Excited fanswaited inside the Esplanade Mall in New Orleans, hoping to catch a glimpse ofthe featured performer, Ray-J.
Despiterunning a few minutes behind schedule, the Seventeen Runway Mall Tour startedwith a bang and singer, actor, producer Ray-J brought the heat.
Arriving onthe music scene in 1996 with his debut album entitled Everything You Want on Elektra Records, Ray-J achieved minor success.
He soon peekedsemi-stardom in the mid-nineties on the hit UPN series Moesha, where heco-stared beside his older sister, Brandy.
In 2001,Ray-J’s second album, This Ain’t a Game (Atlantic Records), received lukewarm reviews and lackluster sales.Despite all the foreseen achievements, Ray-J is coming out with a new album,style and outlook on life.
“It’s aboutdestroying and rebuilding,” said Ray-J about his comeback, “I’m building myselfup not only as an artist and performer, but also as an entrepreneur and takingcreative control over what I do.”
“Quit Actin'”,a song produced by R. Kelly, is one of the many producers to be featured on thealbum. Other producers include Timbaland and Rodney Jerkins.
“It was ablessing to work with such talented people,” said Ray-J. “But since I didn’thave a record deal, I had to pay them out of pocket…There were times when itwas a struggle to get the record done. But we overcame it and it’s all good.”
Unlike his2001 release, Ray-J has decided to leave rapping alone and up to his labelmate, Shorty Mack.
“This album,I’m going to show more of my vocal skills. Last time I did a lot of club songs,this time I want to incorporate a few slow jams as well,” he said.
His sisterBrandy is featured on an inspirational song “The War is Over.”
“The song isabout the war on politics and education. It’s really to inspire and uplift theblack community.”
Ray-J, who iscurrently busy with television shows like Bet.com, BET Style, 106 and Park, andworking closely with in label, Knockout Entertainment.
“I loveworking from the ground up,” he said. “For my last album I didn’t get a chanceto do the touring thing. But this time around I’ll be making sure I get outmore so my fans will see me.”
On the softerside, Ray-J is enjoying being an uncle to his sister’s daughter, Sy’ria.
“I love beingan uncle, I just made up a song for my little niece,” the elated singer said.”It’s her first single. I bring her into the studio and play around with her.”
Ray-J, who isnow under the management of Matthew Knowles (Sanctuary Urban Records Group),will be touring with Destiny’s Child in the near future.
“I’m lookingforward to having my crew coming out and having a good time with me.”
Before thealbum is released, two singles will be on the airwaves.
“I want peopleto hear my first two singles and then cop the album,” Ray-J said. “I want themto hear the versatility and the growth of my music.”
Raydiation, which was mostly written by Ray-J, was recorded in Miami, Fl. Raydiation is set to release in late May.
“I play amajor role behind the scenes,” he said. “I feel that my struggles will reflectin the music.”
