William Ray Norwood Jr. (born January 17, 1981), known professionally as Ray J, is an American singer, songwriter, rapper, television personality, actor, and entrepreneur. Born in McComb, Mississippi and raised in Carson, California, he is the younger brother of recording artist and actress Brandy Norwood and the first cousin of rapper Snoop Dogg. In January 2017, he competed in the nineteenth season of the UK reality television programme Celebrity Big Brother.