Ray J facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Ray J
Norwood in 2011
Born	William Ray Norwood Jr. (1981-01-17) January 17, 1981 (age 44) McComb, Mississippi, U.S.
Occupation	Singer songwriter rapper television presenter actor entrepreneur
Years active	1989–present
Works	Discography filmography
Television	For the Love of Ray J Brandy & Ray J: A Family Business Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood
Spouse(s)	Princess Love ​ (m. 2016)​
Partner(s)	Kim Kardashian (2002–2006)
Children	2
Parent(s)	Willie Norwood (father)
Relatives	Brandy Norwood (sister)
Musical career
Genres	R&B
Instruments	Vocals
Labels	TMG E1 Knockout Deja 34 Epic Koch Sanctuary Atlantic Elektra EastWest

William Ray Norwood Jr. (born January 17, 1981), known professionally as Ray J, is an American R&B singer, songwriter, television presenter, and actor. He was born in McComb, Mississippi and grew up in Carson, California. He is the younger brother of famous singer and actress Brandy.

Ray J's first song, "Let It Go", came out in 1997. It was part of the soundtrack for the movie Set It Off. This song became a moderate hit, reaching the top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It was also the main song from his first album, Everything You Want (1997).

Later, he signed with Atlantic Records and released his second album, This Ain't a Game (2002). The album's lead single, "Wait a Minute" (featuring Lil' Kim), also reached the top 40. This album was his first to appear on the Billboard 200 chart, reaching number 21. His 2005 song, "One Wish", was a big hit, peaking at number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100. This song came before his third album, Raydiation (2005).

In 2013, he released the song "I Hit It First" (featuring Bobby Brackins). This song reached number 51 on the chart. In January 2017, Ray J was a contestant on the British reality TV show Celebrity Big Brother. He also started his own technology company, Raytroniks, in 2016. In 2017, he launched Raycon, which sells earbuds and other audio products.

Early Life and Acting Beginnings

William Ray Norwood Jr. was born in McComb, Mississippi. His parents are Willie Norwood and Sonja Bates-Norwood. His older sister, Brandy, is a very successful music artist. When he was young, his family moved from Mississippi to Los Angeles, California.

In 1989, at just eight years old, Ray J started appearing in TV commercials. From 1993 to 1994, he played a foster son on The Sinbad Show. This early experience helped shape his acting career. Later, he got a role on his sister Brandy's TV show, Moesha. He played the character Dorian "D-Money" from 1999 until the show ended in 2001.

Music Career and Albums

First Albums: Everything You Want and This Ain't a Game

In 1995, Ray J signed with Elektra Records and began working on his first album. His debut album, Everything You Want, was released in March 1997. The main song from the album was "Let It Go". This song was also featured on the Set It Off movie soundtrack. "Let It Go" reached number 25 in the U.S. and number 11 in New Zealand. After this, he left the label in 1997.

In 1998, he contributed the song "That's Why I Lie" to the Dr. Dolittle movie soundtrack. He also created music for toy company Mattel's commercials.

Ray J recorded "Another Day in Paradise" with his sister Brandy. This song was a top ten hit in many countries, including the UK, Germany, and Sweden. It was the lead song for the tribute album Urban Renewal. For his second album, This Ain't A Game, Ray J worked with famous producers like the Neptunes and Rodney Jerkins. This album was released on June 26, 2001, with Atlantic Records. The main song, "Wait A Minute", reached number 30 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Later Success: Raydiation and TV Roles

After a two-year break, Ray J returned to the music studio. He worked on his third album, Raydiation, with producers like Rodney Jerkins and Timbaland. This album was released on September 27, 2005. It debuted at number forty-eight on the Billboard 200 chart. The album's main song, "One Wish", was a top 20 hit in the US, UK, and New Zealand. Raydiation sold over 400,000 copies in the U.S.

In 2005, Ray J joined the cast of UPN's TV show One On One. He played the character D-Mack in the final season. On both Moesha and One on One, Ray J's character was related to Brandy's character.

Friendship with Whitney Houston

Ray J and singer Whitney Houston became very close friends in the last years of her life. On February 11, 2012, Whitney Houston passed away. Ray J was very saddened by her death. He later shared that he had lost a "close friend." His sister Brandy said that Ray J was "very distraught" and "disconnected" during this difficult time. Ray J stated that he and Houston were friends and never officially dated.

Reality TV and New Music

In 2013, Ray J released the song "I Hit It First" with Bobby Brackins. This song became popular and reached number 51 on the Billboard Hot 100. Another song, "ATM", featuring Migos, was released in 2014. Ray J also hosted the reality game show Bad Girls All-Star Battle on Oxygen.

In May 2014, Kim Kardashian and Kanye West got married. Ray J also competed with his sister Brandy on the cooking show My Kitchen Rules on FOX.

On January 3, 2017, Ray J joined Celebrity Big Brother in the UK. He left the show after one week. In March 2020, Ray J and Princess Love appeared on The Conversation on Zeus Network.

Other Ventures

Technology Companies

Raytroniks Inc.

Ray J founded a technology company called Raytroniks. This company introduced various electronics to the U.S. market. These products included electric bikes, smartphone fans, and smartwatches. One of their popular products was the Scoot-E-Bike. Ray J helped make the Scoot-E-Bike famous by getting celebrities like Sean Combs and Brandy to use them. Professional sports teams, like the L.A. Clippers, also used his products.

Raycon Inc.

In November 2017, Ray J also helped start a company called Raycon. Raycon sells wireless audio products, such as earbuds and headphones, directly to customers. Ray J helps with the brand and business plans for Raycon.

Personal Life

In August 2016, Ray J married Princess Love in Los Angeles. They both appeared on the VH1 reality show Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood. Their daughter, Melody Love, was born on May 22, 2018. Their son, Epik Ray, was born on January 7, 2020. In May 2020, Princess Love filed for divorce.

Politics and Business

Ray J has shown interest in how technology can help create jobs. In January 2022, he met with Donald Trump at his home to talk about job creation. Ray J said he admired Trump's business skills and ideas for encouraging small businesses and using Information Technology for the economy's future. Ray J has focused on supporting job growth and technology.

Discography

Studio albums

• Everything You Want (1997)
• This Ain't a Game (2001)
• Raydiation (2005)
• All I Feel (2008)
• Raydemption (2022)

Filmography

Film

Television

See also

In Spanish: Ray-J para niños