Singer/Singwriter Leaves Def Jam
6:00AM ET January 25th, 2012
Contributor : Stephen Willis

R&B singer/songwriter Ne-Yo is leaving his longtime label, Def Jam, and joining Motown Records, where he has also been named senior VP of A&R. Ne-Yo will be moving his entire Compound Entertainment imprint to Motown as well, where he will mentor and produce for new talent and current Motown acts.

"I'm honored that I've been given such a prestigious title and trusted with such responsibility; terrified because I know that playing this role in the fashion of one of my career role models, Mr. Smokey Robinson -- these are big shoes to fill. But trust, I can handle it,” said Ne-Yo.

"His track record of success at Def Jam will always be a benchmark," added Universal Republic and Island Def Jam Motown chairman/CEO Barry Weiss. "But this move to Motown will provide new and inspiring challenges for Ne-Yo as both an artist and a key member of the new senior management team that is taking form at the label in 2012."