Back when [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]Ne-Yo[/lastfm] was Shaffer Smith - he actually embarked on a recording career as that. An effort that was met with a thud.

But that didn’t stop young Shaffer, who stepped back into the studio and penned a best-selling ballad for [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]Mario[/lastfm], eventually writing his way back into the music business. And the spotlight.

In fact, even though he is now four albums into his solo career – with three Grammy wins – he may still have had even bigger success, so far, as a songwriter. As Ne-Yo celebrates his 30th birthday today, let’s take a look back at some of the hits for other artists that he counts amoung his credits…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7tVK2UfnKQ