Ray J 'Raydiation' album

With his third album, RAYDIATION, set for release on Sanctuary Urban Records Group/KnockOut Entertainment, Ray J has produced a musical slideshow of his journey from rebellious teenager carving out his space in the world, to a confident young man ready to take it on. The result is an album that is contemplative, sensual and fun – a spectacular expression of who Ray J is, where he’s been and where he’s going.

RAYDIATION includes upbeat radio hits, but it is the album's groundbreaking balladry produced by Ray J and KnockOut Productions producer Detail - that capture the depth of Ray J’s artistry and showcases a new side of this versatile singer.

Ray J's previous two albums, 1996's Everything You Want and 2001's This Ain't A Game, had introspective songs, but more emphasis was placed on the more bouncy, party tracks. Now that Ray J has more life experiences – 9/11; relationships; building his company, KnockOut Entertainment; and contemplating signing with Death Row Records – expressing the emotions resulting from those experiences is just as important to him as making people dance.

"I understand where I should be in the music game, and that's to be one of the young R&B singers creating music that touches people," Ray J says. "If it's not something people can learn from, grow from; it will be something they can relate to or feel good about."

Of the very relatable songs featured on RAYDIATION is the Prince-influenced “Blue High Heels,” which will connect with any man who has ever loved seeing his woman in a particular pair of shoes, dress or hairstyle. “One Wish,” produced by Rodney Jerkins, showcases vocals and emotional depth. "Melody" is a sublime groove that pays homage to some of soul music’s masters and two of Ray J's influences Donny Hathaway and Stevie Wonder. True romanticism is expressed in the beautifully subtle "Anytime." "War Is Over," a duet with his sister Brandy, sends out a powerful message of peace to the soldiers and their families. The emotional "Turning" explains combating the pressure to succeed, doubts, and comparisons that come along with being the brother of Brandy.

On RAYDIATION, Ray J embraces his talent as a vocalist like never before. “I really enjoy singing, and it shows on this album. I really wasn't enjoying singing before, but now I'm in a zone where, whatever I experience, I can sing about it, and people can relate to it. I made a point to get in there and sing these songs and, I want people to feel me.”
Even though Ray J put his vulnerabilities on the line on RAYDIATION, he could not resist making some records purely for fun. Ray J heads straight to the club with bangers like the R. Kelly produced "Quit Acting" featuring KnockOut artist Shorty Mack; the Timbaland penned "Shake That;" the provocative, strip club anthem "Sexy," a collaboration with Mya and another Rodney Jerkins-produced track, “Keep Sweatin.”

"Whatever I’m feeling on a certain day, that’s what I go into the studio and record,” says Ray J. “Sometimes I just feel like having fun, so I record some tracks that represent that part of me. But when it comes down to just flooding the airwaves with only party songs, I don't think that's necessary. I think that you should be versatile."

Ray J's new perspective is partly shaped by the promotion of his last album, 2001's This Ain't A Game, which featured two consecutive Neptunes produced party records, "Wait A Minute" featuring Lil Kim and "Formal Invite." Weeks after releasing "Formal Invite" as the album’s second single, the 9/11 terrorist attacks were made on the United States, prompting a call for uplifting music. "All of the songs on the radio started becoming songs that meant something," Ray J reflects. "I thought, ‘I have records on my album that mean something, and if I had released them, I could have helped somebody feel better during that time."

Another defining time in Ray J’s career occurred during late 2001 and early 2002 when Ray J contemplated joining Death Row Records, the pioneering gangsta rap label responsible for launching solo careers for Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg. Surprisingly, Suge Knight, an avid fan of old school R&B, encouraged Ray J to focus less of his music on sex, partying, and drinking, and to highlight his talent by modeling his sound after the likes of soul legends Marvin Gaye, Donny Hathaway, Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder.

“There was a period where I rebelled against the image that I thought everyone expected me to have,” Ray J says. “I was trying to be over the edge to show people who compare me and Brandy that we were different artists. I partied and had my fun while I was in that stage. But I also got caught up in the streets and hung out with the wrong people. I’m thankful I was able to get out of that mode alive.”

As Ray J considered his label options, his goal was more than simply securing a new record deal. The keen business-minded artist, who at 15 established his own company Knock Out Entertainment, was looking for a partnership for his independent label.

With a renewed sense of purpose and self, in 2003 Ray J and Detail headed to the Hit Factory in Miami to begin working on tracks for RAYDIATION before any deals were in place. Ray J put his energy into writing and recording while he contemplated his business moves. About 80 percent of the album was written and produced by Ray J and his partner.

After exploring his label options, Ray J decided to make RAYDIATION a joint release between KnockOut Entertainment and Sanctuary Urban Records Group (SURG), headed by Mathew Knowles (Destiny’s Child).

At the young age of 23, Ray J has acquired the wisdom and experiences of someone twice his age, and has applied it to his latest album. It has taken some soul searching and risk taking for him to discover his place in the music scene, but he’s confident that he is on the right path.

"I named this album RAYDIATION because I am putting out music that’s the essence of me with a lot of my energy and passion.” With tremendous artistic and personal growth on his side, Ray J is in a new place and anxious to allow his experiences to radiate from his music to listeners like the savoring aroma of a home cooked meal coming from grandma’s kitchen.

Ray J infuses the essence of his joys, pains, and perspectives on life into his music in a way that is reminiscent of some of his legendary soul forefathers and sisters.

With the release of RAYDIATION, there’s a brand new journey about to begin.

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