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 was a moderate hit and was also the first single from his debut album, Everything You Want (1997).

He later signed with Atlantic Records and released his second album, This Ain't a Game (2002). The album included his second top 40 song, "Wait a Minute", which featured Lil' Kim. This album was his first to appear on the Billboard 200 chart. His 2005 song, "One Wish", was very popular, reaching number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100. This song came before his third album, Raydiation (2005).

In 2008, his fourth album, All I Feel, was released. ..... This song reached number three on the Billboard Hot 100, making it his highest-charting song. In 2013, he released the song "I Hit It First" with Bobby Brackins.

In January 2017, Ray J was a contestant on the British reality TV show Celebrity Big Brother. He has also started his own businesses. In 2016, he launched a technology company called Raytroniks. In 2017, he started Raycon, which sells earbuds.

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 Highlights

First Albums and Early Success

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

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 big hit in many countries, including Austria, the UK, Germany, and Sweden. It was the main song from 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, and singer Lil' Kim. The album was released on June 26, 2001, with Atlantic Records. Its first song, "Wait a Minute", reached number 30 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart.

After a break, Ray J released his third album, Raydiation, on September 27, 2005. Producers like Rodney Jerkins, Timbaland, and R. Kelly helped with the album. 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 One on One. He played the character D-Mack in the final season. In both Moesha and One on One, Ray J's character was related to Brandy's character.

Reality TV and More Music

Knockout Entertainment and Koch Records made a deal for Ray J's fourth album, All I Feel. This album featured artists like The Game and Yung Berg. It was released on April 1, 2008. .....

In 2009, Ray J starred in his own VH1 reality dating show called For the Love of Ray J. The show first aired on February 2, 2009. He also released a soundtrack album for the show. In 2010, Ray J and his sister Brandy Norwood started another VH1 reality series, Brandy & Ray J: A Family Business. This show followed their lives as they took on bigger roles in their family's music company.

On June 19, 2011, Ray J, Brandy, and their father Willie Norwood Sr. released A Family Business. This album was the soundtrack to their reality TV show.

Later Projects and TV Appearances

Ray J worked with Bobby Brackins on the song "I Hit It First", which came out on April 6, 2013. The song reached number 51 on the Billboard Hot 100. In 2014, "ATM" was released as a song featuring Migos. Ray J also hosted Oxygen's reality game show Bad Girls All-Star Battle.

He competed with his sister on the FOX reality cooking show My Kitchen Rules.

On January 3, 2017, Ray J joined Celebrity Big Brother as a new housemate. 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 Raytroniks, a company that sells electronics. Their products include electric bikes, smartphone fans, and smartwatches. The Scoot-E-Bike brand, which Ray J developed, became very popular. Ray J helped promote the bikes by getting celebrities like Sean Combs and Brandy to use them. Professional sports teams, like the L.A. Clippers, also used them.

Raycon Inc.

In November 2017, Ray J co-founded Raycon, an electronics brand that sells wireless audio products. These products include earbuds and headphones. Ray J helps with the brand's overall look and plans.

Personal Life

In August 2016, Ray J married Princess Love at Los Angeles' Cathedral of Saint Vibiana. They both starred on VH1's 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

Ray J has shown interest in politics and business. He attended the premiere of a documentary by conservative commentator Candace Owens.

In January 2022, Ray J visited Donald Trump at his Mar-A-Lago home to talk about creating jobs. Ray J said he admired Trump's business skills and focus on job creation and small businesses. He also mentioned how Information Technology is important for the future economy. Ray J has supported Trump's ideas, though he has not officially endorsed a candidate.

Discography

Studio albums

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

Filmography

Film

Television

Accolades