Ray J Net Worth (Money & Salary)

What Is Ray J’s Net Worth?

Ray J, an actor, music producer, and rapper, boasts a net worth of $14 million. Known as William Norwood, Jr., he commenced his performance journey as an actor, featuring in commercials before securing a recurring role on “The Sinbad Show” during the early ’90s. Being the younger sibling of the multi-platinum artist Brandy, it was inevitable for him to channel some of his passion into music. In 1995, he signed with Elektra Records and released his debut album. While it achieved moderate success, he was released from the label by 1997. Shifting his attention back to acting, he had a role in his sister’s series, “Moesha,” for three seasons. He re-entered the music world with albums in 2001 and 2005 and returned to acting in 2005, featuring in a single season of “One on One.”

In 2007, Ray J catapulted to fame, although not through his music or acting. Instead, a sex tape with then-girlfriend Kim Kardashian brought him into the spotlight. The tape’s release and the ensuing consequences made him a sought-after figure. In the same year, he signed with Shaquille O’Neal’s label and produced a successful album in 2008. 2009 marked the beginning of his appearance in various reality shows, showcasing members of the Norwood family.

Early Life

William Ray Norwood, Jr., known as Ray J, was born on January 17, 1981, in McComb, Mississippi. His upbringing took place in California under the care of his parents, Willie and Sonja Bates-Norwood. He is the younger brother of the acclaimed singer Brandy and a cousin to the rapper Snoop Dogg.

Acting Career

Ray J launched his acting career in 1989 by appearing in various television commercials. He secured the role of the foster son on “The Sinbad Show,” which ran from 1993 to 1994. In addition, he acted in his sister Brandy’s series, “Moesha,” for two years along with appearances in “One on One.” His film credits include roles in “Mars Attacks!,” “Steel,” and “Envy.” In 2005, Norwood featured in UPN’s “One-On-One.” He returned to the reality television scene in 2009 with “For the Love of Ray J,” a dating show on VH1 that stretched for two seasons. This series paved the way for a spin-off called “Brandy and Ray J: A Family Business,” which debuted in April 2010. Although he was part of the UK “Celebrity Big Brother” cast, he exited after just one week. Most recently, he has been seen in 2021’s “Good Looking Out,” “VH1 Family Reunion: Love & Hip Hop Edition,” and “Love & Hip Hop: Secrets Unlocked,” as well as 2022’s “College Hill: Celebrity Edition.”

Music Career

Ray J signed with Elektra Records in 1995 and began crafting his debut album titled “Everything You Want.” This album hit the shelves in March 1997, featuring the lead single “Let It Go” (not to be confused with the one you might be thinking of!). The single also made its way onto the soundtrack of the film “Set It Off,” reaching #25 on the U.S. R&B chart. The second single achieved a peak position at #54. Unfortunately, Ray J was dropped from the label in 1997. The following year, he contributed to the “Dr. Doolittle” soundtrack with his original track “That’s Why I Lie.” He ventured into production as well, creating tunes for Mattel and scoring music for various commercials.

Collaborating with his sister Brandy, Ray J produced “Another Day in Paradise,” which emerged as a top ten hit in countries including the UK, Austria, Germany, Sweden, Switzerland, Belgium, Norway, Ireland, and the Netherlands. His second album, “This Ain’t a Game,” was released in June 2001, with the lead single “Wait a Minute” climbing to #30 on the U.S. chart.

After a hiatus of two years, Ray J established his own record label, Knockout Entertainment, in 2004, which has since released music for several artists.such as Brandy, Shorty Mack, and Ray J himself. Alongside other prominent producers and recording artists like R. Kelly, Timbaland, Lil Kim, and The Neptunes, he has gained significant recognition. During this period, he completed his third studio album, “Raydiation,” which hit the stores in September 2005, achieving a debut at #48 on the “Billboard” 200 chart. The album’s lead single, “One Wish,” turned into a top 20 success in the US, UK, Ireland, and New Zealand, with domestic sales reaching 400,000 copies. Following this, Ray’s fourth album, “All I Feel,” featuring The Game and Yung Berg on the first single, “Sexy Can I,” was launched on April 1, 2008. This single impressively peaked at #3 on the Top Singles Hot 100, maintaining that position for six consecutive weeks. A music video for the single, directed by R. Malcolm Jones, was filmed in December 2007. In 2022, Ray J introduced “Raydemption.”

Other Pursuits

As the founder of Raytroniks, Ray J has launched a consumer electronics line that includes e-bikes, smartphone-controlled fans, and smartwatches. He devised a comprehensive viral marketing strategy for the Scoot E-Bike, which involved securing product placements with various celebrities such as his cousin Snoop, Chris Brown, Sean Puffy Combs, Justin Bieber, and support from sports teams like the LA Clippers and the Los Angeles Rams. In November 2017, Ray J and Cowboy Wholesale entered into a multi-million dollar agreement aimed at expanding the Scoot E-Bike product line to include items that promote an electric-based lifestyle, such as Bluetooth audio and drones. As the Chief Strategy Officer, he actively engages in the partnership, focusing on marketing and global branding. In the same month of November 2017, he co-founded Raycon, a direct-to-consumer electronics brand, where he oversees brand strategy for their earbuds and headphones.

Kim Kardashian Sex Tape Royalties

In February 2007, a homemade sex tape featuring Ray J and Kim Kardashian, recorded in 2003, was publicly released. According to Steve Hirsch, President of Vivid Entertainment, Ray J receives approximately $90,000 every three months in royalties from his “home video” with Kim Kardashian, totaling around $360,000 annually, a remarkable figure considering the tape’s nearly two-decade age. When Kim makes headlines, such as during her wedding or her nude appearance on the cover of “Paper Magazine,” Ray J’s royalties have reportedly surged to as much as $50,000 per week. After pursuing legal action, Kim received a one-time settlement of $5 million for her involvement in the tape back in 2007.

Ray J Marijuana Tycoon

Ray J revealed in June 2019 that he had started his own marijuana brand named William Ray LA, having invested $5 million of his personal funds into developing the business. By August 2019, he announced his appointment as the chief strategic media officer for MarijuanaStock.org, a role that will earn him $1 million annually, as per paperwork acquired by TMZ!

Personal Life

During the final years of Whitney Houston’s life, Ray J shared a strong bond with her. Although there were rumors of a romantic connection, Ray J has maintained that they were merely friends and never dated. When Whitney passed away on February 11, 2012, he was in San Diego but quickly hurried to the Beverly Hilton, the site of her death. According to reports, he became upset upon hearing a police officer at the scene make a disrespectful remark about Houston. Ray J was held back when he attempted to enter the hotel forcefully. At the time of Houston’s death, his sister Brandy noted that he was very distressed and depressed.

On May 21, 2012, he was discovered in his hotel room, unable to rise from bed, and was subsequently transported to the hospital by ambulance. The day prior, he had an altercation at the 2012 Billboard Music Awards when Pat Houston, Whitney’s sister-in-law, summoned security upon noticing him seated next to Whitney’s daughter, Bobbi Kristina Brown.

In August 2016, Ray married fashion designer Princess Love in Los Angeles. Their first daughter was welcomed in May 2018, followed by their son in January 2020. In May 2020, Princess Love filed for divorce. However, in January 2023, Ray J expressed in a birthday message that he got his “wife back.”