Ne-Yo has signed with Motown and become a 'senior manager'

Ne-Yo has left Def Jam for Motown Records in a deal that will also see him become senior VP of A&R, reports Billboard.

The latter role means he'll mentor and produce for the label's artists and help discover new talent. The 'Champagne Life' hitmaker said he was "honored [yes we've copied and pasted this quote from somewhere American, what of it] that I've been given such a pres­ti­gi­ous title and trusted with such responsibility".

Universal Republic and Island Def Jam Motown chairman/CEO Barry Weiss had this to say: "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."

Ne-Yo's first album for the label is due in the summer. Let's hope it's not utter drivel or that quote from Universal Republic and Island Def Jam Motown chairman/CEO Barry Weiss will look quite silly!