Ray J, born William Ray Norwood Jr., has made a significant mark in the entertainment industry. Known for his roles in acting, his music career, and his ventures in business, Ray J has amassed a net worth of $14 million. This article delves into his life, career highlights, and personal endeavors.
Who Is Ray J?
Born on January 17, 1981, in McComb, Mississippi, Ray J is the younger brother of the renowned singer Brandy and the cousin of rap icon Snoop Dogg. Raised in California by his parents Willie and Sonja Bates-Norwood, Ray J was introduced to the entertainment world at a young age. His early exposure to showbiz came through his family’s connections and his natural talent, setting the stage for his multifaceted career.
How Did Ray J Start His Acting Career?
Ray J’s acting career began when he was just a child. He first appeared in television commercials in 1989. His big break came with a role in “The Sinbad Show” from 1993 to 1994, where he played the foster son. His acting skills caught the attention of producers, leading to more opportunities. He starred alongside his sister Brandy on the popular TV show “Moesha,” where he played Dorian Long for two years.
Ray J’s acting portfolio expanded with roles in movies such as “Mars Attacks!,” “Steel,” and “Envy.” He also appeared on the UPN series “One on One” in 2005. His return to television came in 2009 with the VH1 reality dating show “For the Love of Ray J,” which aired for two seasons. This was followed by “Brandy and Ray J: A Family Business,” a spin-off that premiered in April 2010. More recently, Ray J has appeared in reality shows like “Good Looking Out,” “VH1 Family Reunion: Love & Hip Hop Edition,” and “College Hill: Celebrity Edition.”
What About Ray J’s Music Career?
Ray J’s music career took off in 1995 when he signed with Elektra Records. He released his debut album, “Everything You Want,” in 1997. The album featured the single “Let It Go,” which was included on the soundtrack of the film “Set It Off” and reached #25 on the U.S. R&B chart. Despite the moderate success, Ray J was dropped by Elektra Records later that year.
He continued his music journey, releasing his second album, “This Ain’t a Game,” in 2001. The lead single “Wait a Minute” became a hit, peaking at #30 on the U.S. chart. In 2004, Ray J founded his own record label, Knockout Entertainment. He released his third album, “Raydiation,” in 2005, with the single “One Wish” achieving top 20 status in the US, UK, Ireland, and New Zealand.
Ray J’s fourth album, “All I Feel,” came out in 2008. The hit single “Sexy Can I,” featuring Yung Berg, peaked at #3 on the Billboard Top Singles Hot 100 chart. In 2022, he released “Raydemption,” continuing to add to his musical repertoire.
What Other Ventures Has Ray J Pursued?
Ray J is not just an entertainer; he is also a savvy businessman. In 2007, he co-founded Raytroniks, a line of consumer electronics that includes e-bikes and smartwatches. His Scoot E-Bike became popular through strategic marketing and celebrity endorsements from figures like Snoop Dogg, Chris Brown, and Justin Bieber. In 2017, Ray J expanded the brand with Cowboy Wholesale, securing a multi-million dollar deal to grow his electric product line.
In the same year, Ray J launched Raycon, a direct-to-consumer electronics brand specializing in earbuds and headphones. As Chief Strategy Officer, he oversees the company’s brand and marketing strategies, making Raycon a significant player in the consumer electronics market.
Ray J also ventured into the marijuana industry. In June 2019, he launched William Ray LA, his own line of cannabis products, investing $5 million to establish the business. Additionally, he signed on as the chief strategic media officer for MarijuanaStock.org, a position that pays $1 million annually.
How Did the Kim Kardashian Sex Tape Impact Ray J’s Career?
In 2007, Ray J gained widespread notoriety not for his music or acting, but for a sex tape with his then-girlfriend, Kim Kardashian. The tape was released by Vivid Entertainment, and Ray J has since earned substantial royalties from it. Reportedly, he earns $90,000 every three months from the tape’s sales. This translates to $360,000 annually, with occasional spikes in earnings when Kim Kardashian is in the news.
What Is Ray J’s Personal Life Like?
Ray J’s personal life has also been in the spotlight. He had a close relationship with Whitney Houston during her final years. Though there were rumors of a romantic involvement, Ray J has maintained that they were just friends. He was deeply affected by her death in 2012, showing his emotional turmoil at public events.
In August 2016, Ray J married fashion designer Princess Love. They have two children together, a daughter born in May 2018 and a son born in January 2020. Despite filing for divorce in May 2020, Ray J and Princess Love have since reconciled, with Ray J confirming they are together in a January 2023 birthday post for Princess Love.
What’s Next for Ray J?
Ray J continues to be a dynamic figure in entertainment and business. With his successful ventures in music, acting, and entrepreneurship, he shows no signs of slowing down. Fans and industry watchers are keen to see what new projects and opportunities he will explore next.
Conclusion
Ray J’s journey from child actor to multifaceted entrepreneur is a testament to his versatility and resilience. His contributions to music, television, and business have made him a prominent figure in the entertainment world. As he navigates new ventures and personal milestones, Ray J’s legacy continues to grow, reflecting his enduring impact on pop culture and business.
