One classic R&B record almost had Jay-Z's name attached to it. Despite being a rapper with 13 albums to his name (even more if counting collabs), the Brooklyn native was never shy about showing his softer side with an R&B tune, especially in honor of Beyoncé. Songs like "Part II (On the Run)" and "03 Bonnie & Clyde" are examples of Jay providing a ionate bravado to a soothing melody.

Jay-Z, however, still knows when it's right to either greenlight or on a song, even when it's about the love he has for his wife. One song in particular that was originally written for Jay-Z ed from his hands to an R&B artist. This choice highlights just how understated of a proverbial kingmaker Jay-Z is, proving to elevate careers from all facets of the music industry.

Jay-Z Turned Down Ne-Yo's "Make Me Better"

Ne-Yo Wrote the Song Inspired by Jay-Z's Relationship with Beyoncé

In an interview with The Cruz Show on REAL 92.3 LA's YouTube channel, Ne-Yo professes that Jay-Z's undying love for Beyoncé inspired the R&B singer to write "Make Me Better." It's the third single on From Nothin' to Somethin', an album by Fabolous, a frequent collaborator of Jay-Z. The topic arises when Ne-Yo is asked if he's ever written multiple songs for someone only for none to be chosen.

The "Because of You" artist is quick to cite the Jay-Z situation as an example of how "everything can be used for something." As Ne-Yo details, he wrote "Make Me Better" for Jay-Z while accompanying Jay to a studio session where Timbaland produced the beat. This happened early in Jay-Z's relationship with Beyoncé, making this the first time Ne-Yo would have seen the "Drunk in Love" couple together outside the public eye.

In the above YouTube video interview, Ne-Yo first discusses writing "Make Me Better for Jay-Z at the 13:35 time stamp.

Seeing how in love the couple were inspired Ne-Yo to write the song and produce a demo track. Jay loved it, but believed it felt more like an R&B record and wasn't for him. He let Ne-Yo keep the track, so Ne-Yo continued fine-tuning the song from there. Some months later, he shared a studio with Fabolous playing demo tracks for him when the demo for "Make Me Better" caught Fab's ear. In hopes of collaborating, Fab wrote his verses for the track, asked Ne-Yo if he could have it, and it became the song everyone knows today.

Jay-Z Has Made Several Careers in the Music Industry

He Made Ne-Yo's Career By Turning Down His Song

When "Make Me Better" came out, Ne-Yo was steadily on the rise in the mainstream. He had been a fixture behind the scenes, having written hit songs like Mario's "Let Me Love You," but it was in 2006 that he started to become a front-facing superstar. That year's "So Sick" and "Sexy Love" had become his breakout hits, but when "Make Me Better" came out in 2007, it solidified Ne-Yo's presence as the new face of the R&B genre. None of this would've been possible if not for Jay-Z declining Ne-Yo's demo track.

It's not really talked about how many careers Jay has made, and by turning down this record, Jay-Z made Ne-Yo's career.

Ne-Yo says this himself in the interview. Timbaland's beat would've cost him thousands, but Jay-Z just gave it to him. Such unselfishness really solidifies Jay-Z as a "Kingmaker" in the music industry. It's not really talked about how many careers Jay has made, and by turning down this record, Jay-Z made Ne-Yo's career. Even when attempting The Commission with B.I.G., Jay-Z has put other artists above his ego. Jay-Z has helped numerous artists get a leg up in the industry, and deserves more credit for smaller contributions to the industry like this.