Washington, Dec 15: Shock rocker Marilyn Manson is set to collaborate with rapper Ne-Yo for his new album.

Ne-Yo aka Schaffer Smith has written for Whitney Houston, Celine Dion and Britney Spears.

He insists he is relishing a change in direction.

"I'm sitting down next with Marilyn Manson so we can write songs for his new album," Contactmusic quoted Ne-Yo as saying.

"I don't have preconceived notions about what he is musically, the clothes he wears, none of it," he added. (ANI)