Photo: Paras Griffin / Contributor via Getty Images
  /  04.04.2023

On yesterday’s (April 3) episode of “The Blackprint,” host and REVOLT CEO Detavio Samuels chatted with none other than R&B artist, actor, reality TV personality, and businessman Ray J. The Mississippi-born, LA-raised multihyphenate talked about finding his own path in the entertainment business, learning how to master his skill set, and appreciating the pivots throughout his career.

The discussion began with Ray J letting it be known that while society may have given him many titles, the only one he wants everyone to know him for is being a hard worker. This work ethic has been something that has helped guide the entrepreneur through different eras of his life.

Samuels asked Ray J about his origin story and what it was like for him growing up. The singer shared that his family moved to LA when he was 2 years old and his sister, R&B icon Brandy, was only 4. After the move, it wasn’t long until the family enrolled in acting classes and worked toward becoming a part of the entertainment industry. Ray J opened up about the moment he knew for himself that acting was the path he wanted to explore.

“For an actor or actress, after you get the audition, it’s on you after that. Pure acting and pure adrenaline is how it all got started. My favorite actor was Eddie Murphy. I remember I used to watch Coming To America and Boomerang every single day. That gave me my game and my idea on who I wanted to be,” he revealed.

Ray J reflected on the memorable day he got his big break by landing the role as LJ on Fox TV series “The Sinbad Show.” Samuels brought up that siblings pursuing similar paths can sometimes bring unhealthy competition, but Ray J reassured the host and noted the bond between him and his sister is a strong one. He continued on to say that they showed each other a lot of support, and there was always a certain level of respect and understanding, knowing you can achieve your goals by following different paths.

The conversation segued into discussing Ray J’s music career, and the singer got candid about how he made the decision to become an artist. Ray J admitted that music was never part of his plan. “I never really wanted to do the music thing in the beginning. At the time, I wasn’t ready. I wanted to hang out with my friends. I just wanted to be a young kid exploring the world. I don’t want to say I was pushed to do the music. But it was in my lap because of how the music industry was at the time and how big my sister was, and still is. So I struggled with identifying who I was compared to who they wanted me to be,” he confessed.

Ray J expressed his struggle with creating his own persona after being signed to a record label and navigating how he wanted to do things when it came to making music. With help from legends such as Pharrell Williams, Rodney Jerkins, and the late LaShawn Daniels, the creator was inspired to make music his own way. This resulted in the release of his 2001 hit single “Wait A Minute” featuring Lil Kim. Even though Ray J was happy seeing the success of the record, that time in his life also caused unhealthy habits of self-sabotage that cost him a lot in the long run.

“After ‘Wait A Minute’ happened, I was thinking that because nobody was listening to me, nobody could tell me anything. I went on this whole run and it was unhealthy. Just because they didn’t see your vision before doesn’t mean that they can’t help you grow it. I didn’t listen and that is when I came to a crash. I got dropped from the label and no one else wanted to sign me. It was tough,” Ray J noted.

With the support of his family, the young star shifted to working on his craft independently. This is what sparked the launch of his solo album Raydiation, including the No. 11 Billboard Hot 100 single “One Wish.” After the reality TV star put his all into what he would call his “farewell song,” Ray J started to change his perspective on how he wanted to approach business.

From being in the music industry, he noticed his strengths were in marketing. So, with the help of a dream team, his pivot into the tech industry allowed him to see those strengths shine in a different light.

Scoot-E-Bike was Ray J’s first tech venture. Learning this new territory had its ups and downs for the business owner before he sold it to Canadian firm LOOPShare in 2019. This allowed Ray J to launch his new electronics company, Raycon. The business boasts over $300 million in revenue and the tech founder hopes to scale even more in the future. As you can imagine, the C-suite executive has learned many lessons along the way, but Ray J is proof that the road to success doesn’t always have to be linear.

If you liked this recap, tune into new “The Blackprint with Detavio Samuels” episodes every other Monday at 5 p.m. ET on the REVOLT website, YouTube channel and app. You can watch the latest installment here.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

View More

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

View More

Trending

Walmart has the home essentials for everyone on your holiday shopping list

Below, our gift guide highlights some of our favorite Walmart finds for anyone in need of a home refresh.

  /  11.24.2023

5 things you need to know about the 2023 Billboard Music Awards

“REVOLT Black News” correspondent Kennedy Rue counts down the top five moments from the 2023 Billboard Music Awards, including surprising wins, historic firsts, and dope performances. Sponsored by Amazon.

  /  11.20.2023

Walmart's HBCU Black and Unlimited Tour kicks off at Central State University

On Oct. 10, Walmart unveiled a brand new, state of the art creative studio on the campus of Central State University.

  /  11.14.2023

The Walmart HBCU Black & Unlimited Tour visited Mississippi Valley State University

The Walmart HBCU Black & Unlimited Tour made its final stop at Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU) and left a lasting impact on students and alumni alike.

  /  11.22.2023

Walmart continues HBCU Black & Unlimited Tour during lively Virginia State University stop

After unveiling their state of the art creative studio on the campus of Central State University, Walmart brought the HBCU Black & Unlimited Tour to Virginia State University (VSU) on Oct. 13.

  /  11.14.2023

Walmart HBCU Black & Unlimited Tour brings attention and wisdom to North Carolina Central University

On Oct. 17, Walmart brought the third stop of the HBCU Black & Unlimited Tour to North Carolina Central University (NCCU).

  /  11.15.2023

Walmart's HBCU Black and Unlimited Tour kicked off at Central State University

In October, Walmart unveiled a brand new, state of the art creative studio on the campus of Central State University. The HBCU located in Wilberforce, OH was the first stop on Walmart’s Black and Unlimited HBCU Tour.

  /  11.28.2023

Dig In & Drink Up | 'Bet on Black'

In this new episode of ‘Bet on Black,’ food and beverage take center stage as aspiring Black entrepreneurs from It’s Seasoned, Black Farmer Box, and Moors Brewing Co. present their business ideas to judges with mentorship from Melissa Butler. Watch here!

  /  11.15.2023

The Auditions | 'Shoot Your Shot'

The competition begins at REVOLT WORLD as rising rappers, singers, and musicians line up to audition for their spot on the main stage. Brought to you by McDonald’s.

  /  11.28.2023

Groovey Lew on hip hop style, Johnell Young's industry secrets, BGS salon's wig mastery and more | 'Black Girl Stuff'

Fashion King Groovey Lew on masterminding hip-hop’s most iconic looks. Actor Johnell Young reveals the secret to breaking into the entertainment industry. Celebrity hairstylist Dontay Savoy and got2B ambassador Tokyo Stylez are in the BGS Salon with the perfect wig install. Plus, comedian Lauren Knight performs.

  /  11.15.2023

Pheelz talks expressing himself through music & his biggest inspirations | 'On In 5'

On this all-new episode of “On In 5,” multitalented Nigerian artist Pheelz opens up about waiting for his opportunity to fully express himself through music, his inspirations and emotions, and the musical icons he grew up admiring. Watch!

  /  07.11.2023

Kareem Cook talks growing up in The Bronx, studying at Duke & networking | 'The Blackprint with Detavio Samuels'

On this all-new episode of “The Blackprint with Detavio Samuels,” the host and REVOLT CEO sits down with Kareem Cook. Throughout the introspective episode, Cook talks growing up in The Bronx, studying at Duke and being nervous to be in the South at the time, network vs. education, taking advantage of your opportunities, and connecting with Debbie Allen. Watch!

  /  07.10.2023

Tiffany Haddish on therapy, wild fan interactions & the upcoming 'Haunted Mansion' movie | 'The Jason Lee Show'

On this all-new episode of “The Jason Lee Show,” the one and only Tiffany Haddish sits for a must-watch conversation about wild interactions with fans, her new movie ‘Haunted Mansion,’ bringing her therapist on dates, and being present. Watch the hilarious interview here.

  /  07.12.2023

BNXN talks leaving IT for music, linking with Wizkid, going viral & new album | 'On In 5'

For this all-new episode of “On In 5,” singer-songwriter BNXN discusses his journey from IT to music, finding his voice and originality, linking up with Wizkid for their hits “Mood” and “Many Ways,” and what fans can expect from him this year — including a new album. Watch the full episode here!

  /  08.08.2023

Investing in stocks in a recession | 'Maconomics'

Host Ross Mac provides useful advice for preparing your personal finances in the event of a recession. He emphasizes the importance of budgeting properly, building an emergency fund, and maintaining discipline when investing.

  /  11.21.2023

Walmart brings in heavy-hitters for Black and Unlimited Tour panel

REVOLT is continuing its impactful partnership with Walmart by teaming up to showcase Black creatives at HBCUs all-across America. The panel consisted of three experienced, accomplished Black HBCU alumni: Actor and media personality Terrence J, entertainment attorney John T. Rose, and actress and “REVOLT Black News” correspondent Kennedy-Rue McCullough.

  /  11.30.2023

Dr. Jaqueline Echols' mission to cure environmental racism

The health of a community can often be traced to the health of the environment that surrounds it. In Atlanta, a woman named Dr. Jaqueline Echols has dedicated her life to helping ensure that people in economically underserved communities have clean rivers – for better health and for the joy of outdoor recreational space.

  /  12.01.2023

Best chef's kiss | 'Bet on Black'

“Bet on Black” is back with an all-new season! Watch as judges Pinky Cole, Bun B, Van Lathan, and Target’s Melanie Gatewood-Hall meet new contestants and hear pitches from entrepreneurs Saucy D and Chef Diva Dawg.

  /  10.24.2023

Good taste test | 'Bet on Black'

With the help of host Dustin Ross and correspondent Danielle Young, entrepreneurs Diva Dawg, Brooklyn Tea, and The Sable Collective pitch their ideas to the judges. Watch the all-new episode of “Bet on Black” now!

  /  10.31.2023

From city lots to lush gardens: The power of urban farming with Karen Washington

This is the inspiring story of Karen Washington, a pioneering urban farmer who has been revolutionizing urban spaces by transforming them into vibrant community gardens and educational hubs. Sponsored by State Farm.

  /  11.17.2023
View More
Revolt - New Episodes