The Storied Yet Low-key Career of Ray-J
When we run over the decade that was the 2000s in pop culture, who do we usually think of? It probably consists of Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake, and a plethora of others that would take forever to name. But lost in the greatness of those ten years we forget one man, who goes by the name of William Raymond Norwood Jr. If you are confused by who he is you may know him by his public persona: Ray J. Throughout all these years he has somewhat became a forgotten figure from the 2000s, that has not been given nearly enough credit for his very storied career.
Ray J started his career as an actor who got his first “big break” due to his blood relations to cousin Snoop Dogg and sister Brandi. His first acting jobs included The Sinbad Show and his sister's own show Moesha. He would go on to drop three albums over the course of nine years, in the time acquiring the smash hit "One Wish", becoming the highest charting song of his career. In just 12 years Ray J was able to successfully act and make decent music. Even though it is not craziest thing to do, it is most certainly not the easiest, as evident by many who attempted both.
Ray J should also be recognized for being able to healthily coexist in society without imploding. Three albums over the course of nine years, one of which featured the hit song “One Wish” becoming the third highest charting song in his career and arguably his most notable. Part of the reason he is underrated is due to his ability to be successful in acting and be a decent musician, which is the craziest thing ever, but in a lot of cases it is most certainly not the easiest. Ray J would also go on to be a consistent figure on television in reality TV and other ventures. His ability to consistently find work is so impressive as most in the industry get hot once and never really work ever again.
Ray J is one of the few celebrities that was famous at a young age that has managed to not lose his mind over the pressures of fame. As we have seen with many before him and afterwards struggle to handle the demands that this life has for them. Many have had their moment in youth and create unhealthy coping mechanisms that destroyed their career and themselves. Ray J has managed to take copious amounts of turmoil and tough moments in his life and he always bounced back. His six million net worth is a testament to his career stability and smart financial decisions that has skipped him from rock bottom. He has bought stock into very versatile multi-use sunglasses that could be the next big thing. The man even has the rights to make a Suge Knight biographical movie. Not many people can do that but even few can amount to the business ingenuity of Ray J.
Remember Ray J may not be the most famous man ever or the richest, but he may be the coolest.