Ray J

Ray J's future as a successful entertainer was inevitable. His singing abilities landed him a recording deal when he was just 14 and proved that big sis, Brandy, wasn’t the only one with talent in the family. To those who thought they knew Ray J, think again. Though he has released a few albums, starred in sitcoms and films, and is currently gracing TV as a celebrity interviewer for BET, Ray J has only scratched the surface of what makes him tick as a man, entertainer and budding entrepreneur.

Ray J recently took time out of his busy schedule to answer some of your burning questions!

1. Lucretia from Bolingbrook, IL asked:
How old are you? What is your sign?

Ray J: 24, Capricorn.

2. Ashleylynn from Bermuda asked:
What inspired you to become a singer?

Ray J: My Dad.

3. Shanelle from Kansas City, MO asked:
What is the first song that made you fall in love with R&B?

Ray J: Michael Jackson, "Thriller"
.

4. PlatiNuM from Toronto asked:
Who was your favorite artist when you were young?

Ray J: Michael Jackson.

5. Corrianne Lawson from Franklin, PA asked:
What's it like being Brandy's brother?

Ray J: It's great being Bran's brother. We're very close, she's always there for me.

6. Marissa Osborne from Windsor, Ontario asked:
How long did it take to make the new album?

Ray J: 2 years.

7. Kamia "Luvinrayj" White from Ft. Wayne, IN asked:
a) What is it about Raydiation that sets it apart from your other work?

Ray J: Raydiation is more mature, reveals more about me personally and focuses on singing and songs that people can relate to.

b) And what's your favorite song on the album?

Ray J: Centerview.

8. Mimi from Philly asked:
Was "One Wish" made for a special person? If so...who?

Ray J: Yes and I'd rather not say who - sorry.

9. Valerie from Birmingham, Alabama asked:
Do you have a girlfriend and if you don't... are you looking?

Ray J: No but if it happens it happens.

10. Kerneshia from Canton, OH asked:
What do you look for in a girl?

Ray J: Smart, very secure and independent.

11. Jazzy from Fortworth, TX asked:
How do you stay in such good shape?

Ray J: Work out and try to eat healthy.

12. Jasmine from Chattanooga, TN asked:
What do you like to do in your spare time?

Ray J: Relax and take exotic trips.

13. Rayyah from Brooklyn asked:
What is your favorite food?

Ray J: Grilled chicken and vegetables.

14. Christine from Long Island, NY asked:
Pepsi or Coke?

Ray J: COKE.

ARTISTdirect thanks Ray J for answering his fans questions. His new album, Raydiation, is available now!

Arriving on the heels of big sister/R&B star Brandy, rapper Ray J parlayed his success on television into a music career at the age of 14. Born in McComb, MS, Ray J moved with his family to Carson, CA, when he was still a toddler, landing him in the center of the entertainment industry. He started auditioning for commercials at age eight, scoring several gigs until he caught the eye of comedian Sinbad, who was casting children for his upcoming TV show. Ray J got the role playing Sinbad's foster son until the show was canceled in 1993. From there, he began acting in movies, appearing in the films Steel and Mars Attacks! in minor roles.

At the same time, he was also itching to try his hand at the music industry, inspired by Brandy's early successes. He signed with Elektra in 1995, recording Everything You Want the following year with a set of superstar songwriters and producers behind him. In 1997, he performed in a television special with his sister, but despite the mainstream attention, he was dropped by Elektra soon after. His easygoing image and boyish looks appealed to the producers of Brandy's television show, Moesha, scoring him a role on the popular UPN series starting in 1999. He also started producing, putting together the music for several commercials and a few of the demos for his second record.

Still, when he stepped back into the studio he called on the Neptunes, Rodney Jerkins, Brycyn "Juvie" Evans, and several other hitmaking producers to help him compile This Ain't a Game, a pop-oriented record that featured more of his singing than his debut. The album dropped in 2001, but despite a strong promotional push from new label Atlantic Records, it wasn't the breakthrough success it seemed designed to be. It would be four years before he returned to music, but despite the lengthy absence, his high profile still commanded an all-star guest list. With help from Timbaland, R. Kelly, Mya, and Fat Joe, Ray J resurfaced with Raydiation (released on Sanctuary). All I Feel, issued through Koch, followed in 2008. The album was a success thanks in no small part to the double-platinum single "Sexy Can I." In 2009 the singer announced he would be starring in his own dating series on VH1 titled For the Love of Ray J and releasing a new album, Raydiation 2.~ Bradley Torreano, All Music Guide