Ne-Yo Recalls Keyshia Cole Walking Out of Their First Studio Session: “She Came In on 10” [Video]

Ne-Yo’s come a long way from being a behind-the-scenes penman to becoming one of R&B’s most respected names—but the journey wasn’t always smooth.

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During an appearance on the “We Sound Crazy” podcast, he looked back on an early studio session with Keyshia Cole that went completely left. He recalled being brought in to help her write, expecting a natural flow between two artists known for their songwriting skills.

“She came in on 10,” he said, still sounding slightly confused years later. “I’m thinking, ‘What’d I do to deserve this?’”

Ne-Yo tried to read the room and give her space, waiting for the right time to present an idea. When he finally played it, her reaction? “That’s cool. Hold on.” And that was it: she dipped and never came back.

While the moment clearly stuck with him, Ne-Yo wasn’t dragging her. He made it clear they’ve worked together since, and things are fine. Still, the story hit the internet and instantly brought back memories for fans.

Some brought up the Verzuz battle between Cole and Ashanti, while others mentioned artists who claimed to have had similar experiences with the singer. Ne-Yo kept it light, but his story opened up a bigger conversation about energy, egos, and how not every room is built for collaboration.

Sometimes, the vibe just isn’t there, even when the talent is.