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 presenter, and actor. He's recognized for his music career, television appearances, and being the younger brother of singer Brandy. He has released multiple albums and singles and has also been involved in various business ventures.
1989: Early Television Appearances
In 1989, at the age of eight, William Ray Norwood Jr. began auditioning for and appearing in television commercials.
1993: Role in The Sinbad Show
From 1993 to 1994, Ray J played the role of the foster son in The Sinbad Show.
1994: Continued Role in The Sinbad Show
In 1994, Ray J continued his role as the foster son in The Sinbad Show.
1995: Signing with Elektra Records and Recording Debut Album
In 1995, Ray J signed with Elektra Records and began recording his debut album, Everything You Want.
March 1997: Release of "Everything You Want" Album
In March 1997, Ray J released his debut album "Everything You Want", which spawned the lead single "Let It Go", featured on the Set It Off soundtrack.
1997: Debut Single and Album Release
In 1997, Ray J released his debut single "Let It Go" on EastWest Records for the Set It Off soundtrack. The song was a moderate hit, peaking in the top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100. Also in 1997, he released his debut album, Everything You Want, which entered the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.
1998: Appearance on Dr. Dolittle Soundtrack
In 1998, Ray J appeared on the Dr. Dolittle soundtrack with the single "That's Why I Lie".
1999: Role in Moesha
From 1999 until 2001, Ray J played the role of Dorian "D-Money" in 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. The album's lead single, "Wait a Minute," peaked at #30 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart.
2001: End of Moesha Role
In 2001, Ray J's role as Dorian "D-Money" in the UPN series Moesha came to an end.
2002: Signing with Atlantic Records and Second Album Release
In 2002, Ray J signed with Atlantic Records and released his second album, This Ain't a Game. The album's lead single, "Wait a Minute" featuring Lil' Kim, became his second top 40 single.
September 27, 2005: Release of Raydiation Album
On September 27, 2005, Ray J's third studio album, Raydiation, was released in North America through Sanctuary Records and Knockout Entertainment. The album debuted at number forty-eight on the Billboard 200 chart.
2005: Joining the Cast of One on One
In 2005, Ray J joined the cast of UPN's One on One, playing the character D-Mack during the final season.
2005: Release of "One Wish" and Raydiation Album
In 2005, Ray J released the single "One Wish", which peaked at number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100. This single preceded his third album, Raydiation, which was released in the same year.
December 2007: Filming of "Sexy Can I" Video
In December 2007, Ray J filmed the video for his song "Sexy Can I" featuring Yung Berg, directed by R. Malcolm Jones.
2007: Co-starring in Kim Kardashian, Superstar
In 2007, Ray J co-starred with Kim Kardashian in the controversial adult film, Kim Kardashian, Superstar.
April 1, 2008: Release of All I Feel Album
On April 1, 2008, Ray J's fourth album All I Feel was released, featuring The Game and Yung Berg.
2008: Release of All I Feel Album and "Sexy Can I"
In 2008, Ray J released his fourth album, All I Feel, which peaked at number seven on the Billboard 200. The album spawned the single "Sexy Can I" (featuring Yung Berg), which became his highest-charting song, peaking at number three on the Billboard Hot 100.
February 2, 2009: Premiere of For the Love of Ray J
On February 2, 2009, Ray J's VH1 reality dating show, For the Love of Ray J, premiered.
March 24, 2009: Release of For the Love of Ray J Soundtrack
On March 24, 2009, Ray J released the soundtrack/studio album called For the Love of Ray J.
November 2, 2009: Premiere of For the Love of Ray J Season Two
On November 2, 2009, the second season of Ray J's reality show, For the Love of Ray J, premiered.
April 2010: Premiere of Brandy & Ray J: A Family Business
In April 2010, Ray J and his sister Brandy premiered the VH1 reality series Brandy & Ray J: A Family Business.
June 19, 2011: Release of A Family Business Album
On June 19, 2011, Ray J, Brandy, and Willie Norwood Sr. released A Family Business, a soundtrack to their reality TV show, Brandy & Ray J: A Family Business.
September 17, 2011: Altercation with Fabolous
On September 17, 2011, Ray J confronted Fabolous in Las Vegas, allegedly punching him due to offense taken from tweets about Ray J playing his song "One Wish" on a piano at Floyd Mayweather Jr.'s house. Ray J was arrested following the incident. Celebrities including 50 Cent, Mayweather, and Kevin Hart were present.
April 6, 2013: Release of "I Hit It First"
On April 6, 2013, Ray J released the track "I Hit It First" with Bobby Brackins. The song generated controversy due to its alleged lyrics about Kim Kardashian and Kanye West.
2013: Release of "I Hit It First"
In 2013, Ray J independently released the single "I Hit It First" (featuring Bobby Brackins), which peaked at number 51 on the chart. The song garnered attention due to its references to his past relationship with Kim Kardashian.
August 5, 2014: Release of "ATM"
On August 5, 2014, Ray J released "ATM" as a single, featuring Migos.
2016: Launch of Raytroniks
In 2016, Ray J launched the technology company Raytroniks.
January 3, 2017: Ray J Joins Celebrity Big Brother
On January 3, 2017, Ray J joined season 19 of Celebrity Big Brother as a "new star" housemate. He later walked off the show after a week and threatened legal action.
November 2017: Co-founding Raycon
In November 2017, Ray J co-founded Raycon, a direct-to-consumer electronics brand selling wireless audio products such as earbuds and headphones.
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