He's only 23 and he's written hit songs for Mary J. Blige, B2K, Faith Evans and Musiq among others. Handsome Ne-Yo, real name Shaffer Smith, was given his new stage name by producer Big D because he thinks the artist "sees music the way that Neo sees The Matrix". Whatever that really means, it's a catchy name and the young dynamo is poised for the big launch of his first album "In My Own Words" on Feb. 28th.

Ne-Yo Credit: Def Jam

His singles "Stay" and "So Sick" are riding the charts and the young R&B sensation is currently writing the soundtrack for Save the Last Dance 2. He has a small part in the film as well. Ne-Yo has come a long way, undergone disappointments that have made him stronger and is friendly and open enough to talk candidly and even admit that his very first song...as a small child was about...mustard! Get to know this up and comer.

TeenMusic: Ne-Yo is a version of the Keanu Reeves character Neo from the Matrix films. Had you seen the films?

Ne-Yo: Yes, love 'um. Well, I loved the first one, liked the second one and I hated the third one.

TeenMusic: Do you consider yourself more R&B than Rap?

Ne-Yo: R&B, all the way R&B.

TeenMusic: Your song "So Sick" is about missing a relationship. You can't get over a girl. Was that based on your own experience?