Ne-Yo moves to Motown, takes A&R gig

MOONLIGHTING: Ne-Yo is pulling a Jay-Z, taking the post of SVP A&R at Motown, which will also be his new label home as an artist, as he moves over from Def Jam, taking his Compound Entertainment imprint with him. The announcement was made this morning by Barry Weiss, who now bears the wordy title Chairman/CEO of Universal Republic and Island Def Jam Motown, and Motown SVP Ethiopia Habtemariam. According to Weiss, “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.” Added Habtemariam, “In Ne-Yo, we have both a global superstar and arguably one of the best songwriters in music. His presence on the executive team only strengthens our commitment to the very best in R&B.” The man himself also had a comment. "I'm a combination of excited, honored and terrified all at once!” he acknowledged. “Excited about a new beginning here at Motown, 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 idols and career role models Mr. Smokey Robinson, these are big shoes to fill...but trust, I can handle it." (1/25a)