Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Ray J

Discover the career path of Ray J, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Ray J, born William Ray Norwood Jr., is an American R&B singer, songwriter, television personality, and actor. He gained initial recognition in the entertainment industry as the younger brother of singer Brandy. His career encompasses music, television appearances, and acting roles, establishing him as a recognizable figure in popular culture.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

1989: Appearing in television commercials

In 1989, at the age of eight, Ray J began auditioning for and appearing in television commercials.

1993: The Sinbad Show Role

From 1993 to 1994, Ray J played the foster son in The Sinbad Show.

1994: The Sinbad Show Role

From 1993 to 1994, Ray J played the foster son in The Sinbad Show.

1995: Signed to Elektra Records

In 1995, Ray J signed to Elektra Records and began recording his debut album Everything You Want.

March 1997: Debut Album Release

In March 1997, Ray J's debut album, Everything You Want, was released, featuring the single "Let It Go".

1997: Debut Single and Album Release

In 1997, Ray J released his debut single "Let It Go" for the soundtrack of the movie Set It Off. The song became a moderate hit. His debut album, Everything You Want, was also released in 1997.

1998: Dr. Dolittle Soundtrack

In 1998, Ray J appeared on the Dr. Dolittle soundtrack with the single "That's Why I Lie".

1999: Moesha Role

From 1999 until 2001, Ray J played Dorian "D-Money" on the UPN series Moesha.

June 26, 2001: Release of 'This Ain't a Game' Album

On June 26, 2001, Ray J released his second studio album, This Ain't a Game, with Atlantic Records, which featured the single "Wait a Minute".

2001: Moesha Role

From 1999 until 2001, Ray J played Dorian "D-Money" on the UPN series Moesha.

2002: Signing with Atlantic Records

In 2002, Ray J signed with Atlantic Records and released his second album, This Ain't a Game, which featured the single "Wait a Minute" with Lil' Kim.

September 27, 2005: Raydiation Album Release

On September 27, 2005, Ray J released his third studio album, Raydiation, through Sanctuary Records and his own label, Knockout Entertainment.

2005: One on One Role

In 2005, Ray J joined the cast of UPN's One on One for the final season, playing the character D-Mack, who was related to Brandy's character.

2005: "One Wish" Release and Raydiation Album

In 2005, Ray J released the single "One Wish", which preceded his third album, Raydiation, released that same year. While "One Wish" was a success, the album didn't perform as well as expected.

December 2007: "Sexy Can I" Music Video Shoot

In December 2007, Ray J filmed the music video for his single "Sexy Can I," which features rapper Yung Berg.

2007: Co-stars in adult film

In 2007, Ray J co-starred in the adult film, Kim Kardashian, Superstar, with Kim Kardashian.

April 1, 2008: All I Feel Album Release

On April 1, 2008, Ray J's fourth album, All I Feel, was released, featuring The Game and Yung Berg.

2008: All I Feel Album Release

In 2008, Ray J released his fourth album, All I Feel, which achieved commercial success and featured his highest-charting single, "Sexy Can I" with Yung Berg.

February 2, 2009: For the Love of Ray J Premiere

On February 2, 2009, Ray J's VH1 reality dating show, For the Love of Ray J, premiered.

March 24, 2009: For the Love of Ray J Soundtrack Release

On March 24, 2009, Ray J released the soundtrack/studio album called For the Love of Ray J.

November 2, 2009: For the Love of Ray J Season 2 Premiere

On November 2, 2009, the second season of Ray J's show, For the Love of Ray J, premiered.

April 2010: Brandy & Ray J: A Family Business Premiere

In April 2010, Ray J and his sister Brandy Norwood premiered the VH1 reality series Brandy & Ray J: A Family Business.

June 19, 2011: A Family Business Soundtrack Release

On June 19, 2011, Ray J, along with his sister Brandy and his father Willie Norwood Sr., released A Family Business, a soundtrack to their reality TV show, Brandy & Ray J: A Family Business.