Ray J
{{Short description|American singer (born 1981)}}
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{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2013}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Ray J
| image = Ray J 2011.jpg
| caption = Norwood in 2011
| alias =
| birth_name = William Ray Norwood Jr.
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|mf=yes|1981|1|17}}
| birth_place = McComb, Mississippi, U.S.
| death_date =
| death_place =
| years_active = 1989–present
| spouse = {{marriage|Princess Love|2016}}
| partner = Kim Kardashian (2002–2006)
| works = {{hlist|Discography|filmography}}
| children = 2
| father = Willie Norwood
| relatives = Brandy Norwood (sister)
| occupation = {{flatlist|
- Singer
- songwriter
- rapper
- television presenter
- actor
- entrepreneur
}}
| television = {{plainlist|
}}
| website = {{URL|rayj.com}}
| module = {{Infobox musical artist
| embed = yes
| background = solo_singer
| genre = R&B{{Cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/ray-j-mn0000405142|title = Ray J Songs, Albums, Reviews, Bio & More| website=AllMusic }}
| instrument = Vocals
| label = {{flatlist|
}}
}}
}}
William Ray Norwood Jr. (born January 17, 1981),{{cite web |last=Torreano |first=Bradley |title=Ray J – Biography |work=Allmusic |url={{AllMusic|class=artist|id=ray-j-mn0000405142|pure_url=yes}} |access-date=December 5, 2008}} known professionally as Ray J, is an American R&B singer, songwriter, television presenter, and actor. Born in McComb, Mississippi and raised in Carson, California, he is the younger brother of singer and actress Brandy.{{cite web |url=http://herdsay.com/ray-j/ |title=Ray J, Biography |publisher=HERDsay.com |access-date=September 29, 2014}}
Ray J's 1997 debut single, "Let It Go", was released by EastWest Records for the soundtrack to the F. Gary Gray film, Set It Off. Both moderate hits, the song peaked within the top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100 and additionally served as lead single for Ray J's debut studio album, Everything You Want (1997), which entered the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. He then signed with Atlantic Records to release his second album, This Ain't a Game (2002). Led by his second top 40 single, "Wait a Minute" (featuring Lil' Kim), the album became his first to enter the Billboard 200–at number 21. His 2005 single, "One Wish", peaked at number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 and preceded his third album, Raydiation (2005), which commercially trailed the success of both the song and his previous album. The albums were each met with mixed critical reception.
In 2007, he co-starred in the controversial adult film, Kim Kardashian, Superstar, opposite then-relatively unknown actress Kim Kardashian. This foresaw the release of his fourth album, All I Feel (2008), which was critically panned, but yielded his furthest commercial success and peaked at number seven on the Billboard 200; it also spawned the single "Sexy Can I" (featuring Yung Berg), which peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and remains his highest—charting song. Released independently, his 2013 single, "I Hit It First" (featuring Bobby Brackins), peaked at number 51 on the chart, providing a brief period of resurgence as it discomfited his previous affair with Kardashian.
In January 2017, he competed in the nineteenth season of the British reality television series Celebrity Big Brother. In his entrepreneurial career, he launched the technology company Raytroniks in 2016, as well as the Raycon line of direct-to-consumer earbuds in 2017.{{Cite web|url= https://www.blackenterprise.com/ray-j-financial-hardships-tronix-network/|title=RAY J REVEALS FINANCIAL HARDSHIPS WHILE LAUNCHING HIS TRONIX TELEVISION NETWORK|website=Blackenterprise.com|date=March 29, 2024 }}
Early life
William Ray Norwood Jr. was born on January 17, 1981, in McComb, Mississippi, to Willie Norwood and Sonja Bates-Norwood. His older sister Brandy is a multi-platinum recording artist. Early in his life, he moved with his family from McComb to Los Angeles, and in 1989, started appearing in television commercials for different companies. In 1989, at the age of eight, Norwood began auditioning for and appearing in television commercials; he played the foster son in The Sinbad Show, from 1993 to 1994. This period in Norwood's life would shape his acting career. According to Bradley Torreano of AllMusic, "his easygoing image and boyish looks appealed to the producers of Brandy's television show, Moesha, giving him a role on the UPN series as Dorian "D-Money", a role he played from 1999 until the show ended in 2001.
Career
=1995–2006: ''Everything You Want'', ''This Ain't a Game'', and ''Raydiation''=
He signed to Elektra Records in 1995 and he began to record his debut album Everything You Want the same year. The album, released in March 1997, spawned the lead single "Let It Go", which appeared on the Set It Off soundtrack. "Let It Go" peaked at number 25 in the U.S. and number 11 in New Zealand. The second single peaked at number 54 on the U.S. R&B chart. In 1997, he was dropped from the label. In 1998, he appeared on the Dr. Dolittle soundtrack with the single "That's Why I Lie". He produced for toy company Mattel, putting together the music for several commercials and a few of the demos for his second record.
Ray J recorded "Another Day in Paradise" with Brandy, which was a Top Ten success in Austria, UK, Germany, Sweden, Switzerland, Belgium, Norway, Ireland, and the Netherlands, and number 11 in Australia and France. The song was the lead single of the R&B/Hip Hop tribute Urban Renewal, in which he co-produced and performed songs. Norwood also worked with the Neptunes, Rodney Jerkins and Lil' Kim, and several other producers and singers for his second studio album This Ain't a Game. The album was recorded over 18 months, and was released on June 26, 2001, with Atlantic Records. The lead single "Wait a Minute" peaked at #30 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart and #8 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. "Formal Invite" followed at #54 on the R&B chart.{{cite web |url={{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p202400|pure_url=yes}} |title=Ray J > Charts & Awards > Billboard Singles |publisher=allmusic |access-date=March 28, 2009}}
After a two-year break, Norwood returned to recording studios, adding the finishing touches on his third studio album Raydiation with help from producers such as Rodney Jerkins, Timbaland, R. Kelly, and Rob Egerton. A joint venture by Sanctuary Records and Ray-J's own label, independent Knockout Entertainment, the album was finally released on September 27, 2005, in North America after several delays, debuting at number forty-eight on the Billboard 200 chart, selling 18,321 copies in the first week. The album's lead single "One Wish" was a top 20 success in the US, UK, Ireland, and New Zealand. Raydiation eventually sold over 400,000 copies domestically.{{cite web |title=R&B Singer Ray J Readies 2008 Release of All I Feel |work=Singersroom |url=http://www.singersroom.com/news/entertainment-story-1329.asp |access-date=January 9, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716073852/http://www.singersroom.com/news/entertainment-story-1329.asp |archive-date=July 16, 2011 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}
In 2005, Norwood joined the cast of UPN's One on One,{{cite web |title=UPN Adds Five Fresh New Faces To Ensemble Comedy "One On One" This Fall |url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news.aspx?id=20050809upn01 |access-date=March 10, 2007}} where he played the character D-Mack for the final season. On both shows, Ray's character was related to Brandy's character (cousin/half-brother on Moesha, brother on One on One).
=2007–11: Sex tape, ''All I Feel'', and ''A Family Business''=
In February 2007, a pornographic home video he made with former girlfriend Kim Kardashian in 2003, Kim Kardashian, Superstar, was made public.{{cite press release|url= http://www.hiphoppress.com/2007/02/vivid_entertain.html|title= Vivid Entertainment Spends $1-Million To Acquire Notorious Video 'Starring' Sexy Socialite Kim Kardashian And Hip Hop Star Ray J|access-date= October 6, 2008|publisher= Vivid Entertainment|date= February 7, 2007|via= Hip Hop Press|url-status= dead|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080923231924/http://www.hiphoppress.com/2007/02/vivid_entertain.html|archive-date= September 23, 2008|df= mdy-all}} Kardashian sued Vivid Entertainment for ownership of the tape. In late April 2007, Kardashian dropped the suit and settled with Vivid Entertainment for $5 million.{{cite web | url=https://www.standard.co.uk/showbiz/kim-kardashian-s-sex-tape-sees-sales-surge-since-announcing-pregnancy-8435909.html | title=Kim Kardashian's sex tape sees sales surge since announcing pregnancy | date=January 2, 2013 }}
Knockout Entertainment announced a multimillion-dollar album deal with Koch Records and Shaquille O'Neal's "Deja 34" entertainment company. The first album for this deal is Ray J's fourth album All I Feel, which features The Game and Yung Berg among others. It was released on April 1, 2008.{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20080219174009/http://www.hhworlds.com/f11/12-12-07-ray-j-signs-w-koch-taps-snoop-game-lil-wayne-new-lp-9896.html]}} The album's first single is "Sexy Can I" featuring rapper Yung Berg peaked at number three on the Top Singles (Hot 100) for six weeks. A video for the track, directed by R. Malcolm Jones, was shot in December 2007. J starred in the Black Christmas movie Dark Christmas under the direction from Deon Taylor.{{cite web|url=https://www.bloody-disgusting.com/news/18244|title='Chain Letter' Director Plans Holiday Horror with 'Dark Christmas'|date=December 2009|publisher=Bloody-disgusting.com|access-date=December 13, 2012}}
In 2009, Norwood starred in his own VH1 reality dating show, For the Love of Ray J. The show premiered on February 2, 2009. For his show on March 24, 2009, he released the soundtrack/studio album called For the Love of Ray J. On November 2, 2009, the show's second season premiered. In 2010, Norwood and his sister Brandy Norwood premiered the VH1 reality series Brandy & Ray J: A Family Business along with their parents. The show debuted in April 2010 and chronicled the backstage happenings of both siblings, while taking a bigger role in their family's management and production company, R&B Productions.{{cite web|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2010/02/03/brandy-ray-j-to-star-with-family-in-vh1-reality-series/|title=Brandy & Ray J to Star with Family in VH1 Reality Series|publisher=Rap-up.com|access-date=September 16, 2016}}
On June 19, 2011, Ray J, along with his sister Brandy and his father Willie Norwood Sr., released A Family Business, which serves as a soundtrack to their hit reality TV show, Brandy & Ray J: A Family Business, and was released through Time-Life Music.{{cite web|url=http://feedlimmy.com/2011/04/25/brandy-and-ray-j-a-family-business-album-tracklisting-and-details/ |title=Brandy and Ray J "A Family Business" Album Tracklisting and Details |publisher=Feed Limmy |date=April 25, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150521034342/http://feedlimmy.com/2011/04/25/brandy-and-ray-j-a-family-business-album-tracklisting-and-details|archive-date=May 21, 2015|url-status=dead|access-date=April 4, 2016}} He released a single from the album called "Turnin' Me On". The song will be featured on his upcoming album as well.
=2012: Death of Whitney Houston=
On February 11, 2012, Whitney Houston died of "accidental drowning", as ruled by the coroner. Ray J was in San Diego when she died and arrived at the Beverly Hilton, where Houston died, at the time paramedics and police officers came to the scene. While waiting for more information, he became angered upon hearing one of the officers make a "disrespectful comment" about Houston, prompting him to force entry into the suite prior to being restrained.{{cite news|url=http://www.contactmusic.com/article/ray-j-angry-after-cops-lewd-remarks-whitney-houston_3873286|title=Ray J Angry After Cops Lewd Remarks About Whitney Houston|date=September 19, 2013|publisher=Contactmusic.com|first=Lauren|last=James}} Though he initially did not publicly address her death, Ray J broke his silence on February 17, 2012, when he told US Weekly that while the "world had lost an icon", he had lost a "close friend".{{cite news|url=http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/ray-j-breaks-silence-on-whitney-houstons-death-2012172|title=Ray J Breaks Silence on Whitney Houston's Death|date=February 17, 2012|publisher=US Weekly|first=Zach|last=Johnson}} Ray J's sister Brandy described him at the time of Houston's death as being "very distraught" and "disconnected" as well as referring to it as "a very hard time in his life."{{cite news|url=http://www.singersroom.com/content/2014-08-04/Brandy-Talks-Ray-J-and-Whitney-Houston-Car-Accident-on-Where-Are-They-Now/|title=Brandy Talks Ray J and Whitney Houston, Car Accident on 'Where Are They Now|date=August 4, 2014|publisher=Singersroom}}
Ray J and Houston became very close in the last years of her life, leading to speculation of a romantic relationship between the singers.{{cite news|url=http://hiphollywood.com/2014/07/exclusive-ray-j-on-whitney-biopic-thats-a-real-touchy-subject/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140720182121/http://hiphollywood.com/2014/07/exclusive-ray-j-on-whitney-biopic-thats-a-real-touchy-subject/|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 20, 2014|title=Exclusive: Ray J's Take On The Whitney Houston Biopic|date=July 16, 2014|publisher=HipHollywood|first=Vanessa|last=Barnett}} However, Ray J stated that he and Houston were friends, and that they had never dated.{{cite news|url=http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2012/02/23/whitney-houston-s-final-romance-was-ray-j-using-her-for-reality-tv.html|publisher=The Daily Beast|title=Whitney Houston's Final Romance: Was Ray J Using Her for Reality TV?|date=February 23, 2012}} On May 21, 2012, Ray J was found in his hotel room, unable to get out of bed and was rushed to a hospital by ambulance. The day before, he was said to have had a confrontation at the 2012 Billboard Music Awards when Whitney Houston's sister-in-law Pat Houston called security on him when she saw Ray J was seated next to Bobbi Kristina Brown, Whitney's daughter.{{cite news|url=http://www.zap2it.com/blogs/whitney_houstons_family_ray_j_clash_at_billboard_music_awards_report-2012-05|first=Rick|last=Porter|title=Whitney Houston's family, Ray J clash at Billboard Music Awards: Report|publisher=Zap2it|date=May 21, 2012|access-date=August 13, 2014|archive-date=August 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140814070752/http://www.zap2it.com/blogs/whitney_houstons_family_ray_j_clash_at_billboard_music_awards_report-2012-05|url-status=dead}} Ray J went to the Beverly Hilton on August 1, 2012, for a panel during the TVOne portion of the 2012 Summer Television Critics Association tour. It was his first time there since Houston's death.{{cite news|url=http://perezhilton.com/2012-08-02-ray-j-returns-to-whitney-houston-hotel#.VCC7Byj7X-Y|title=Ray J Returns To The Hotel Where His Ex-Girlfriend Whitney Houston Died|publisher=PerezHilton.com|date=August 2, 2012|access-date=September 23, 2014|archive-date=November 29, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129161954/http://perezhilton.com/2012-08-02-ray-j-returns-to-whitney-houston-hotel#.VCC7Byj7X-Y|url-status=dead}}
=2013–present: Reality TV and new music=
Ray J teamed up with Bobby Brackins for the track "I Hit It First", which was released on April 6, 2013. "I Hit It First" caused controversy for allegedly aiming its lyrics at Kim Kardashian and Kanye West. The song has since debuted at #51 on the Billboard Hot 100.{{cite web|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2013/04/ray-j-wont-go-away-a-trailer-for-the-i-hit-it-first-video|title=Ray J Won't Go Away: A Trailer For The "I Hit It First" Video|website=Complex Networks |access-date=September 16, 2016}}{{BillboardURLbyName|artist=ray j|chart=all}} "ATM" was released as a single on August 5, 2014, and it features Migos. Ray J is hosting Oxygen's new reality game show series Bad Girls All-Star Battle. In May 2014, Kardashian and West married. Ray J was reported to have sent a check that totaled his profits off of the sex tape that year as a wedding gift.{{cite news|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2014/05/ray-j-wedding-present-to-kim-and-kanye|date=May 19, 2014|publisher=Complex|title=Ray J Is Giving Kim and Kanye the Most Outrageous Wedding Present of All Time|first=Lauren|last=Nostro}}
He competed with his sister on the FOX reality cooking series My Kitchen Rules.{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2016/05/fox-my-kitchen-rules-cooking-series-curtis-stone-cat-cora-lance-bass-brandi-glanville-1201755650/|title=Fox Orders 'My Kitchen Rules' Cooking Series With Curtis Stone & Cat Cora|last1=Petski|first1=Denise |date=May 13, 2016|work=TV Tonight |access-date=15 May 2016}}
On January 3, 2017, Ray J took part as a "new star" housemate on season 19 of Celebrity Big Brother.{{cite web|url=http://www.metro.co.uk/2017/01/03/who-is-ray-j-everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-celebrity-big-brother-2017-housemate/|title=Who is Ray J? Everything you need to know about the Celebrity Big Brother 2017 housemate|first=Jon|last=O'Brien|date=January 3, 2017|access-date=April 13, 2017}}{{Dead link|date=March 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} He walked off the show after a week.{{cite tweet|user=bbuk|author=Big Brother UK|number=818939538856878083|date=January 10, 2017|title=Ray J has left the Celebrity Big Brother House #CBB}} He also threatened legal action after his exit from the show.{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/article/38579995/ray-j-threatens-legal-action-against-celebrity-big-brother-after-leaving-house|title=Ray J threatens legal action against Celebrity Big Brother after leaving house|work=BBC News|date=January 11, 2017|access-date=April 13, 2017}}
On March 15, 2020, Ray J and Princess Love took part in The Conversation on Zeus Network.{{Cite web|url=https://zeus.vhx.tv/videos/the-conversation-ray-j-princess-love-1|title=The Conversation: Ray J & Princess Love Part 1|website=Zeus|language=en|access-date=2020-03-24}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.bet.com/article/t6rkma/watch-princess-love-confront-ray-j-about-strippers|title=Watch Princess Love Confront Ray J About 'Strippers and Prostitutes' In 'The Conversation'|website=BET.com|access-date=2020-03-24}}{{cite web|url=https://bckonline.com/2020/03/02/princess-love-celebrates-sons-2-month-old-milestone-announces-new-zeus-network-series-with-ray-j/|title=Princess Love Celebrates Son's 2-Month Old Milestone, Announces New Zeus Network Series With Ray J|date=March 2, 2020|access-date=August 5, 2020}} In May 2020, Love filed for divorce.{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/princess-love-files-for-divorce-from-ray-j|title=Princess Love Files For Divorce From Ray J|date=May 8, 2020|last=Rosenbaum|first=Claudia|website=Billboard.com}}
Other ventures
= Technology companies =
;Raytroniks Inc.
As the founder of Raytroniks, Ray J introduced a line of consumer electronics to the United States market.{{cite news|last1=Simmons|first1=Darrell|title=Rapper Ray J Set to Open First East Coast Location of Raytroniks in Hoboken|url=https://jerseydigs.com/ray-j-raytroniks-256-newark-street-hoboken/|access-date=May 17, 2018|work=Jersey Diggs|date=June 20, 2016}} The product categories included electric bikes, smartphone fans, and smartwatches. In particular, the Scoot-E-Bike brand which Ray J developed grew exponentially after implementing a viral organic marketing strategy. Ray J secured product placements through celebrities such as Sean Combs and Brandy and professional athletic teams, including the L.A. Clippers.{{cite web|title=Raycon Scoot E-bike Celebrity Highlight|url=https://vimeo.com/251867052|website=Vimeo|publisher=Raycon|access-date=May 22, 2018}}{{cite news|last1=Olenski|first1=Steve|title=Brands, Branding And Celebrities|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/steveolenski/2018/04/02/brands-branding-and-celebrities/#4e6a78fd4db9|access-date=May 22, 2018|work=Forbes|date=April 2, 2018}}
;Raycon Inc.
In November 2017, Ray J co-founded a direct-to-consumer electronics brand called Raycon. Raycon sells wireless audio products such as earbuds and headphones.{{cite news |last=Finley |first=Tara |title=Tuning Into The Heart of The Hustle With Ray J |url=https://www.laweekly.com/tuning-into-the-heart-of-the-hustle-with-ray-j/ |access-date=20 April 2021 |work=LA Weekly |date=16 March 2021}} Ray J oversees brand and strategy.{{cite news |last1=Myers |first1=Kristin |title='People pay too much for Airpods,' says singer Ray J |url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/people-pay-too-much-for-airpods-says-singer-ray-j-205443210.html |access-date=20 April 2021 |work=finance.yahoo.com |publisher=Yahoo News |date=26 February 2021}}
Personal life
In August 2016, Ray J married Princess Love at Los Angeles' Cathedral of Saint Vibiana.{{cite web | url=https://uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/ray-j-princess-love-married-051515777.html | title=Ray J and Princess Love Are Married: 'It's About Time!' Says the Singer | date=August 13, 2016 }} The two starred on VH1's Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood. Their daughter, Melody Love, was born on May 22, 2018.{{Cite web|url=https://people.com/parents/ray-j-princess-welcome-daughter/|title=She's Here! Ray J and Princess Welcome Their First Child |website=PEOPLE.com|first=Jamie|last=Spain|date=May 22, 2018|access-date=August 5, 2020}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.intouchweekly.com/posts/ray-j-princess-love-baby-born-160565/|title=Ray J and Princess Love's Baby Was Born! See the Precious Announcement|date=May 24, 2018|access-date=August 5, 2020|work=In Touch Weekly|first=Steph|last=Osmanski}} Their son, Epik Ray, was born on January 7, 2020.{{cite web|url=https://people.com/parents/ray-j-shares-first-photos-of-son-epik-ray-norwood/|title=Ray J Shares First Photos of Son Epik Ray Norwood: 'God is Truly Amazing'|first=Claudia|last=Harmata|work=People|date=January 8, 2020|access-date=August 5, 2020}} In May 2020, Love filed for divorce.
Politics
He, alongside Kanye West, attended the premiere of conservative commentator Candace Owens's documentary The Greatest Lie Ever Sold, a film investigating Black Lives Matter financial controversies.{{cite web | url=https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/weird-ray-j-joined-kanye-173500623.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYmluZy5jb20v&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAJ00v9Ht5YpUKvlzZjXB8alnzucQiPTDW9kFUH8iEhJyG0WQy2PrLP9jy2LwxGpT0QbHihUqv5F6SuP9lZutLr1xSChSet6MbItNM5uluCXt0VcGymjoqxYgw9fOiM2932yw-Hoqyp3o4XQudAUFWTVKoXxDXdmcw3Xc_q9l-qi3 | title=This is Weird: Ray J. Joined Kanye and Candace Owens at "BLM" Doc Screening | date=October 13, 2022 }} Owens had been a longstanding supporter of Ray J's allegations against the Kardashians regarding his and Kim's sex tape.{{cite web | url=https://www.newsweek.com/candace-owens-calls-kris-jenner-pimp-over-satanic-kim-kardashian-ray-j-sex-tape-1743201 | title=Candace Owens Calls Kris Jenner a 'Pimp' over 'Satanic' Kardashian Sex Tape | website=Newsweek | date=September 15, 2022 }}
In January 2022, Ray J visited Donald Trump at his Mar-A-Lago residence to discuss job creation. Ray J went on to say, "I've always admired and respected [Trump's] business acumen... job creation, encouraging small business development and how Information Technology plays an important role in the future of our economy." Despite not endorsing a candidate, Ray J has intimated his support for Trump.{{cite web | url=https://thesource.com/2022/01/31/ray-j-defends-meeting-with-donald-trump-ive-always-admired-respected-his-business-acumen/ | title=Ray J Defends Meeting with Donald Trump: "I've Always Admired & Respected His Business Acumen" | date=January 31, 2022 }}{{Cite web|url= https://thatgrapejuice.net/2024/11/ray-j-celebrates-donald-trump-election-victory-with-amber-rose-rocks-maga-hat/?amp|title= Ray J Celebrates Donald Trump Election Victory with Amber Rose, Rocks MAGA Hat}}
Legal issues
On September 17, 2011, Fabolous tweeted about Ray J playing his song "One Wish" on a piano inside Floyd Mayweather Jr.'s house during a documentary on Mayweather and Victor Ortiz. Ray J confronted Fabolous in Las Vegas just before he was set to take stage at the Palms Casino and is alleged to have punched him in the face. He was arrested following the incident and in an interview with Power 105.1's The Breakfast Club, he explained why he took offense to Fabolous's tweets, stating that he played on the piano "every day" and referred to Mayweather as his "big brother" since the pair grew up together. Ray J demanded an on-air apology from Fabolous and threatened him, stating that he would "smack" him again.{{cite news|url= http://theboombox.com/ray-j-assaults-fabolous-over-twitter-comments/|title=Ray J Assaults Fabolous Over Twitter Comments|date=September 19, 2011|publisher=The Boombox|first=Georgette|last=Cline}} A number of celebrities were present during the incident, including 50 Cent, Mayweather and Kevin Hart.{{cite news|url=http://rapfix.mtv.com/2011/09/19/fabolous-ray-j-fight-in-las-vegas/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110923154600/http://rapfix.mtv.com/2011/09/19/fabolous-ray-j-fight-in-las-vegas/|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 23, 2011|title=Fabolous And Ray J Clash In Las Vegas|publisher=MTV RAPFIX|date=September 19, 2011}} Three years later Ray J took full responsibility for the incident. He acknowledged that he had learned from the experience and felt terrible about it as well. According to Ray J, he went through a time of deep depression following the encounter, all the while trying to figure out what led him to act out the way he did and "how can I now grow and be better?"{{cite news|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/09/16/ray-j-fabolous-breakfast-club_n_5831416.html|title=Ray J Takes 'Full Blame' For Rant Against Fabolous On 'The Breakfast Club'|date=September 16, 2014|work=The Huffington Post|first=Chris|last=Branch}}
On May 30, 2014, Ray J was at a bar of the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, California when a woman accused him of inappropriately touching her posterior. Police were called and deemed the touching incidental but he was asked to leave by the hotel staff. Ray J became angered because he contends he spent tens of thousands of dollars at the hotel over the last year. At some point, he allegedly became belligerent and according to the police, spat at an officer and kicked out a police car window in the process of being arrested. The charges against him included vandalism, resisting arrest and battery against a police officer. Ray J posted $20,000 bail and was released.{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory/singer-ray-arrested-beverly-hills-hotel-23942573|title=Entertainment Index|work=ABC News|access-date=September 16, 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/Ray-J-Arrested-at-Beverly-Hills-Hotel-261346231.html|title=Singer Ray J Out on Bail After Arrest at Beverly Hills Hotel|date=May 31, 2014 |access-date=September 16, 2016}}{{cite web|url=https://www.tmz.com/2014/05/30/ray-j-arrested-beverly-wilshire-hotel-beverly-hills/|title=Ray J ARRESTED -- Allegedly Spit on Cops [PHOTO UPDATE]|date=May 31, 2014 |access-date=September 16, 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2014/05/31/singer-ray-j-arrested-for-allegedly-getting-belligerent-at-beverly-hills-hotel/|title=Singer Ray J Arrested For Allegedly Getting Belligerent At Beverly Hills Hotel|date=May 31, 2014|access-date=September 16, 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://www.upi.com/Entertainment_News/2014/05/31/Ray-J-arrested-in-Beverly-Hills-scuffle/6921401591342/|title=Ray J arrested in Beverly Hills scuffle|access-date=September 16, 2016}}{{cite web|url=https://www.tmz.com/2014/06/02/ray-j-cops-beverly-wilshire-hotel-beverly-hills-arrest-spitting/|title=Ray J -- Claustrophobia Made Me Kick Out Cop Car Window|date=June 2, 2014 |access-date=September 16, 2016}} The Los Angeles County district attorney on July 21, 2014, filed charges against Ray J and a police spokesman said his initial hearing would take place on July 25.{{cite news|url=http://www.ksat.com/content/pns/ksat/news/2014/07/22/ent-ray-j-norwood-charges.html|title=Singer Ray J Norwood charged with sexual battery, vandalism, resisting arrest|date=July 22, 2014|publisher=KSAT|first=Alan|last=Dukes|access-date=July 24, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140812103722/http://www.ksat.com/content/pns/ksat/news/2014/07/22/ent-ray-j-norwood-charges.html|archive-date=August 12, 2014|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}
On July 22, 2014, prosecutors stated the arrest had turned into four criminal charges. He was charged with sexual battery, vandalism of a police car, battery against a police officer and resisting arrest. They claimed he willfully touched the woman's "intimate part" for the "specific purpose of sexual arousal, sexual gratification and sexual abuse."{{cite news|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/gossip/ray-hit-10-charges-stemming-night-beverly-hills-hotel-report-article-1.1875220#ixzz38Kq0DjnZ|title=Ray J hit with 4 charges stemming from boozy May night at Beverly Hills hotel|date=July 22, 2014|work=New York Daily News}}{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2014/07/22/showbiz/ray-j-norwood-charges/|first=Alan|last=Duke|title=Singer Ray J Norwood charged with sexual battery, vandalism, resisting arrest|publisher=CNN|date=July 22, 2014}}{{cite news|url=https://www.bet.com/article/sj40u2/ray-j-charged-with-ten-crimes-by-la-district-attorney|title=Ray J Charged With Ten Crimes by Los Angeles District Attorney|date=July 22, 2014|first=Evelyn|last=Diaz|publisher=BET}}{{cite news|url=http://hollywoodlife.com/2014/07/21/ray-j-charged-sexual-battery-charges-arrest/|title=Ray J Charged With Sexual Battery After Alleged 'Butt-Grabbing' Arrest|date=July 21, 2014|publisher=Hollywood Life|access-date=July 25, 2014|archive-date=July 24, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140724171538/http://hollywoodlife.com/2014/07/21/ray-j-charged-sexual-battery-charges-arrest/|url-status=dead}} On August 19, Ray J pleaded not guilty to the misdemeanor charges.{{cite news|url=http://www.wetpaint.com/love-and-hip-hop-atlanta/articles/2014-08-21-ray-j-enters-not-guilty|title=Ray J Enters Not Guilty Plea to Sexual Assault Charges|publisher=Wetpaint|date=August 21, 2014}}
He was stopped by two police officers on August 6, 2014, in the San Fernando Valley. The officers claimed he was using his cell phone while driving, Ray J insisted that he was struggling to connect his Bluetooth. He was given a warning about texting and driving. The officers reportedly wanted him to step out of his vehicle, which he did, but Ray J claims they simply wanted to take a couple of photographs with him.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6214283/ray-j-takes-photos-with-lapd-los-angeles-police-department-after-being-pulled-over|title=Ray J Takes Photos With LAPD Officers After Being Pulled Over in Bentley|date=August 10, 2014|magazine=Billboard|first=Mitchell|last=Peters}} The LAPD began an internal affairs investigation into the encounter with the two officers.{{cite news|url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/ray-j-takes-photos-with-cops-sparks-lapd-investigation-news.11608.html|title=Ray J Takes Photos With Cops, Sparks LAPD Investigation|date=August 10, 2014|publisher=hnhh|first=Trevor|last=Smith}}
Discography
{{Main|Ray J discography}}
;Studio albums
- Everything You Want (1997)
- This Ain't a Game (2001)
- Raydiation (2005)
- All I Feel (2008)
- Raydemption (2022){{cite web |url=https://www.fox28spokane.com/ray-j-was-full-of-energy-for-raydemption-sessions/|title=Ray J was full of 'energy' for Raydemption sessions |date=August 15, 2016|website=fox28spokane.com|access-date=January 22, 2023}}
Filmography
=Film=
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable" style="margin-right: 0;" |
| Year
! Title ! Role ! Notes |
|---|
| 1994
| TV movie |
| 1995
| Once Upon a Time...When We Were Colored | Cliff (12 Yrs.) | |
| 1996
| Cedric Williams | |
| 1997
| Steel | Martin | |
| 2004
| Alberto Turner | TV movie |
| 2005
| Envy | AJ | |
| 2006
| Savion 'DJ Scientific' Gibson | Video |
| 2009
| Pinky | |
| 2012
| Switchin' the Script | David Bostick | |
| 2015
| Tom Major | TV movie |
| rowspan=2| 2019
| Slasher Party | Himself | |
| Dear Santa, I Need a Date
| Jason Vaughn | TV movie |
| 2020
| The App That Stole Christmas | Ray | |
| 2023
| Bomb Pizza | Entrepreneur | |
=Television=
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable" style="margin-right: 0;" |
| Year
! Title ! Role ! Notes |
|---|
| 1993
| Rhythm & Jam | Himself/Host | Main Host |
| 1993–1994
| L.J. Beckley | Main Cast |
| rowspan="2"| 1997
| All That | Himself | Episode: "Ray J" |
| Soul Train
| Himself | Episode: "Lil' Kim/Levert/Ray J" |
| 1999
| Aftershock: Earthquake in New York | Clayton | Episode: "Part 1 & 2" |
| 1999–2001
| Moesha | Dorian 'D-Money' Long | Main Cast: Season 5-6 |
| rowspan="2"| 2001
| Himself | Episode: "Episode #38.23" |
| The Proud Family
| Mega (voice) | Episode: "EZ Jackster" |
| 2002
| Himself | Episode: "Brandy Norwood" |
| 2003
| Bryan Lanier | Main Cast |
| 2004
| Punk'd | Himself | Episode: "Episode #3.6" |
| rowspan="3"| 2005
| Himself/Guest Host | Episode: "August 22, 2005" |
| Cover Art
| Himself | Episode: "Ray J: Clocks" |
| Soul Train
| Himself | Episode: "Ray J/Ebony Eyez" |
| 2005–2006
| Darrell "D-Mack" McGinty | Main Cast: Season 5 |
| rowspan="2"| 2006
| Shark | Rapper | Episode: "Love Triangle" |
| It's Showtime at the Apollo
| Himself | Episode: "Ray J" |
| rowspan="4"| 2008
| BET's Top 25 Countdown | Himself | Episode: "Top 25 Heartaches" |
| SBC Blue Room
| Himself | Episode: "Ray J" |
| Access Granted
| Himself | Episode: "Brandy 'Right Here (Departed)'" |
| It's Showtime at the Apollo
| Himself | Episode: "Ray J & Yung Berg" |
| rowspan="2"| 2009
| Sporty O | Episode: "Ima Star" |
| The Great Debate
| Himself | Episode: "The Bonus Hour & Part 1-5" |
| 2009–2010
| Himself | Main Cast |
| 2010–2011
| Brandy & Ray J: A Family Business | Himself | Main Cast |
| 2011
| Himself | Episode: "Then We'll See Who's the MVP" |
| 2011–2012
| Video Hustler | Himself | Recurring Cast |
| 2013
| Himself | Episode: "Ray J" |
| 2013–2014
| Kenny | Recurring Cast: Season 2-3 |
| rowspan="4"| 2014
| Joan & Melissa: Joan Knows Best? | Himself | Episode: "The Sex Tape" |
| Funniest Wins
| Himself | Episode: "Roasted" |
| David Tutera's Celebrations
| Himself | Episode: "Brandy and Ray J's Family Feud" |
| Total Divas
| Himself | Episode: "Red and Gold" |
| 2014–2019
| Himself | Main Cast: Season 1-6 |
| 2015–2018
| Himself | Guest Cast: Season 5 & 9 |
| rowspan="3"| 2016
| Driven to Love | Himself/Host | Main Host |
| Notorious
| Himself | Episode: "The Burn Book" |
| Leave It to Stevie
| Himself | Episode: "Southern Discomfort" |
| rowspan="3"| 2017
| Himself/Contestant | Main Contestant : Season 19 |
| My Kitchen Rules
| Himself/Contestant | Main Contestant |
| The Real
| Himself/Guest Co-Host | Episode: "Ray J/T-Pain/Should I Text My Ex?" |
| 2017–2019
| Himself/Contestant | Recurring Contestant |
| 2018
| Himself | Episode: "Ray J" |
| rowspan="3"| 2019
| Himself | Episode: "Family Matters" |
| Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta
| Himself | Recurring Cast: Season 8 |
| Love & Listings
| Himself | Episode: "Can't We All Just Get a Loan?" |
| rowspan="3"| 2020
| Himself | Episode: "Ray J & Princess Part 1-3" |
| Insecure
| Rufus | Episode: "Lowkey Feelin' Myself" |
| Pump
| Sean Ford | Main Cast |
| 2020–2022
| The Talk | Himself/Guest Co-Host | Guest Co-Host: Season 10, Recurring Co-Host: Season 12 |
| rowspan="3"| 2021
| Good Looking Out | Himself/Host | Main Host |
| Love & Hip Hop: Secrets Unlocked
| Himself | Episode: "Day Ones" & "Holy Heartaches" |
| Family Reunion: Love & Hip Hop Edition
| Himself | Main Cast |
| 2022–2023
| College Hill: Celebrity Edition | Himself | Main Cast: Season 1-2 |
| 2023–2024
| Himself/Juror | Main Juror |
| 2024
| John Mulaney Presents: Everybody's in LA | Himself | Episode: "Coyotes" |
Accolades
{{Awards table|4}}
|-
! scope="row"| 2022
| Motomami
| {{won}}
| As a songwriter on the song "Candy".
| {{cite web|url=https://www.latingrammy.com/artistas/william-ray-norwood-jr-/42291-02|title=William Ray Norwood Jr. {{pipe}} Artista|publisher=The Latin Recording Academy|language=Spanish|access-date=May 12, 2025}}
{{end}}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
{{commons category}}
- {{Official website|http://www.rayj.com}}
- {{allMusic}}
- {{IMDb name|id=0005043|name=Ray J}}
- [https://rayconglobal.com Official business website for Raycon Global]
{{Ray J}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Ray J}}
Category:20th-century African-American male actors
Category:20th-century American male actors
Category:21st-century African-American male actors
Category:21st-century American male actors
Category:African-American male rappers
Category:20th-century American male rappers
Category:American child singers
Category:American male child actors
Category:American male film actors
Category:American male singers
Category:American male television actors
Category:American contemporary R&B singers
Category:Atlantic Records artists
Category:Carson High School (Carson, California) alumni
Category:Latin Grammy Award winners
Category:Male actors from California
Category:Male actors from Mississippi
Category:Participants in American reality television series
Category:People from Carson, California
Category:People from McComb, Mississippi
Category:Rappers from Los Angeles
Category:Singers from California
Category:Singers from Mississippi
Category:21st-century American rappers
Category:21st-century American male musicians