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Smooth soul singer Ne-Yo has become a father for the first time. The singer’s girlfriend, Monyetta Shaw, went into early labor Friday night and had a baby girl, a rep for the singer has confirmed to People magazine.

PHOTOS: Celebrity Baby Monitor

The baby’s name is Madilyn Grace Smith. “I’ve been in love before but this feels like nothing I’ve ever felt,” said Ne-Yo. “Like I’m in love for the first time.” The birth took place in an Atlanta hospital. The baby had been due in January.

Congrats to the couple!