Ne-Yo is all about the kids, fatherhood, and giving back. The recording artist, and father of two, spent last Tuesday (Dec. 9) handing out gifts at a Boys and Girls Club in Miami. It is a return to his roots; Ne-Yo was himself a Boys and Girls Club kid while growing up in Nevada.
“Getting involved with the Boys and Girls Club helped keep me and my sister from getting in trouble,” he explained. Back then, his mother was a blue collar worker and is now the president of his Compound Foundation. “My mom has always been a caregiver and she’s perfect in this role leading my foundation.” The organization is about more than toys though, it seeks to help kids living in group homes and foster-care pursue their dreams through education.
His dedication to youth should come as no surprise though; despite all of his success as an artist Ne-Yo feels that being a good father is his most important role in life. On the topic of fatherhood, he had this to say:
Being a parent tests your patience and teaches you patience all at the same time… I’ve also learned kids don’t stay kids for long so you really have to appreciate every moment with them. I’m having full blown conversations with my kids now and they are asking some tough questions. It’s ridiculous how smart they are and I’ve had a great time watching their little personalities develop. You have to be real careful what you say around them because they are paying attention to everything you do.
Ne-Yo and girlfriend Monyetta Shaw share two children, Madilyn Grace (4) and Mason Evan (3). The kids love Yo Gabba-Gabba, but they are big fans of their father’s work as well.
Moreover, his upcoming album, Non-Fiction (now available for pre-order), was created in the spirit of fandom. Looking for a unique way to incorporate his fans into his music and show his genuine appreciation of them, Ne-Yo reached out via social media to ask questions to help him write his songs. “We are in this position because of the fans and it’s really a blessing,” the singer pointed out about working in the music industry.
