"Stay" is the debut single of American singer-songwriter
Ne-Yo, which led to the release of his debut studio album, In My Own Words (2006). Released commercially by
Def Jam Recordings in September 2005, it was written by Ne-Yo,
Ron "Neff-U" Feemster, Ray Blaylock, Solomon Ridge Jr., and rapper
Peedi Peedi—who is also featured on the song. Production of "Stay" was handled by Feemster. The song incorporates an interpolation of American musical group
DeBarge's "
Stay with Me" (1983). Due to the inclusion of the sample, writers
Mark DeBarge, and
Etterlene Jordan are also credited as songwriters.