Posted by | Ray Cornelius
It’s no secret that R&B singer Ne-Yo has a special affinity for Michael Jackson. Remember his recent “Behind the Music” episode? Not only was Jackson an inspiration for young Shaffer Smith, (Ne-Yo’s real name), but he was planning to work with the King of Pop on a comeback album before his untimely death in 2009.
Ne-Yo recently spoke to Vibe Vixen about his idol and his favorite moment from MJ’s historic Bad album which is currently celebrating its 25th anniversary. Here is what he had to say:
“Smooth Criminal,” bottom line. It felt like that was his best video, even surpassing “Thriller,” surpassing “Remember the Time” and “Bad.” That video, it just solidified the history of the video and how it came to be. The whole idea. The genius of [Michael Jackson] is that he took that movie with Fred Astaire called Bandwagon and completely morphed it into something else. For him, he would take pieces from here, pieces from there and make it all him. It was sharp, just the whole thing.
Look for Ne-Yo’s new album, R.E.D (Realizing Every Dream) to drop in stores next Tuesday, Oct. 30.
What is your favorite MJ moment from the Bad album?
