We all know the old story about “The Princess And The Frog”: “You’ve got me mixed up with some toad, lady,” says the frog. “I’ve never even had genital warts!” Wait, we now hear that Walt Disney’s upcoming 49th animated feature film is loosely based on E.D. Baker’s novel “The Frog Princess” and the Grimm Brothers’ “The Frog Prince”. Our apologies to the animation department, who after claiming that 2004’s “Home On The Range” would be the studio’s final 2D animated film have instead decided to revive Disney’s tradition of hand-drawn cartoons and Broadway-style musical storytelling. Ne-Yo provides “Never Knew I Needed”.

by Mark Emge

Since breaking out as a songwriter with Mario’s “Let Me Love You” in 2004, Ne-Yo has been nothing if not consistent. Proving more Gene Kelly than R. Kelly–someone less concerned with sexed-up swagger than polished showmanship and substance–Yo’s been a constant presence on the R&B chart who probably could not devise a gimmick if his career depended upon it–unless you hold those uncanny Michael Jackson vocalisms he uses throughout songs like “Nobody” against him. We don’t, and speaking of whom, Ne-Yo recently confirmed that he had been contacted by producer Will.i.am to work on Jacko’s upcoming album before Michael’s untimely passing.

by Mark Emge

There’s a difference between a ladies’ man and a man who loves women, and R&B sensation Ne-Yo reps for the latter. The 28-year-old singer-songwriter says his latest collection of heartfelt love songs–”Year Of The Gentleman”, his third in as many years–is a tribute to the Rat Pack’s pressed-suit style, but it’s actually a concept album about what a great boyfriend he is. Sometimes things don’t work out, even for a swell date like Shaffer Smith (the name on Ne-Yo’s passport), so “Part Of The List” catalogs what he misses most about the lady who walked out of his life.

by Mark Emge