Ray J
Encyclopedia
William Ray Norwood Jr. (born January 17, 1981), better known by his stage name Ray J, is an American singer, songwriter, record producer and actor.
to Willie Norwood
and Sonja Bates-Norwood. His older sister Brandy
is an award-winning, multi-platinum recording artist. His first cousin, Snoop Dogg
, is a multi-platinum recording rapper .
Early in Ray J's career, he was known for wearing a Pacers headband.
in 1995 and recorded his debut album Everything You Want
the next year. "Let It Go
" appeared on the Set It Off
soundtrack. It peaked 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. He produced, putting together the music for several commercials and a few of the demos for his second record.
, which was a Top Ten success in Austria, UK, Germany, Sweden, Switzerland, Belgium, Norway, Ireland, 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 released in 2001. The lead single "Wait A Minute
" peaked at #30 on the U.S. Hot 100 chart and #8 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs
chart. "Formal Invite" followed at #54 on the R&B chart.
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.
announced a multi-million 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. 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 stars in the Black Christmas movie Dark Christmas under the direction from Deon Taylor
.
on their collaboration album Trust, Knowledge & Opportunity & his upcoming solo album Raydiation 2
with his first single "Last Wish" The sequel to his 2005 smash hit "One Wish" both produced by hit maker Rodney Jerkins
.
to Carson, California
, 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 1993-1994. This period in Norwood's life would shape his acting career to come. 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 starting in 1999 as Dorian "D-Money".
In 2005, Norwood joined the cast of UPN
's One On One
, where he played the character of D-Mack for the final season. On both shows, Ray's character was related to Brandy's (cousin/half-brother on Moesha, brother on One on One).
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 and Ray J: A Family Business
along with their parents. He also played the role of Roberto in the movie Christmas at Water's Edge
in 2004.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.
and first cousin of rapper Snoop Dogg
. He has dated Kim Kardashian
.
he made with Kim Kardashian
was "leaked". 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.
Soundtrack albums
Early life
William Ray Norwood Jr. was born in McComb, MississippiMcComb, Mississippi
McComb is a city in Pike County, Mississippi, United States, about south of Jackson. As of the 2010 census, the city had a total population of 13,644. It is the principal city of the McComb, Mississippi, Micropolitan Statistical Area...
to Willie Norwood
Willie Norwood
William Raymond Norwood, Sr. known as Willie Norwood is an American Gospel singer and has been involved in singing since early childhood. His father and mother sang in the church choir...
and Sonja Bates-Norwood. His older sister Brandy
Brandy Norwood
Brandy Rayana Norwood , known professionally as Brandy, is an American singer-songwriter, producer, actress, and dancer. In 2009, she introduced her rap alter-ego Bran'Nu....
is an award-winning, multi-platinum recording artist. His first cousin, Snoop Dogg
Snoop Dogg
Calvin Cordozar Broadus, Jr. , better known by his stage name Snoop Dogg, is an American rapper, record producer, and actor. Snoop is best known as a rapper in the West Coast hip hop scene, and for being one of Dr. Dre's most notable protégés. Snoop Dogg was a Crip gang member while in high school...
, is a multi-platinum recording rapper .
Early in Ray J's career, he was known for wearing a Pacers headband.
Everything You Wanted (1997)
Elektra RecordsElektra Records
Elektra Records is an American record label owned by Warner Music Group. In 2004, it was consolidated into WMG's Atlantic Records Group. After five years of dormancy, the label was revived by Atlantic in 2009....
in 1995 and recorded his debut album Everything You Want
Everything You Want (Ray J song)
Everything You Want is an R&B-song written by LaShawn Daniels, Fred Jenkins III, Darkchild, Nora Payne, Robert Smith of the album Of the same name. and didn't do very well , peaking #33 in New Zealand and #83 in the U.S.. The song also appears on the episode on his sisters episode Moesha season 2...
the next year. "Let It Go
Let It Go (Ray J song)
"Let It Go" is the debut single by R&B-singer Ray J from the album Everything You Want. It was a moderate success, peaking at #10 in New Zealand and #25 in the U.S. ."Let It Go" also appeared on the Set It Off soundtrack in 1996....
" appeared on the Set It Off
Set It Off
Set It Off is a 1996 action and crime film directed by F. Gary Gray, and stars Jada Pinkett, Queen Latifah, Vivica A. Fox and Kimberly Elise , as four close friends in Los Angeles, California who decide to plan and execute a bank robbery...
soundtrack. It peaked 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
Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs
Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, is a chart released weekly by Billboard in the United States.The chart, initiated in 1942, is used to track the success of popular music songs in urban, or primarily African American, venues. Dominated over the years at various times by jazz, rhythm and blues, doo-wop, soul,...
chart. In 1997, he was dropped from the label. He produced, putting together the music for several commercials and a few of the demos for his second record.
This Ain't a Game (2001)
Ray J recorded "Another Day in Paradise" with BrandyBrandy Norwood
Brandy Rayana Norwood , known professionally as Brandy, is an American singer-songwriter, producer, actress, and dancer. In 2009, she introduced her rap alter-ego Bran'Nu....
, which was a Top Ten success in Austria, UK, Germany, Sweden, Switzerland, Belgium, Norway, Ireland, 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
The Neptunes
The Neptunes are a record production duo consisting of Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo, who are credited with contributing the sound for many successful hip hop, R&B and pop artists in the late-1990s and 2000s...
, Rodney Jerkins
Rodney Jerkins
Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins is an American songwriter, record producer, and musician. Jerkins received two Grammy nominations in 2011.-Biography:...
and Lil' Kim
Lil' Kim
Kimberly Denise Jones , better known by her stage name Lil' Kim, is an American rapper and actress who was a member of the group Junior M.A.F.I.A.....
, and several other producers and singers for his second studio album This Ain't A Game
This Ain't A Game
-Chart positions:...
. The album was released in 2001. The lead single "Wait A Minute
Wait a Minute (Ray J song)
"Wait A Minute" is an R&B-song written by Ray J and Lil' Kim for Ray J's second album This Ain't a Game. It was the lead single and peaked at number 30 in the U.S. and 54 in Great Britain.-Chart positions:* #30 US* #54 UK* #72 Germany...
" peaked at #30 on the U.S. Hot 100 chart and #8 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs
Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs
Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, is a chart released weekly by Billboard in the United States.The chart, initiated in 1942, is used to track the success of popular music songs in urban, or primarily African American, venues. Dominated over the years at various times by jazz, rhythm and blues, doo-wop, soul,...
chart. "Formal Invite" followed at #54 on the R&B chart.
Raydiation (2005)
After a two year break, Norwood returned to recording studios, adding the finishing touches on his third studio album RaydiationRaydiation
-Release history:-Chart positions:...
with help from producers such as Rodney Jerkins
Rodney Jerkins
Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins is an American songwriter, record producer, and musician. Jerkins received two Grammy nominations in 2011.-Biography:...
, Timbaland
Timbaland
Timothy Zachery Mosley , better known by his stage name Timbaland, is an American record producer, songwriter and rapper....
, R. Kelly
R. Kelly
Robert Sylvester Kelly , better known by his stage name R. Kelly, is an American singer-songwriter and record producer. A native of Chicago, Kelly began performing during the late 1980s and debuted in 1992 with the group Public Announcement. In 1993, Kelly went solo with the album 12 Play...
, and Rob Egerton. A joint venture by Sanctuary Records
Sanctuary Records
Sanctuary Records Group Limited was a record label based in the United Kingdom and a subsidiary of Universal Music Group. Until June 2007, it was the largest independent record label in the UK and the largest independent music management company in the world...
and Ray-J's own label, independent Knockout Entertainment
Knockout Entertainment
Knockout Entertainment is singer Ray J's vanity label, founded in 2004. The label specializes in R&B, hip hop, and gospel. Originally released under Sanctuary Records, a press release in December 2007 announced a new partnership with E1 Records....
, 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.
All I Feel (2008)
Knockout EntertainmentKnockout Entertainment
Knockout Entertainment is singer Ray J's vanity label, founded in 2004. The label specializes in R&B, hip hop, and gospel. Originally released under Sanctuary Records, a press release in December 2007 announced a new partnership with E1 Records....
announced a multi-million dollar album deal with Koch Records
Koch Records
E1 Music , the primary subsidiary of E1 Entertainment LP, is the largest independent record label in the United States. It is also distributed by the Universal Music Group in Europe under the name E1 Universal...
and Shaquille O'Neal
Shaquille O'Neal
Shaquille Rashaun O'Neal , nicknamed "Shaq" , is a former American professional basketball player. Standing tall and weighing , he was one of the heaviest players ever to play in the NBA...
's "Deja 34" entertainment company. The first album for this deal is Ray J's fourth album All I Feel, which features The Game
The Game (rapper)
Jayceon Terrell Taylor , better known by his stage name Game, formerly The Game, is an American rapper and actor. As a member of G-Unit, he rose to fame in 2005 with the success of his debut album, The Documentary, which earned him two Grammy Award nominations...
and Yung Berg
Yung Berg
Christian Ward , better known by his stage name Yung Berg, is an American rapper from Chicago. He is of African American and Puerto Rican descent. His first single was "Sexy Lady" which features R&B singer Junior. Yung Berg had been previously signed to DMX's Bloodline Records as Ice Berg. He is...
among others. It was released on April 1, 2008. The album's first single is "Sexy Can I
Sexy Can I
"Sexy Can I" is the first single from Ray J's fourth studio album All I Feel. It features rapper Yung Berg and the song also appears on his debut album Look What You Made Me and is produced by Noel "Detail" Fisher. Professional basketball player Shaquille O'Neal makes a cameo in the music video...
" featuring rapper Yung Berg
Yung Berg
Christian Ward , better known by his stage name Yung Berg, is an American rapper from Chicago. He is of African American and Puerto Rican descent. His first single was "Sexy Lady" which features R&B singer Junior. Yung Berg had been previously signed to DMX's Bloodline Records as Ice Berg. He is...
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 stars in the Black Christmas movie Dark Christmas under the direction from Deon Taylor
Deon Taylor
Deon Taylor is an American film director and screenwriter for horror films.-Early life:Deon Taylor was born in Chicago, Illinois and grew up in Gary, Indiana...
.
Raydiation 2 (2010-present)
Ray J is currently working with his sister Brandy NorwoodBrandy Norwood
Brandy Rayana Norwood , known professionally as Brandy, is an American singer-songwriter, producer, actress, and dancer. In 2009, she introduced her rap alter-ego Bran'Nu....
on their collaboration album Trust, Knowledge & Opportunity & his upcoming solo album Raydiation 2
Raydiation 2
Raydiation 2 is the upcoming fifth studio album by American R&B recording artist Ray J, set to be released in 2012. It is the fourth album by Ray J to feature production from Darkchild.- Singles :...
with his first single "Last Wish" The sequel to his 2005 smash hit "One Wish" both produced by hit maker Rodney Jerkins
Rodney Jerkins
Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins is an American songwriter, record producer, and musician. Jerkins received two Grammy nominations in 2011.-Biography:...
.
Acting career
Early in his life, he moved with his family from McComb, MississippiMcComb, Mississippi
McComb is a city in Pike County, Mississippi, United States, about south of Jackson. As of the 2010 census, the city had a total population of 13,644. It is the principal city of the McComb, Mississippi, Micropolitan Statistical Area...
to Carson, California
Carson, California
Carson is a city in Los Angeles County, California. As of the 2010 census, Carson had a total population of 91,714. Located south of downtown Los Angeles and approximately 14 miles away from the Los Angeles International Airport, it is known as a suburb of the city....
, 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
The Sinbad Show
The Sinbad Show is an American sitcom starring comedian Sinbad that premiered on September 16, 1993 on Fox. The show's main plot is about a bachelor taking in two orphaned children. Chuck Brown performed this sitcom's theme music...
, from 1993-1994. This period in Norwood's life would shape his acting career to come. According to Bradley Torreano of allmusic, "his easygoing image and boyish looks appealed to the producers of Brandy's television show, Moesha
Moesha
Moesha is an American sitcom series that aired on the UPN network from January 23, 1996 to May 14, 2001. The series stars R&B singer Brandy Norwood as Moesha Mitchell, a high school student living with her family in the Leimert Park neighborhood of South Central Los Angeles.-Overview:The show...
", giving him a role on the UPN
UPN
United Paramount Network was a television network that was broadcast in over 200 markets in the United States from 1995 to 2006. UPN was originally owned by Viacom/Paramount and Chris-Craft Industries, the former of which, through the Paramount Television Group, produced most of the network's...
series starting in 1999 as Dorian "D-Money".
In 2005, Norwood joined the cast of UPN
UPN
United Paramount Network was a television network that was broadcast in over 200 markets in the United States from 1995 to 2006. UPN was originally owned by Viacom/Paramount and Chris-Craft Industries, the former of which, through the Paramount Television Group, produced most of the network's...
's One On One
One on One (TV series)
One on One is an American sitcom that aired on the now-defunct UPN from its September 3, 2001 premiere until May 15, 2006. The series stars Flex Alexander as a single sportscaster, who becomes a full-time dad when his ex-wife decides to accept a job out of the country and his teenage daughter...
, where he played the character of D-Mack for the final season. On both shows, Ray's character was related to Brandy's (cousin/half-brother on Moesha, brother on One on One).
Reality Television
In 2009, Norwood starred in his own VH1VH1
VH1 or Vh1 is an American cable television network based in New York City. Launched on January 1, 1985 in the old space of Turner Broadcasting's short-lived Cable Music Channel, the original purpose of the channel was to build on the success of MTV by playing music videos, but targeting a slightly...
reality dating show, For the Love of Ray J
For the Love of Ray J
For the Love of Ray J is a dating show on VH1 featuring hip hop singer Ray J. The program has a format similar to Flavor of Love, I Love New York, and Rock of Love. One source notes that it "will be produced by the same geniuses" as those shows, 51 Minds...
. 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
For the Love of Ray J (season 2)
For the Love of Ray J 2 is the second season of For the Love of Ray J on VH1. This season Ray J will bring 19 women to see which one is the love of his life.-Contestants:-Call-out order:-That's What's Up:First aired: November 2, 2009...
premiered. In 2010, Norwood and his sister Brandy Norwood
Brandy Norwood
Brandy Rayana Norwood , known professionally as Brandy, is an American singer-songwriter, producer, actress, and dancer. In 2009, she introduced her rap alter-ego Bran'Nu....
premiered the VH1
VH1
VH1 or Vh1 is an American cable television network based in New York City. Launched on January 1, 1985 in the old space of Turner Broadcasting's short-lived Cable Music Channel, the original purpose of the channel was to build on the success of MTV by playing music videos, but targeting a slightly...
reality series Brandy and Ray J: A Family Business
Brandy and Ray J: A Family Business
Brandy and Ray J: A Family Business is an American reality series airing on VH1, and starring Brandy and her younger brother Ray J. The series premiered on April 11, 2010.- Overview :...
along with their parents. He also played the role of Roberto in the movie Christmas at Water's Edge
Christmas at Water's Edge
Christmas at Water's Edge is a film about a wealthy collegian and an angel-in-training who work together to organize a holiday concert for a youth center.-External links:* Christmas at Water's Edge:...
in 2004.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.
Personal life
Ray J is the brother of singer Brandy NorwoodBrandy Norwood
Brandy Rayana Norwood , known professionally as Brandy, is an American singer-songwriter, producer, actress, and dancer. In 2009, she introduced her rap alter-ego Bran'Nu....
and first cousin of rapper Snoop Dogg
Snoop Dogg
Calvin Cordozar Broadus, Jr. , better known by his stage name Snoop Dogg, is an American rapper, record producer, and actor. Snoop is best known as a rapper in the West Coast hip hop scene, and for being one of Dr. Dre's most notable protégés. Snoop Dogg was a Crip gang member while in high school...
. He has dated Kim Kardashian
Kim Kardashian
Kimberly Noel "Kim" Kardashian is an American socialite, television personality, model, actress and businesswoman. She is known for the E! reality series that she shares with her family—Keeping Up with the Kardashians, and its spin-offs including Kourtney and Kim Take New York...
.
Sex tape
In February 2007, a pornographic home videoCelebrity sex tape
A celebrity sex tape is typically an amateur pornographic video recording involving one or more celebrity famous person which has been, intentionally or unintentionally, made available publicly....
he made with Kim Kardashian
Kim Kardashian
Kimberly Noel "Kim" Kardashian is an American socialite, television personality, model, actress and businesswoman. She is known for the E! reality series that she shares with her family—Keeping Up with the Kardashians, and its spin-offs including Kourtney and Kim Take New York...
was "leaked". Kardashian sued Vivid Entertainment
Vivid Entertainment
Vivid Entertainment Group is an adult video producer, featuring a catalog of VHS and DVD titles and internet content. In 2006 it was described by Reuters as one of the handful of studios that dominate the U.S. porn industry....
for ownership of the tape. In late April 2007, Kardashian dropped the suit and settled with Vivid Entertainment for $5 million.
Discography
Studio albums- Everything You WantEverything You Want (Ray J album)Everything You Want is the debut album by American R&B singer Ray J.-Track listing:# "Feel the Funk I..." # "Let It Go"# "Everything You Want"# "Good Thangs"# "The Promise"# "Changes"# "That's Why I Lie"# "Thank You"# "Let It Go "...
(1997) - This Ain't a GameThis Ain't A Game-Chart positions:...
(2001) - RaydiationRaydiation-Release history:-Chart positions:...
(2005) - All I FeelAll I Feel- Chart positions :...
(2008) - Raydiation 2Raydiation 2Raydiation 2 is the upcoming fifth studio album by American R&B recording artist Ray J, set to be released in 2012. It is the fourth album by Ray J to feature production from Darkchild.- Singles :...
(2011)
Soundtrack albums
- For the Love of Ray JFor the Love of Ray J (album)-Chart positions:...
(2009)
Film
- Once Upon a Time... When We Were Colored (1996)
- Mars Attacks!Mars Attacks!Mars Attacks! is a 1996 American science fiction film directed by Tim Burton and based on the cult trading card series of the same name. The film uses elements of black comedy, surreal humour, and political satire, and claims to be also a parody of multiple science fiction B movies...
(1996) - SteelSteel (film)Steel is a 1997 American superhero film based on the DC Comics character John Henry Irons, who first appeared in 1993 during the Reign of the Supermen! storyline in the Superman comic book titles. The film stars Shaquille O'Neal as Irons and his alter ego Steel, Annabeth Gish as his wheelchair...
(1997) - Christmas at Water's EdgeChristmas at Water's EdgeChristmas at Water's Edge is a film about a wealthy collegian and an angel-in-training who work together to organize a holiday concert for a youth center.-External links:* Christmas at Water's Edge:...
(2003) - EnvyEnvyEnvy is best defined as a resentful emotion that "occurs when a person lacks another's superior quality, achievement, or possession and either desires it or wishes that the other lacked it."...
(2008) - A Day in the LifeA Day in the Life (film)A Day in the Life is a 2009 American musical crime film, written, directed by and starring Sticky Fingaz. The film co-stars Mekhi Phifer, Fredro Starr, Bokeem Woodbine and Omar Epps. The film centers on one day in the life of Stick, a gang leader, as he attempts to retire from a life of crime. A...
(2009)
Television
- Black SashBlack Sash (TV series)Black Sash is an American action adventure drama television series starring Russell Wong. It ran from March 30, 2003, to June 1, 2003. Including pilots, a total of eight episodes were made, however only six episodes were aired on The WB.-Plot:...
- BET Countdown
- All ThatAll ThatAll That is an American live-action, sketch comedy-variety show that aired on the Nickelodeon cable television network featuring short comedic sketches and weekly musical guests. The theme song for All That was performed by TLC...
, guest singer - Wild N Out
- Television Ads (1989–1993)
- The Sinbad ShowThe Sinbad ShowThe Sinbad Show is an American sitcom starring comedian Sinbad that premiered on September 16, 1993 on Fox. The show's main plot is about a bachelor taking in two orphaned children. Chuck Brown performed this sitcom's theme music...
(1993–1994) - MoeshaMoeshaMoesha is an American sitcom series that aired on the UPN network from January 23, 1996 to May 14, 2001. The series stars R&B singer Brandy Norwood as Moesha Mitchell, a high school student living with her family in the Leimert Park neighborhood of South Central Los Angeles.-Overview:The show...
(1999–2001) - One on OneOne on One (TV series)One on One is an American sitcom that aired on the now-defunct UPN from its September 3, 2001 premiere until May 15, 2006. The series stars Flex Alexander as a single sportscaster, who becomes a full-time dad when his ex-wife decides to accept a job out of the country and his teenage daughter...
(2005–2006) - For the Love of Ray JFor the Love of Ray JFor the Love of Ray J is a dating show on VH1 featuring hip hop singer Ray J. The program has a format similar to Flavor of Love, I Love New York, and Rock of Love. One source notes that it "will be produced by the same geniuses" as those shows, 51 Minds...
(2009–2010) - Brandy and Ray J: A Family BusinessBrandy and Ray J: A Family BusinessBrandy and Ray J: A Family Business is an American reality series airing on VH1, and starring Brandy and her younger brother Ray J. The series premiered on April 11, 2010.- Overview :...
(2010–present)