History of Ray J in Timeline
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.
January 17, 1981: Ray J's Birth
On January 17, 1981, William Ray Norwood Jr., known professionally as Ray J, was born in McComb, Mississippi to Willie Norwood and Sonja Bates-Norwood. He is the younger brother of singer and actress Brandy.
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.
2003: Filming of Kim Kardashian, Superstar
In 2003, Ray J filmed the pornographic home video, Kim Kardashian, Superstar, with Kim Kardashian.
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.
February 2007: Release of Kim Kardashian, Superstar
In February 2007, the pornographic home video Ray J made with Kim Kardashian in 2003, Kim Kardashian, Superstar, was made public.
April 2007: Settlement of Kim Kardashian, Superstar Lawsuit
In late April 2007, Kim Kardashian dropped her lawsuit regarding ownership of the Kim Kardashian, Superstar tape and settled with Vivid Entertainment for $5 million.
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.
February 11, 2012: Whitney Houston's Death
On February 11, 2012, Whitney Houston died of accidental drowning. Ray J was in San Diego at the time of her death and went to the Beverly Hilton, where he was angered by a disrespectful comment made by an officer, leading him to force entry into Houston's suite.
February 17, 2012: Ray J Breaks Silence on Whitney Houston's Death
On February 17, 2012, Ray J publicly addressed Whitney Houston's death, stating that the "world had lost an icon" and he had lost a "close friend."
May 21, 2012: Ray J Hospitalized
On May 21, 2012, Ray J was found unable to get out of bed in his hotel room and was rushed to a hospital by ambulance.
August 1, 2012: Ray J Attends Panel at Beverly Hilton
On August 1, 2012, Ray J attended a panel at the Beverly Hilton for the 2012 Summer Television Critics Association tour. It marked his first return to the hotel since Whitney Houston's death.
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.
May 2014: Kim Kardashian and Kanye West's Wedding, Ray J Sends Gift
In May 2014, Kim Kardashian and Kanye West married. Ray J reportedly sent a check totaling his profits from the sex tape as a wedding gift.
May 30, 2014: Arrest at Beverly Wilshire Hotel
On May 30, 2014, at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel, Ray J was accused of inappropriately touching a woman. He was asked to leave and allegedly became belligerent, spitting at an officer and damaging a police car during his arrest. Charges included vandalism, resisting arrest, and battery against a police officer. He posted $20,000 bail.
July 21, 2014: Charges Filed
On July 21, 2014, the Los Angeles County district attorney filed charges against Ray J following his arrest at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. A police spokesman announced that his initial hearing would take place on July 25.
July 22, 2014: Criminal Charges
On July 22, 2014, prosecutors announced that Ray J's arrest had resulted in four criminal charges: sexual battery, vandalism of a police car, battery against a police officer, and resisting arrest. The claim included that he willfully touched a woman's "intimate part" for sexual purposes.
August 5, 2014: Release of "ATM"
On August 5, 2014, Ray J released "ATM" as a single, featuring Migos.
August 6, 2014: Police Stop and Investigation
On August 6, 2014, Ray J was stopped by police officers in the San Fernando Valley for allegedly using his cell phone while driving. Ray J claimed he was connecting his Bluetooth. After the incident, the LAPD began an internal affairs investigation into the encounter with the two officers.
August 2016: Marriage to Princess Love
In August 2016, Ray J married Princess Love at Los Angeles' Cathedral of Saint Vibiana.
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.
January 2017: Appearance on Celebrity Big Brother
In January 2017, Ray J participated in the nineteenth season of the British reality television series Celebrity Big Brother.
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.
May 22, 2018: Birth of Daughter Melody Love
On May 22, 2018, Ray J and Princess Love's daughter, Melody Love, was born.
January 7, 2020: Birth of Son Epik Ray
On January 7, 2020, Ray J and Princess Love's son, Epik Ray, was born.
March 15, 2020: Appearance on The Conversation
On March 15, 2020, Ray J and Princess Love participated in The Conversation on Zeus Network.
May 2020: Princess Love Files for Divorce
In May 2020, Princess Love filed for divorce from Ray J.
January 2022: Meeting with Donald Trump at Mar-A-Lago
In January 2022, Ray J visited Donald Trump at his Mar-A-Lago residence to discuss job creation, small business development, and the role of information technology in the future economy. Ray J expressed admiration for Trump's business acumen and hinted at his support.
November 27, 2025: Arrest for Criminal Threat
On November 27, 2025, Ray J was arrested and booked in a Los Angeles-area jail after allegedly making a criminal threat to his estranged wife in his home. The argument was captured on his public livestream. He was released on a $50,000 bail.
January 28, 2026: Diagnosis of Severe Heart Failure
On January 28, 2026, Ray J revealed on social media that he was suffering from severe heart failure due to heavy binge drinking and drug abuse (such as Adderall). He was diagnosed after being hospitalized for pneumonia and was not expecting to live more than a year. He also stated that Brandy was paying for his medical treatment.
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