Ray J

b. William Ray Norwood Jnr., 17 January 1981, McComb, Mississippi, USA. The younger brother of R&B vocalist Brandy, Ray J broke into the world of entertainment at an early age. Born in Mississippi but raised in southern California, he began featuring in commercials at the age of eight, and by 12 was co-starring in the television series The Sinbad Show. Two years later he signed a recording contract with Elektra Records, and released his solo debut in 1996. A string of acting roles followed, including a prominent role alongside his sister in the hit television series Moesha. On a musical front, he appeared on the soundtrack albums for Set It Off and Doctor Dolittle and produced music for toy manufacturer Mattel. His 2001 follow-up album This Ain’t A Game, a slick urban collection for Atlantic Records featuring leading producers and prominent guest artists, was a marked improvement on his raw debut.

Another lengthy hiatus ensued before the singer returned with his own label Knockout (distributed through Sanctuary Urban) and released 2005’s Raydiation. This typically slick and solid collection included the major US hit ‘One Wish’. He returned to the charts at the start of 2008 with a hit collaboration with Yung Berg, ‘Sexy Can I’. ~ Rovi