Ray J Net Worth (Money & Salary)

Ray J’s Net Worth: What Is It?

With a net worth of $14 million, Ray J is an actor, music producer, and rapper. Known as William Norwood, Jr., he started his career in entertainment as an actor, appearing in commercials and then securing a recurring role on “The Sinbad Show” during the early ’90s. As the younger brother of multi-platinum singer Brandy, it was natural for him to eventually channel some of his energy into music. He signed with Elektra Records and released his debut album in 1995, which enjoyed moderate success but led to his dismissal from the label in 1997. Following this, he refocused on acting, featuring in three seasons of his sister’s show, “Moesha.” He returned to music with albums in 2001 and 2005, while also acting again in 2005 on “One on One.”

Ray J gained significant public attention in 2007, but not primarily for his music or acting. His sex tape with then-girlfriend Kim Kardashian brought him into the spotlight, making him a well-known figure. The release of this tape turned out to be beneficial for his career, as he signed with Shaquille O’Neal’s label in 2007 and launched a successful album in 2008. In 2009, he began his journey in reality television, participating in shows featuring his family.

Early Life

Born William Ray Norwood, Jr. on January 17, 1981, in McComb, Mississippi, Ray J was raised in California by his parents, Willie and Sonja Bates-Norwood. He is the younger brother of famous singer Brandy and cousin to rap artist Snoop Dogg.

Acting Career

Ray J began his acting journey in 1989, appearing in various television commercials. From 1993 to 1994, he played the foster son on “The Sinbad Show.” He also had a role in his sister Brandy’s series, “Moesha,” for two years and featured in “One on One.” His film appearances include movies like “Mars Attacks!,” “Steel,” and “Envy.” In 2005, Norwood appeared in UPN’s “One-On-One.” He made a return to reality television in 2009 with “For the Love of Ray J,” a dating show on VH1 that ran for two seasons and led to a spin-off titled “Brandy and Ray J: A Family Business,” which premiered in April 2010. Although he joined the UK version of “Celebrity Big Brother,” he left the show after one week. More recently, he has been featured in “Good Looking Out” in 2021, “VH1 Family Reunion: Love & Hip Hop Edition,” and “Love & Hip Hop: Secrets Unlocked,” in addition to participating in “College Hill: Celebrity Edition” in 2022.

Music Career

In 1995, Ray J joined Elektra Records to record his first album, “Everything You Want.” Released in March 1997, the album featured the lead single “Let It Go” (not to be confused with the popular song that may come to mind!). This single made it onto the soundtrack for the film “Set It Off” and reached #25 on the U.S. R&B chart. His second single achieved a peak position of #54; however, he was dropped by the label later that same year. In 1998, he contributed to the “Dr. Doolittle” soundtrack with his original single “That’s Why I Lie,” and worked on music for Mattel and various commercials.

Collaborating with his sister Brandy, Ray J’s track “Another Day in Paradise” hit the top ten in several 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” reaching #30 on the U.S. chart.

After taking a two-year hiatus, Ray J established his own record label, Knockout Entertainment, in 2004, which has provided music for various artists.

such as Brandy, Shorty Mack, and Ray J himself. In addition, he has collaborated with renowned producers and artists like R. Kelly, Timbaland, Lil Kim, and The Neptunes. During this period, he also completed his third studio album, “Raydiation,” which debuted at #48 on the “Billboard” 200 chart when it was released in September 2005. The album’s lead single, “One Wish,” achieved top 20 status in the US, UK, Ireland, and New Zealand, selling 400,000 copies in the US alone. Ray J’s fourth album, “All I Feel,” featuring The Game and Yung Berg on the first single “Sexy Can I,” was released on April 1, 2008. This single reached #3 on the Top Singles Hot 100 for six consecutive weeks. Directed by R. Malcolm Jones, the video for the track was filmed in December 2007. In 2022, Ray J unveiled “Raydemption.”

Other Pursuits

Ray J founded Raytroniks, a consumer electronics brand that offers products such as e-bikes, smartphone-controlled fans, and smartwatches. For the Scoot E-Bike, he implemented a comprehensive viral marketing campaign, securing product placements with celebrities, including his cousin Snoop, Chris Brown, Sean Puffy Combs, Justin Bieber, and various sports teams like the LA Clippers and the Los Angeles Rams. In November 2017, a multi-million dollar deal was finalized between Ray J and Cowboy Wholesale to enhance the Scoot E-Bike line with electric lifestyle products, including Bluetooth audio devices and drones. As the Chief Strategy Officer, Ray actively participates in the partnership and oversees marketing and global branding efforts. In the same month, he co-founded Raycon, a direct-to-consumer electronics brand, where he manages branding and strategy for the earbud and headphone company.

Kim Kardashian Sex Tape Royalties

In February 2007, a homemade sex tape featuring Ray J and Kim Kardashian from 2003 was released to the public. Steve Hirsch, the President of Vivid Entertainment, stated that Ray J typically receives $90,000 in royalties every three months for his “home video” with Kim Kardashian, resulting in an impressive annual income of $360,000 considering the tape’s nearly two-decade age. When Kim grabs headlines, such as during her wedding or her nude appearance on the cover of “Paper Magazine,” Ray J’s royalties can surge to as much as $50,000 per week. Following a lawsuit, Kim was granted a one-time settlement of $5 million for her involvement in the tape back in 2007.

Ray J Marijuana Tycoon

In June 2019, the launch of Ray J’s own marijuana line, William Ray LA, was announced, with reports indicating he had invested $5 million of his personal funds into the venture. By August 2019, he revealed that he had taken on the role of chief strategic media officer for MarijuanaStock.org. As per documents obtained by TMZ, this position is slated to earn Ray J $1 million annually!

Personal Life

During the final years of Whitney Houston’s life, Ray J shared a close bond with her. Although there were rumors of a romantic relationship, Ray J has maintained that they were merely friends without any dating history. When Houston passed away on February 11, 2012, he was in San Diego but hurried to the Beverly Hilton, where she died. Reportedly, he became upset upon hearing a police officer on the scene make an unkind remark about Houston. Ray J attempted to force his way into the hotel but was restrained. At the time of Houston’s death, Ray’s sister Brandy described him as very distraught and depressed.

On May 21, 2012, he was discovered in his hotel room, unable to rise from bed, and was transported to the hospital by ambulance. This incident followed a reported altercation at the 2012 Billboard Music Awards the day before, where Whitney Houston’s sister-in-law, Pat Houston, alerted security upon noticing Ray J sitting beside Bobbi Kristina Brown, Houston’s daughter.

Ray married fashion designer Princess Love in August 2016 in Los Angeles. Their first daughter arrived in May 2018, followed by their son in January 2020. In May 2020, Love filed for divorce. However, in January 2023, Ray J celebrated his “wife back” in a post commemorating her birthday.