Ray J, born William Ray Norwood Jr., has come a long way from being known as Brandy’s younger brother. By 2025, his net worth sits at $14 million — built on decades of hustle across music, acting, reality TV, and business.
His career started early. By age eight, Ray J was already booking commercials for brands like McDonald’s, Disney, and Nintendo. In the ’90s, he scored steady TV work, most notably on The Sinbad Show and later as a regular on Moesha. That foundation gave him something many child stars never find — staying power.
Music Hits and Royalties
Ray J’s leap into music wasn’t smooth at first. His debut album in 1997 barely made a splash, but he rebounded in the mid-2000s with One Wish (2005), which hit No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100. In 2008, he followed up with Sexy Can I, which became a club anthem and helped his album All I Feel debut at No. 7 on the Billboard 200.
Even today, Ray J earns steady royalties from his music — and, of course, from the infamous 2007 tape with Kim Kardashian. Reports estimate that he pockets around $360,000 annually from that alone, with spikes whenever Kardashian dominates the headlines.
Raycon and Big Business Moves
The biggest driver of Ray J’s fortune is Raycon, the wireless audio brand he co-founded in 2017. By spotting the shift away from wired headphones early, he positioned Raycon as a direct-to-consumer powerhouse. The company’s earbuds and headphones have since become staples, bringing in millions in revenue.
Beyond Raycon, Ray J has experimented with ventures like Raytroniks (electric bikes, smartwatches) and a $5 million cannabis investment under his William Ray LA brand in 2019. Not all bets have been as big as Raycon, but they’ve cemented his reputation as an entrepreneur who isn’t afraid to take risks.
A Blueprint for Success
Ray J often credits his success to patience, teamwork, and fun. “You have to listen to your staff, make them feel good, and keep it fun. Fun drives the success,” he’s explained. He also emphasizes rest and balance — taking days off, meditating, and recharging when the grind gets too heavy.
At 43, Ray J’s career proves that wealth isn’t just about talent — it’s about spotting opportunities, treating people right, and staying persistent. His $14 million net worth is less about luck and more about a lifelong hustle.