Ray J Part 1

Jun 5, 2024

Ray J, a singer-songwriter, and actor, discusses his upbringing in Mississippi, moving to Compton, early encounters with music legends like Pharrell, and the challenges he faced. He reflects on his complicated relationship with sister Brandy, his spoiled childhood, and time spent with cousin Snoop Dogg. Ray J also talks about his career in Hollywood, encounters with Michael Jackson, and gives insights on the West Coast rap scene.

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Intro

00:00 • 3min

A Conversation with a Multitalented Hollywood Figure

02:34 • 2min

Family Background and Entertainment Industry Beginnings

04:19 • 20min

Personal Tattoo Journey and Career Success

24:33 • 5min

Navigating Early Career Support and Decision Making in the Entertainment Industry

29:41 • 4min

Navigating Success, Sibling Relationships, and Industry Expectations

33:59 • 9min

Exploring Upbringing in an Affluent Family

43:01 • 3min

Growing Up with Famous Friends and Family, Hanging Out with Snoop Dogg, and the Role of a Supportive Mother-Manager

45:51 • 14min

Exploring a Competitive Music Industry Rivalry and Consistency in Entertainment

01:00:19 • 5min

Exploring Communication and Reconciliation in a Complex Relationship

01:05:19 • 2min

Reflections on Encounters with Michael Jackson and Influential West Coast Hip-Hop Artists

01:07:22 • 21min

Shaq's $1.5 Million Investment in Music & Reflections on Past Group RSVP

01:27:57 • 7min

Exploring Song Versions and Perspectives on Music

01:35:10 • 3min

Ray J joins Shannon Sharpe for an engaging episode of Club Shay Shay, sharing an in-depth look into his multifaceted life and career. Ray J opens up about his upbringing, moving from Mississippi to Compton, and the challenges he faced, including his father driving him from Carson to Hollywood auditions and his dislike for choir rehearsals. He reflects on getting into trouble, joining a gang, and the influence of his sister Brandy’s big break with her first album.

Ray J talks about his relationship with Brandy, the dynamics of their sibling bond, and a memorable incident when he got a tattoo of her, which upset her. Despite never wanting to be in show business, he acknowledges that being Brandy’s brother always helped him. He shares his early realization of Pharrell Williams’ talent and working with various A-list celebrities as a child.

He reminisces about being spoiled as a kid, receiving a Cadillac at 14, and his experiences with his cousin, Snoop Dogg. He discusses attending private school after getting jumped at public school and his mother managing both his and Brandy’s careers. Ray J delves into the growing distance between him and Brandy due to his actions, and his encounters with Michael Jackson, facilitated by Brandy.

Ray J addresses Vince Staples’ comments about him being a top 5 West Coast rapper, shares his top 5 West Coast artists, and discusses the current state of West Coast rap with artists like YG and Kendrick Lamar. He gives his take on the Kendrick vs. Drake and Chris Brown vs. Quavo beef and his diss song with Chris Brown aimed at Kanye West.Ray J candidly talks about his need for reality shows to assess his personal growth, feeling blackballed in the industry, and the process of Shaq investing $1.5M into his music. He explains why he became an independent artist, what he wishes he knew as a younger artist, and his admiration for Chris Brown’s career.

Finally, Ray J discusses the artists he regrets signing, the reasons RSVP didn’t work out as a group, and the regret over unfulfilled dreams. Join Shannon Sharpe and Ray J for an episode filled with introspection, humor, and raw honesty about the highs and lows of his journey in the entertainment industry.

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