Through Maria Spiller
January 19, 2026
The singer described 2025 as a ‘crash out campaign’, thanked his family and fans for the support and stated that a new chapter is beginning.
Marking a turning point after a year marked by controversy, health problems and public criticism, Ray J says he is entering a new phase of his life with a renewed sense of responsibility and gratitude. In a video shared to Instagram on Sunday, January 18 – one day after celebrating his 45th birthday – the R&B singer spoke directly to his fans and reflected on what he described as a particularly difficult time.
“Thank you all for the love today, man. God is good. Something new, something’s going to change this year,” Ray J said in the nearly two-minute clip. He then thanked supporters for both encouragement and criticism, adding: “Last year was a crazy year, it was a crash-out campaign.” It was intense, but God survived and put us in the right position.”
Ray J emphasized that he is determined to move differently in the future. “I promise all of you that this will be a very, very different wave than what we are currently on,” he said. “All jokes aside, I love you all, and I appreciate you all, thank you.”
The singer also thanked his family for standing by him during what he called a critical time. “I also want to thank my family – my mother, my father, my sister – for their support,” he said. “My sister came through for me, man, I needed her.”
In the video’s caption, Ray J elaborates on the issues he believes have defined the past year. “I lived through a season that was meant to break me,” he wrote. “Prison, illness, silence and loss all at once. I take full responsibility for my mistakes. God still spared my life when I didn’t deserve it. That alone humbles me.” He added: “My family protected me. Your prayers carried me.”
Ray J also referenced health issues that forced personal reflection. “My health forced me to put down the bottle and face myself,” he wrote, thanking supporters and critics alike. He ended the post with a message about his children: “I love you – TO GOD – I miss my kids so much. I will be with you soon.”
His sister, Grammy-winning singer Brandy, responded publicly in the comments, offering encouragement. “I love you so much brother and I’m here for you until the end – and beyond,” she wrote, adding, “God bless you and your journey. We will get through everything together! #sis.”
While Ray J didn’t outline any specific incidents in the video, his comments come after a year of headlines. In 2025, he faced legal troubles stemming from a domestic dispute with his estranged wife, Princess Love, made inflammatory claims about fellow artists and was criticized for erratic behavior during livestreams. He also made controversial public statements about his personal life and interactions with other celebrities.
More recently Ray J was admitted to hospital in Las Vegas after suffering from pneumonia and heart-related symptoms. TMZ reported that doctors performed X-rays and an echocardiogram.
Now Ray J says he’s focused on healing and change, suggesting the year ahead will look very different from the one behind him.
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