Ray J

Guide Note

Ray J is an actor, singer-songwriter, record producer and rap artist. He comes from a family of artist, his sister is R&B; artist Brandy and he is the son of gospel singer, Willie Norwood.

At the age of eight, Ray J began conducting commercial auditions and scoring several gigs in the acting industry. He had caught the attention of comedian Sinbad who was currently casting a part for a child on his self-titled television show, The Sinbad Show. Ray won the part and portrayed L.J., the thirteen year old step son of David Bryan (Sinbad). The show was cancelled in 1994. He then received minor roles in movies such as, Steel and Mars Attacks!. After appearing with his sister on a television special, he landed a role on the UPN television show, Moesha between 1999 and 2001. His sister Brandy portrayed Moesha.

In 1995 he signed with Elektra and recorded his debut album Everything You Want. He was later dropped by his label and Atlantic Records released his debut album, Everything You Want, in 1997. After the television show, Moesha, was cancelled in 2001, Ray J was picked up by Atlantic Records and released his second studio album, This Ain't a Game which was not well received.

His third album, Raydiation, was released on September 27, 2005 with support of producers as Rodney Jerkins, Timbaland and R. Kelly. The album was produced by Sanctuary Records and Ray's own label, Knockout Entertainment. It was number forty-eight on the Billboard 200 chart and sold 18, 321 copies in the first week. The single "One Wish" reached the top 20 in Ireland, New Zealand, United Kingdom and United States.

In April of 2008, he released his fourth album All I Feel. The album's first single is '"Sexy Can I" featuring rapper Yung Berg. the album featured several well known artist such as Snoop Dogg, Lil Wayne and The Game.

Fast Facts

1. Birth Name: William Ray Norwood, Jr.
2. Born: January 17, 1981
3. Birthplace: McComb, California
4. Years Active: 1997-Present
5. Record Label: Koch Records
6. He appeared in a sex tape with Kim Kardashian.
7. He is brother of R&B; singer Brandy and son of gospel singer Willie Norwood.
8. Ray joined the cast of One on One.
9. Discography

1. "I'm a bad boy at times. But on the Ray J Day, since it's unity and it's everybody and it's kids and parents and all, we're gonna keep it real clean, we're gonna keep it real positive."—Ray J, BBC.co.uk
2. "It put me out there more, whether it hurt or helped. People know I'm wild and crazy and they respect that. But whether it hurt or helped, it just put me out there. I was on Tyra!"—Ray J, BadNews