FriJan 17

Ray J

William Ray Norwood Jr., a.k.a Ray J., was born on January 17, 1981, and is a recognized name in Hollywood entertainment. Also known as Brandy’s brother, the multi-talented star started his career as far back as 1995 after he signed with Elektra Records. He has attained massive success with several albums, tracks, merchandise, and shows under his belt. Although he’s had several publicized controversies, they only seemed to increase his fame. His talent is undeniable, and his drive is commendable. This is why we’re celebrating his special day right here!

Fast Facts

Full Name:

William Ray Norwood Jr.

Nickname:

Ray J.

Birth date:

January 17, 1981

Age:

43

Zodiac Sign:

Capricorn

Height:

5' 7"

Relationship Status:

Married

Net Worth:

$14 million

William's Social Media:

Background

William Ray Norwood Jr., a.k.a. Ray J., was born on January 17, 1981, to Willie and Sonja Norwood in McComb, Mississippi. His career started at quite a young age, as he was a child actor first before becoming a celebrated artist. When he was just a boy, he moved to Los Angeles, California, with his family. The Norwoods lived a reasonably normal life before stardom. The proximity to Hollywood ignited his passion for performance arts. In 1989, he booked his first commercial at eight years old, after multiple auditions. When his sister, Brandy, starred in the T.V. show “Moesha,” he was given the role of Dorian, a.k.a. D-Money, whom he played from 1999 to 2001.

He took an interest in music and introduced his performing alter-ego, Ray J., to the world with his debut album “Everything You Want” in 1995, after he signed with Elektra Records. After this, he released a few more songs despite being dropped from the label. His second album dropped in 2001, with his third, “Raydiation,” being released in 2005. Things took a different turn for him after a pornographic video of him and former girlfriend Kim Kadarshian was released in February 2007. However, he got back in the studio and released his fourth album, “All I Feel,” in April 2008. There was no backing down, and at the beginning of 2009, he started his reality dating show, “For the Love of Ray J.” A year later, the artist premiered a reality series with his superstar sister Brandy called “Brandy and Ray J: A Family Business.”

From music to music and reality T.V., Ray J. has done it all. In 2016 he got married to his “Love & Hip Hop Hollywood” co-star, Princess Love, and they have two beautiful kids together. However, in May 2020, Love filed for divorce.

Career timeline

1989
He Books His First Commercial

He books his first T.V. commercial at age eight after months of auditions.

1999
A Role in “Moesha”

Ray J. gets a role as D-Money, which he plays until the show ends in 2001.

2005
His Third Studio Album

On September 27, he releases “Raydiation,” and its lead single, ‘One Wish’ peaks on the charts.

2010
He’s Part of a New Show

“Brandy and Ray J: A Family Business” debuts in April.

2017
He Co-founds Raycon Inc.

In November, he establishes Raycon Inc., a consumer electronics brand.

Why We Love Ray J

  1. He’s driven

    Ray J. is a bonafide hustler. The artist focused on expanding his success from hot tracks to T.V. shows, electronics, and so much more.

  2. He’s successful

    From ‘One Wish’ to ‘Love and Hip Hop Hollywood,’ his talent precedes him. His many successful ventures prove this fact.

  3. He’s risen above every controversy

    He has stayed afloat during each of his controversies. He uses it to his advantage.

5 Surprising Facts

  1. He sent a check to Kim Kardashian

    When she married Kanye in 2014, he sent a cheque of his profits from their pornographic video as a wedding gift.

  2. He dated Whitney Houston

    Before her death, he and Houston were close, and he was very distraught when she passed — reports claim he was her last boyfriend.

  3. Success at a young age

    When he was only 15, his song ‘Let It Go’ peaked at number 25 in the U.S.

  4. He’s filed for divorce three times

    He has filed for divorce from Princess Love three times, but somehow they’ve remained together.

  5. He loves ice cream

    He loves a trip to the ice cream store now and then; it’s his favorite comfort food.

Ray J FAQs

Is Ray J.. related to Snoop Dogg?

Yes, the rapper Ray J. is first cousins with Snoop.

Is Ray J. rich?

Ray J. is an actor, singer, and businessman with several T.V. and movie appearances so, yes, he’s rich.

Does Ray J. have kids?

Yes, the rapper has two kids, Epik and Melody.

Ray J’s birthday dates

Year Date Day
2025 January 17 Friday
2026 January 17 Saturday
2027 January 17 Sunday
2028 January 17 Monday
2029 January 17 Wednesday