Ne-Yo snubbed the Spice Girls to work with Rihanna

R & B star Ne-Yo has revealed why he turned down a request from the Spice Girls to write their comeback single last year — he was busy working with Rihanna.

The ‘So Sick’ hitmaker — real name Shaffer Chimere Smith — has worked with the likes of Beyonce and Leona Lewis — but couldn’t fit working with the Spice Girls into his busy schedule.

He said: “Spice Girls asked me to write some songs but I couldn’t find time.

“They wanted something to put on their comeback album but I never got round to getting it done. I was recording songs for Rihanna at the time.”

The 25-year-old even confessed to being a fan of the hit girl group, revealing Scary Spice Mel B is his favorite.

He added: “Scary Spice is my favorite all day long, although I like Posh too. She and Beckham are a real power couple in the US. Even if they just go to dinner it’s a big thing.”

Ne-Yo, who’s currently in the studio putting the finishing touches to his new record The Year Of The Gentleman, says he’s fed up with the current urban scene and plans to shake it up with a UK-influenced collection of tunes.

“I’m slightly bored with urban music. I’m the kind of artist who’s never wanted to be put in a box,” he said.

“The first single Closer is inspired by the British house and dance scene – dark, smoky clubs.

“It’s coming along nicely and I’m excited about getting out on tour.”