When an artist has been around for 20 years and accomplished as much as NE-YO has, it’s tough to find new challenges in the music industry.
After two decades spent in the major label system split between Def Jam and Motown Records, Billboard can exclusively report that NE-YO is officially a fully independent artist.
“It’s a blessing to be in this position to control my own destiny as an independent artist,” NE-YO tells Billboard. “My artistry means everything to me and I’m excited to embrace this new beginning with ‘2 Million Secrets.’ It’s a personal song that took growth to write, but I’m proud to share it with the world.”
For his first move since the “Miss Independent” singer embarked on his independent journey, NE-YO delivers his confessional “2 Million Secrets” on Friday (June 13). He previously teased the redemptive track during his Tiny Desk concert in April.
“This song took a little bit of growth on my part to even write, and even more to sing. This song is basically about owning your s— … Nobody is above mistakes, nobody is above redemption. You do better and you keep pushing,” he said last month. “This song is not a song, this song is a confession.”
“2 Million Secrets” and all of NE-YO’s releases for the foreseeable future will come via the Las Vegas native’s Compound Entertainment imprint. A self-directed visual for the vulnerable Hitmaka-produced single is set to arrive at 12 p.m. ET on Friday as well.
NE-YO will head home this summer to a sizzling Sin City for his Human Rebellion Residency, where he’ll perform inside the Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas on Aug. 7, Aug. 9, and Aug. 10.
Listen to “2 Million Secrets” below.