Ne-Yo is pitching in to help Japan. The R&B gentleman has designed a T-shirt and poster for the country following the devastating earthquake and tsunami. The limited edition design, which is available in black and white, aims to inspire with the message “Spread Love with Music.” They are available online for $25 with all proceeds going to Japan relief efforts.

A message posted on his website reads, “The recent Japan earthquake and tsunami is yesterday’s news to some, but is near and dear to Ne-Yo and our Compound family. It is important to us to help ensure that the devastated areas in Japan are cared for. We hope you will join us in our support efforts by purchasing your collectible ‘Spread Love with Music’ T-shirt and poster today.”

The singer-songwriter issued a message to the haters who criticized him despite his good deeds. “Me n’ my harline just raised 100k for japan, what did you do today? Tweeted about me, Highlight of your day. Got it. Get a hobby,” tweeted Ne-Yo, who continued with his planned Japanese tour in the days following the natural disaster.

Ciara and Ne-Yo showed love to the Big Apple yesterday at the New York Knicks vs. Indiana Pacers game at Madison Square Garden. A dapper Ne-Yo, whose film Battle: Los Angeles topped the box office this weekend with $36 million, was all smiles while posted a few seats down from actress Olivia Munn, wearing his signature fedora, a black leather jacket, and dark denim jeans.

Spotted nearby, CiCi joined the Knicks City Dancers for a photo, cracking a smile while wearing a striped shirt with a pair of lips across the front and Christian Louboutin heels. See all the courtside action below.

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Ne-Yo is taking his pen game to the next level. The singer-songwriter has developed an animated series for Cartoon Network.

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Ne-Yo made his mark on Oxford University yesterday afternoon, paying a visit to the prestigious English institution to school students on music education and its role in young people’s lives. The R&B gentleman joins an exclusive group of famed figures who’ve spoken at Oxford Union including Albert Einstein and Malcolm X. He chatted about his own music and decoded lyrics from some of his biggest hits. Check out a dapper Ne-Yo at the Members Only club.

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Ne-Yo is currently trekking around the U.K. on his arena tour with supporting act Trey Songz. The R&B gentlemen met up backstage at their sold-out London show to discuss a possible collaboration for Ne-Yo’s next album.

The “Closer” singer plans to keep the concept less complicated than last year’s story-driven Libra Scale. “I’m definitely gonna make this one a little more simple,” he told Rap-Up TV. “I feel like [on] Libra Scale, I got a little too cool for the room. It was a little difficult to understand what was going on, catch the concept. So this one is gonna be more about just listening to the music and vibing out.”

In between diaper duty for his three-month-old daughter and writing for Jennifer Hudson and his new artist Loren Allred, Ne-Yo has been in the lab working on his fifth album. For those that didn’t grasp last year’s concept-heavy Libra Scale, the R&B gentleman is keeping it simple on his next project.

“I’m putting together a new album as we speak. Be looking for that in September,” Ne-Yo told Rap-Up TV at Jay-Z and LeBron James’ Two Kings Dinner. “I’m definitely gonna make this one a little more simple. I feel like [on] Libra Scale, I got a little too cool for the room. It was a little difficult to understand what was going on, catch the concept. So this one is gonna be more about just listening to the music and vibing out.”

While we pressed for answers, the singer was unable to reveal too much about Beyoncé’s next album. “It’s coming along nicely,” he shared. “I did a couple sessions with Beyoncé. I don’t know what she’s going to keep. I know that Beyoncé is one of those artists that always tries to push the envelope, so nothing is ever good enough, but that’s what makes Beyoncé Beyoncé.”

He also offered his thoughts on his pal Rihanna’s controversial video for “S&M.” “I think it’s a very entertaining video,” said Ne-Yo with a smirk.

Ne-Yo made the trek to Jakarta, Indonesia, to play a sold-out show last month. Backed by a full band, the “Closer” singer packed a full house at Istora Senayan, where he was also honored with a platinum plaque for sales in the country and traveled around the city with a police escort.

“It was my first time in Jakarta, Indonesia, but definitely won’t be my last! The love and hospitality of the people there has gone unprecedented. With immense energy filling the arena, it clearly reminded me of why I do this. And Jakarta…it’s all because of you. Tarima kasi!!” wrote the R&B gentleman.

Check out footage from the international affair.

Blink and you’ll miss Ne-Yo’s appearance in the trailer for Battle: Los Angeles, hitting theaters March 11. In the sci-fi thriller, a platoon of Marines discovers that a meteor attack is actually a global alien invasion taking place in modern day Los Angeles. The R&B crooner plays a soldier named Specks alongside actors Aaron Eckhart, Michelle Rodriguez, and Bridget Moynahan.

Ne-Yo can also be seen in the upcoming Red Tails, the story about the African-American World War II pilots Tuskegee Airmen. He assumes the role of Andrew “Smoky” Salem, a tobacco-chewing fighter pilot, in the George Lucas-directed film. “I developed a love and appreciation for the acting thing, but it will never take the place of music,” the singer-turned-actor told Rap-Up.com.

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The stars flew down south to celebrate the birthday of LeBron James at Coco Deville Lounge at the Gansevoort Miami Beach on Thursday night (Dec. 30). Kelly Rowland, Trey Songz, Ne-Yo, Tank, Tyrese, and more popped bottles with the birthday boy, who turned 26.

“A BIG Happy Birthday to @KingJames!!!! Enjoy the day Bron!!!!” tweeted Kelly to the Miami Heat star player.

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