History of Ray J in Timeline

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

January 17, 1981: William Ray Norwood Jr. Born

On January 17, 1981, William Ray Norwood Jr., known professionally as Ray J, was born in McComb, Mississippi. He is the younger brother of singer and actress Brandy.

Others born on this day/year

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.

2003: Sex Tape Recording

In 2003, Ray J made a sex tape with then-girlfriend Kim Kardashian.

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.

February 2007: Release of Sex Tape

In February 2007, a sex tape featuring Ray J and Kim Kardashian, recorded in 2003 and titled Kim Kardashian, Superstar, was made public, leading to legal action by Kardashian.

April 2007: Settlement of Sex Tape Lawsuit

In late April 2007, Kim Kardashian dropped her lawsuit regarding the sex tape and settled with Vivid Entertainment for $5 million.

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.

September 17, 2011: Ray J Confronts Fabolous

On September 17, 2011, Ray J confronted Fabolous in Las Vegas regarding tweets about Ray J playing "One Wish" on a piano at Floyd Mayweather Jr.'s house, resulting in an altercation and Ray J's arrest. In subsequent years, Ray J took responsibility for his actions and expressed remorse.

February 11, 2012: Whitney Houston's Death

On February 11, 2012, Whitney Houston died. Ray J was present at the Beverly Hilton and was distraught upon hearing disrespectful comments from an officer.

February 17, 2012: Ray J Breaks Silence on Houston's Death

On February 17, 2012, Ray J publicly addressed the death of Whitney Houston, stating that he had lost a close friend.

May 21, 2012: Ray J Hospitalized

On May 21, 2012, Ray J was found in his hotel room unable to get out of bed and was taken to a hospital by ambulance.

August 1, 2012: Return to Beverly Hilton

On August 1, 2012, Ray J visited the Beverly Hilton for the first time since Whitney Houston's death for a TVOne panel during the 2012 Summer Television Critics Association tour.

April 6, 2013: "I Hit It First" Release

On April 6, 2013, Ray J released the track "I Hit It First" with Bobby Brackins, sparking controversy.

2013: "I Hit It First" Single Release

In 2013, Ray J released the single "I Hit It First", which caused controversy because it discomfited his previous affair with Kim Kardashian.

May 2014: Kardashian-West Wedding

In May 2014, Kim Kardashian and Kanye West married. Ray J was reported to have sent a check that totaled his profits off of the sex tape that year as a wedding gift.

May 30, 2014: Ray J accused of inappropriate touching and arrested

On May 30, 2014, Ray J was accused of inappropriately touching a woman at a bar in the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. Police were called and after an argument with hotel staff, Ray J was arrested for vandalism, resisting arrest, and battery against a police officer. He was later released on $20,000 bail.

July 21, 2014: Charges filed against Ray J

On July 21, 2014, the Los Angeles County district attorney filed charges against Ray J related to his arrest in May. His initial hearing was scheduled for July 25.

July 22, 2014: Ray J faces four criminal charges

On July 22, 2014, prosecutors announced that Ray J faced four criminal charges, including sexual battery, vandalism of a police car, battery against a police officer, and resisting arrest. The charges stemmed from an incident at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. He pleaded not guilty on August 19.

August 5, 2014: "ATM" Single Release

On August 5, 2014, Ray J released "ATM" as a single, featuring Migos.

August 6, 2014: Ray J stopped by police, internal affairs investigation begins

On August 6, 2014, Ray J was stopped by police officers in the San Fernando Valley for allegedly using his cell phone while driving. After the stop, the LAPD began an internal affairs investigation into the encounter with the two officers.