Ne-Yo’s timeless heartbreak anthem “So Sick” has officially surpassed 1 billion streams on Spotify as of April 21, 2025.
It is his third track to reach the milestone.
Originally released on November 21, 2005, as the second single from Ne-Yo’s debut album In My Own Words (2006), “So Sick” was written by the then-rising American singer-songwriter alongside Norwegian production duo Stargate. Produced by Stargate, the track topped the US Billboard Hot 100, UK Singles Chart, and the Eurochart Hot 100, while also breaking into the Top 20 in multiple countries across Europe and the South Pacific.
The emotional depth of “So Sick” comes from a deeply personal place according to Ne-Yo. He shared that the inspiration for the lyrics came from a failed relationship that left a lasting impact. “It’s about the first time I fell in love with a girl in a way that I completely screwed it up,” he revealed. “A lot of heartbreak went into that song, so that’s why I think a lot of people dug it the way they did—because you can feel it.”
Stargate, comprised of Mikkel S. Eriksen and Tor Erik Hermansen, crafted the melody after meeting Ne-Yo at Sony Music Studios in New York City. Their collaboration resulted in six tracks on the album, but “So Sick” was the standout, both critically and commercially.
Critical Acclaim and Enduring Appeal
Critics praised “So Sick” for its sleek production and relatable lyrics. Rolling Stone later ranked it as the 41st best R&B song of the 21st century, while outlets like About.com and Contact Music praised Ne-Yo’s vocal performance and Stargate’s melodic craftsmanship.
The Hype Williams-directed music video, filmed in the snowy landscapes of Aspen, Colorado, became an iconic visual moment of the 2000s R&B era, racking up over 405 million views on YouTube as of April 2025.
In the United States and United Kingdom it is certified Platinum and 2x Platinum respectively. In Brazil it is certified 3x Platinum (180,000). The song has been remixed by artists including LL Cool J, Jay-Z, and Joe Budden, and covered by musicians such as Patrick Stump of Fall Out Boy.
