on the album … on Here I Stand,” Ne-Yo explained. “I don’t think his focus was in the right place. And I’m a dude, and that’s my personal opinion and I’m entitled to it, and he respected that I kept it real with him about that. I think that this time around … It’s not so much that I think Here I Stand was a bad record, it just wasn’t the Usher that we remembered. I mean, that joint [Confessions] right there went 10-15 million worldwide, so it was going to be difficult to come back from that anyway. So I just think he’s gotta get back to what he knows, which is to get out there and make ‘em dance — entertain them at the end of the day. 

Is it toooo late for Usher to regain that “SEXY TIME” momentum or is R&B so boring, the consumer has no choice??? Who knows, but what I can proivde you with is a new Usher track rumored to be produced by T-Pain and his interview with Angie Martinez on Hot 97 where he addresses the provocative “Trading Places” clip, his wife’s reactions and his rapidly growing family.

Usher- At The Time |Produced By T-Pain|

Usher chops it up with Angie Martinez on HOT 97

Sincerely

Low “Let em have it this time around, Usher” Key

First things first, congrats to Barack Obama…HE PULLED OFF AN UNBELIEVABLE feat last night and I can do nothing but salute that man. Since we were wrapped up in politics head to toe last night, I missed the opportunity to post Jada’s new video, “By My Side” featuring Neyo. Though it’s the usual guy courting girl music video (Guy sees girl, guy likes girl, guy sees girl in club, guy goes home with girl in fancy car), it’s good to see that Jada’s finally getting that mainstream attention again. I mean hell, the song is hot, so why not?

“By My Side” featuring label mate, Neyo, is the first offering from Jada’s third Lp, The Last Kiss, which hits stores December 9th. Move ya cursor to the right, slide your the scroll bar down a couple of inches and enjoy Jada’s new video.

Jadakiss ft. Neyo- By My Side

Like It, Love It or Leave It?????

Sincerely

Low “Don’t you hate when you see a girl across the street, but disappears in the middle of the day after a moving truck passes by?” Key

Neyo and Fab show the us how they do!

Everytime I run into either Neyo or Fab, I always make it a point to discuss the joint album they’re secretly working. And each time, I get the same response, “We’re still talking about it” or “We’re trying to fit in our schedules”…riiiiight! What they really mean is, “We’re discreetly working on it and when we do finish it, the album’s going to be a problem”

Regardless, the two have great synergy. “Make Me Better” was a no brainer, “She Got Her Own(Miss Independent Rmx)” is easily one of the better remixes of 2008 and “How I Do” (the song you’re about to download) speaks to every single man who’s looking to swig swag (have fun, lol) anywhere he lays his fitted cap.

Don’t ask where this came from or what album it’s going to be on, because I have the slightest clue.

Neyo ft. Fabolous- How I Do

Love It, Like It or Leave It????

Sincerely

Low “I wonder what an album from Neyo and Fab would actually sound like??” Key