Ray J Net Worth (Money & Salary)

What Is Ray J’s Net Worth?

With a net worth of $14 million, Ray J is an actor, music producer, and rapper. Known as William Norwood, Jr., he launched his performance career in the early ’90s, starring in commercials and later as a recurring cast member on “The Sinbad Show.” Being the younger brother of multi-platinum singer Brandy, it was inevitable that he would transition into music. He signed with Elektra Records and released his debut album in 1995. Although it achieved moderate success, he was released from the label in 1997. Shifting his focus back to acting, he featured on his sister’s program, “Moesha,” for three seasons before returning to music with albums in 2001 and 2005. Additionally, he resumed his acting career in 2005, appearing in one season of “One on One.”

In 2007, Ray J gained significant fame, albeit not through his music or acting. It was instead the release of his sex tape with then-girlfriend Kim Kardashian that catapulted him into the spotlight. Following the release and its aftermath, Ray J became a sought-after figure. He signed with Shaquille O’Neal’s label in 2007 and released a successful album in 2008. The following year marked the beginning of his appearances in numerous reality shows featuring the Norwood family.

Early Life

On January 17, 1981, Ray J was born William Ray Norwood, Jr., in McComb, Mississippi. He grew up in California under the guidance of his parents, Willie and Sonja Bates-Norwood. He is Brandy’s younger brother and is also the cousin of rap artist Snoop Dogg.

Acting Career

Ray J began his acting journey in 1989, making appearances in various television commercials. His notable role as the foster son in “The Sinbad Show” spanned from 1993 to 1994. He also worked alongside his big sister Brandy for two years on the show “Moesha,” in addition to “One on One.” His film appearances include titles such as “Mars Attacks!,” “Steel,” and “Envy.” In 2005, Norwood joined UPN’s “One-On-One.” He made a comeback to television in 2009 with “For the Love of Ray J,” a VH1 reality dating series 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 was part of the cast of the UK “Celebrity Big Brother,” he left the show after just one week. Recently, he has been featured in 2021’s “Good Looking Out,” “VH1 Family Reunion: Love & Hip Hop Edition,” and “Love & Hip Hop: Secrets Unlocked,” along with “College Hill: Celebrity Edition” in 2022.

Music Career

In 1995, Ray J signed with Elektra Records to produce his debut album, “Everything You Want.” This album saw a release in March 1997, with the lead single “Let It Go” (not the song you might be thinking of!). This single was also included in the “Set It Off” movie soundtrack, reaching #25 on the U.S. R&B chart, while the second single peaked at #54. After being dropped by the label in 1997, he appeared on the “Dr. Doolittle” soundtrack with his original song, “That’s Why I Lie,” the following year. Ray J also produced music for Mattel and contributed to multiple commercials.

Collaborating with his sister Brandy, they released “Another Day in Paradise,” which achieved top ten status in the UK, Austria, Germany, Sweden, Switzerland, Belgium, Norway, Ireland, and the Netherlands. In June 2001, Ray J released his second album, “This Ain’t a Game,” where the lead single “Wait a Minute” reached #30 on the U.S. charts.

Following a two-year hiatus, Ray J established his recording label, Knockout Entertainment, in 2004, which has released music for various artists…

such as Brandy, Shorty Mack, and Ray J himself. Collaborating with other prominent producers and artists like R. Kelly, Timbaland, Lil Kim, and The Neptunes has also been a significant part of his career. At this time, he finalized his third studio album, “Raydiation,” which was released in September 2005, debuting at #48 on the “Billboard” 200 chart. The album’s lead single, “One Wish,” achieved top 20 success in the US, UK, Ireland, and New Zealand, with 400,000 domestic sales. “All I Feel,” Ray’s fourth album featuring The Game and Yung Berg on the first single, “Sexy Can I,” was launched on April 1, 2008. The single reached #3 on the Top Singles Hot 100 and maintained this position for six weeks. A music video for the track was directed by R. Malcolm Jones and filmed in December 2007. In 2022, Ray J released “Raydemption.”

Other Pursuits

The founder of Raytroniks, Ray J, has developed a line of consumer electronics that includes e-bikes, smartphone-controlled fans, and smartwatches. For the Scoot E-Bike, Ray launched a comprehensive viral marketing campaign, securing product placements with various celebrities such as his cousin Snoop, Chris Brown, Sean Puffy Combs, Justin Bieber, and others, alongside support from 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 expand the Scoot E-Bike alongside products for an electric-based lifestyle, with offerings such as Bluetooth audio and drones. Ray has a proactive role in this partnership as the Chief Strategy Officer, focusing on marketing and global branding. In the same month of November 2017, he also 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

A homemade sex tape featuring Ray J and Kim Kardashian, made public in February 2007, has had lasting financial implications. Steve Hirsch, President of Vivid Entertainment, stated that Ray J typically receives $90,000 in royalties every three months for this “home video.” This amounts to an impressive $360,000 annually, especially considering the tape’s nearly two-decade age. When Kim garners media attention, like during her wedding or her nude cover feature in “Paper Magazine,” Ray J’s royalties can surge to as high as $50,000 per week. After a lawsuit was filed, Kim received a one-time settlement of $5 million in 2007 for her involvement in the tape.

Ray J Marijuana Tycoon

In June 2019, Ray J revealed the launch of his marijuana brand, William Ray LA, having invested $5 million of his own funds into building the venture. Subsequently, in August 2019, he disclosed that he had taken on the role of chief strategic media officer at MarijuanaStock.org. According to documents acquired by TMZ, this position is set to earn Ray J $1 million annually!

Personal Life

During the final years of Whitney Houston’s life, Ray J maintained a very close friendship with her. Despite rumors of a romantic relationship, Ray J has repeatedly asserted that they were merely friends and never dated. Upon her passing on February 11, 2012, he was in San Diego but hurried to the Beverly Hilton, where she had died. Reportedly, he was upset to overhear a police officer at the scene making a disrespectful remark about Houston. As he attempted to enter the hotel, he needed to be restrained. At that time, Ray’s sister, Brandy, described him as extremely distraught and depressed.

On May 21, 2012, Ray was discovered in his hotel room, unable to rise from bed and was subsequently transported to the hospital by ambulance. Just a day prior, it was reported that he had an altercation at the 2012 Billboard Music Awards when Whitney Houston’s sister-in-law, Pat Houston, had security called on him for sitting next to Houston’s daughter, Bobbi Kristina Brown.

In August 2016, Ray wed fashion designer Princess Love in Los Angeles. Their first daughter was born in May 2018, followed by the arrival of their son in January 2020. However, in May 2020, Love initiated divorce proceedings. By January 2023, Ray J mentioned in a birthday post that he had “got his wife back.”