Ray-J has signed with Sanctuary Urban Records with Sonja Norwood and Matthew Knowles overlooking his album and under his own label.
Here's his new picture:
www.rayj.com
Los Angeles, CA –– Singer/producer/actor Ray J of the Norwood family music dynasty has signed a non-exclusive recording deal with Sanctuary Urban Records Group (SURG) through his own label KnockOut Entertainment. “Raydiation,” his first CD under the new pact, is due in March 2005.
Ray J will also be featured in BET’s new fall lineup, having been asked to become a part of the cable network after a successful stint as guest host on its highest rated show 106 & Park. More news on BET will be announced.
“It is a tremendous blessing to have these opportunities simultaneously. Signing to Sanctuary Urban is giving me the creative freedom I have so desired throughout my career. My Mom (Sonja Norwood) and Mathew Knowles represent the most dynamic team with whom any artist could assemble to build a solid recording career,” says Ray J. “And I am very much looking forward to working with BET and being part of their successful programming”
“Ray J is one of the most underestimated artists around today,” says Mathew Knowles, president of Sanctuary Urban Records Group. “His energy and drive toward creative excellence is unparalleled, and I look forward to a long and fruitful relationship with him as an artist and an executive for years to come.”
Raydiation features “Quit Actin’,” which was written, produced by and features R. Kelly; as well as collaborations with, Rodney Jerkins, Timbaland, Brandy and Mya.
In his role as chairman of KnockOut Entertainment he will continue to sign and develop artists such as writer-producer Detail with whom Ray J collaborated on several songs that appear on “Raydiation” -- most notably the searing ballad “Melody.” Hip-Hop artist Shorty Mack is also signed to KnockOut.
Ray J first became a hot artist commodity in 1996 when Elektra Records released his debut album, “Everything You Want.” After moving to Atlantic Records in 2000, “This Aint a Game” was released in 2001 with his break through single “Wait A Minute,” which crossed chart barriers being the only R&B song at the time charting on R&B Mainstream, Rhythmic Top 40, Cross Over and Rap singles charts. Those titles moved nearly a million units worldwide. Ray J also enjoyed a major international smash with superstar big sister Brandy in 2001 with the remake of the Phil Collins classic “Another Day In Paradise,” which topped the charts in a number of countries in Europe and Asia. In addition to a hearty music career, Ray J has enjoyed a healthy stream of acting roles in WB’s series “Black Sash”, the top rated critically acclaimed UPN series “Moesha;” appearing opposite Shaquille O’Neal in the motion picture “Steel;” “Aftershock” with Cecily Tyson, the award winning documentary “Once Upon A Time When We Were Colored” with Al Freeman Jr.
Helmed by Mathew Knowles, Sanctuary Urban Records Group (SURG) is the leading music company that markets entertainment to urban consumers worldwide with multiple-platform content that includes recorded music and audio-visual products such as DVDs. SURG is home to a world-class artist roster that transcends demographic borders. SURG recording artists include Jon B; De La Soul; Earth, Wind & Fire; Glenn Lewis and The O’Jays. SURG is a division of Music World/Sanctuary Urban Group, Inc. a part of global independent music company The Sanctuary Group