Ray J: The Multitalented Star You Need To Know

How Much Is Ray J Worth?

Let me tell you about Ray J, whose real name is William Norwood Jr. This guy is a force to be reckoned with. With a net worth of $14 million, Ray J isn’t just any ordinary entertainer. He’s an actor, music producer, and rapper who’s made a name for himself in multiple industries. Ray started his career as an actor, landing roles in commercials and even starring in "The Sinbad Show" in the early '90s. Now, Ray is the younger brother of the legendary Brandy, and it was only natural for him to transition into the music scene. He inked a deal with Elektra Records back in 1995, releasing his first album, which, while not a massive hit, set the stage for what was to come. Even after being dropped from the label, Ray kept hustling, eventually returning to both acting and music, proving his resilience and adaptability.

But here’s where things got interesting. In 2007, Ray J wasn’t just known for his music or acting chops. Nope, he became a household name for an entirely different reason—his infamous sex tape with Kim Kardashian. Now, this tape wasn’t just some random scandal; it turned Ray into a hot commodity in the entertainment world. He signed with Shaquille O'Neal's label in 2007 and released a successful album the following year. From there, Ray continued to build his brand, starring in reality shows featuring his family, including "For the Love of Ray J" and "Brandy and Ray J: A Family Business." Ray J has definitely had a journey filled with twists and turns.

Ray J's Beginnings

Ray J, born William Ray Norwood Jr., came into this world on January 17, 1981, in McComb, Mississippi. Raised in sunny California by his parents, Willie and Sonja Bates-Norwood, Ray grew up surrounded by talent. He’s the younger brother of the multi-platinum singer Brandy and the cousin of the iconic Snoop Dogg. Imagine growing up in that kind of environment! Ray’s family has always been a big part of his life, influencing his career choices and providing a strong support system.

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Ray J's Acting Journey

Ray J’s career began in the world of acting, where he quickly made a name for himself. Back in 1989, he started appearing in various TV commercials, which eventually led to more substantial roles. He landed the role of a foster son in "The Sinbad Show" from 1993 to 1994, showcasing his acting skills to a wider audience. Ray also starred in his sister Brandy’s hit show "Moesha," appearing for two seasons, and later joined the cast of "One on One." He even dabbled in movies, with roles in "Mars Attacks!," "Steel," and "Envy." In 2005, Ray continued his acting streak with UPN's "One-On-One." But Ray didn’t stop there. In 2009, he ventured into reality TV with "For the Love of Ray J," a dating show on VH1 that ran for two seasons and spawned a spin-off, "Brandy and Ray J: A Family Business." Ray J also made waves in the UK version of "Celebrity Big Brother," although he famously walked off the set after just a week. More recently, Ray has appeared in projects like "Good Looking Out," "VH1 Family Reunion: Love & Hip Hop Edition," and "Love & Hip Hop: Secrets Unlocked," proving that his star power hasn’t dimmed.

Ray J's Music Empire

Now, let’s talk about Ray J’s music career. In 1995, Ray signed with Elektra Records and began recording his debut album, "Everything You Want." This album dropped in March 1997 with the lead single "Let It Go" (not the Disney version, though!). The single was featured on the soundtrack for the film "Set It Off" and climbed to #25 on the U.S. R&B chart. Unfortunately, Ray was dropped from the label in 1997, but he didn’t let that stop him. The next year, he appeared on the "Dr. Doolittle" soundtrack with his original single "That's Why I Lie." Ray also produced music for Mattel and contributed tunes to several commercials, keeping his creative juices flowing.

Ray J teamed up with his sister Brandy for "Another Day in Paradise," which became a top ten hit in several countries, including the UK, Austria, Germany, and beyond. His second album, "This Ain't a Game," was released in June 2001, with the lead single "Wait a Minute" peaking at #30 on the U.S. chart. In 2004, Ray founded his own label, Knockout Entertainment, which has launched music for artists like Brandy, Shorty Mack, and Ray J himself. He’s collaborated with some of the biggest names in the industry, including R. Kelly, Timbaland, Lil Kim, and The Neptunes. His third studio album, "Raydiation," hit shelves in September 2005 and debuted at #48 on the "Billboard" 200 chart. The lead single, "One Wish," was a top 20 hit in multiple countries and sold 400,000 copies domestically. Ray’s fourth album, "All I Feel," featuring The Game and Yung Berg, was released in April 2008, with its lead single "Sexy Can I" peaking at #3 on the Top Singles Hot 100 for six weeks. The music video, directed by R. Malcolm Jones, was filmed in December 2007. Ray J kept the momentum going with the release of "Raydemption" in 2022.

Beyond Music and Acting

Ray J isn’t just about music and acting; he’s a true entrepreneur with a knack for innovation. He founded Raytroniks, a line of consumer electronics that includes e-bikes, smartphone-controlled fans, and smartwatches. Ray implemented a viral marketing strategy for the Scoot E-Bike, securing product placements through celebs like his cousin Snoop, Chris Brown, Sean Puffy Combs, Justin Bieber, and even support from sports teams like the LA Clippers and the Los Angeles Rams. In November 2017, Ray J and Cowboy Wholesale struck a multi-million dollar deal to expand the Scoot E-Bike line, incorporating Bluetooth audio and drones into the mix. Ray plays an active role in the partnership as the Chief Strategy Officer, overseeing marketing and global branding. He also co-founded the direct-to-consumer electronics brand Raycon in November 2017, where he oversees brand and strategy for the earbud and headphone company.

The Kim Kardashian Tape Saga

Now, we can’t talk about Ray J without mentioning the infamous sex tape he made with Kim Kardashian in 2003. In February 2007, this homemade video hit the public, and according to Steve Hirsch, the President of Vivid Entertainment, Ray J earns a cool $90,000 every three months in royalties. That’s $360,000 a year, which is impressive considering the tape is nearly two decades old. Whenever Kim is in the news, Ray’s royalties can spike to as much as $50,000 per week. Back in 2007, Kim herself received a one-time $5 million lump sum settlement for her role in the tape after filing a lawsuit.

Ray J's Cannabis Venture

Ray J isn’t stopping there. In June 2019, he launched his own line of marijuana called William Ray LA, reportedly investing $5 million of his own money into the business. Just two months later, Ray announced he’d signed on as the chief strategic media officer for MarijuanaStock.org, a position that pays him $1 million per year. Talk about diversifying your portfolio!

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Ray J's Personal Life

Ray J had a close friendship with the late Whitney Houston during the last few years of her life. While there was speculation about a romantic relationship, Ray has always insisted they were just friends. When Whitney passed away on February 11, 2012, Ray was devastated. He rushed to the Beverly Hilton, where she died, and reportedly became upset when he heard a police officer make a disrespectful comment about her. Ray tried to force entry into the hotel and was restrained. His sister Brandy described Ray as distraught and depressed during this time. In May 2012, Ray was hospitalized after being found unable to get out of bed in his hotel room. The day before, he had a confrontation at the 2012 Billboard Music Awards when Whitney’s sister-in-law called security on him for sitting next to Whitney’s daughter, Bobbi Kristina Brown.

On a more positive note, Ray married fashion designer Princess Love in Los Angeles in August 2016. Their first daughter was born in May 2018, followed by their son in January 2020. However, in May 2020, Love filed for divorce. But love stories often have twists, and in January 2023, Ray revealed he got his "wife back" in a heartfelt birthday post.