Media Outrage

In a recent interview with Essence Ray J spoke candidly about a few topics of interest. We have to admit Ray J is straight comedy the way he answers questions. Definitely a colorful character.

Essence.com: It’s interesting that you say that you respect women because some might beg to differ—again after the sex tape. What do you think of that public perception?

R.J.: Well, that’s people who don’t know me, but the people who do know me like the Whitney Houstons, the Lil’ Kims, my sisters and my friends they want to hang out with me because we vibe, they’re respectable people, I’m respectable people and it’s all love–that’s who I am.

Essence.com: As it should be. Would you consider yourself an opportunist?

R.J.: When an opportunity comes I want to be prepared for it. So am I prepared as far as my talent is concerned? Yes I am so that I can be prepared for any opportunity so I guess in that sense I am. I want to be prepared as an entertainer so that when you come to see me perform what you see is entertainment whether you think I’m good or bad, either way you are entertained.

Essence.com: After the tape was released was there a part of you that felt like the damage had already been done so why not capitalize on it?

R.J.: But I did not capitalize on that tape. I turned down about five or six deals—some of them $2 million and $7 million dollar deals—which added up to a lot of money. So yeah, I took the meetings because I wanted to hear what they had to say, but I turned down everything because it’s not always about the money.

Essence.com: There have been rumors that you and Kim Kardashian collaborated on the release of the tape for profit and the promotion of your careers. Is that true?

R.J.: Everything has been said about that. All I can say is that so many things had to be worked out legally to take care of the damages [that the company that released it] was prepared to do that from the start.

Essence.com: So you two were paid for your troubles?

R.J.: We got taken care of for the damages that happened with the tapes release especially with all the profits that were made from it.

Essence.com: What do you mean by damages?

R.J.: Career deals—everything was shut down when that happened as far as my career. I work on network television so everything was on hold at the time. It was a bad situation and not a good look.

Essence.com: It wasn’t a good look for you?

R.J.: Nah, it wasn’t good for me. I mean, that was between me and her, we had fun. We were 21 and did that tape like six years ago. We were weren’t even together when that tape came out. It was a terrible situation I’m just glad that I made it through.

Essence.com: Are you and Kim still friends?

R.J.: God bless her. She’s a good person and on the rise.

Essence.com: Are you still in touch with Karrine Steffans?

R.J.: Blessing to her and hers. We cool. Ain’t no love lost.

Essence.com: Mediatakeout.com reports that you proposed to Whitney over the phone?

R.J.: Huh?

Essence.com: (Laughs) Did you propose to Whitney over the phone—I would hope not through the wire?

R.J.: No. I respect all the young men who are getting married and taking a stand to be faithful and having a good woman in their life who supports them. That’s a good, good look for young men. I congratulate all the young men with the older women who are helping these young men to grow and the young men for keeping the excitement in a beautiful woman’s life. So with that said, I don’t know…

Essence.com: So you don’t know if you proposed to Whitney?

R.J.: I can’t say what happened. All I can say is that young men are being responsible, taking control and being bosses, that’s what I’m doing right now.

Essence.com: So you’re not going to go on record on whether or not you proposed?

R.J.: Yeah, I’m just going to say it’s good for men and women to connect and have a spiritual bond so I congratulate everyone who’s doing that right now.

Essence.com: (Laughs) And does that also mean congratulations to you and Whitney?

R.J.: (Laughs) I’d like to congratulate Nick Cannon and Mariah Carey.

Essence.com:(I read him the mediatakeout.com blog item about his proposal)

R.J.: (Laughs) Wow, Blessings to the United States of America! Blessings, blessings…

Essence.com: (Laughs) I get it “blessings” is your “no comment.” So you won’t confirm or deny the proposal?

R.J.: I can’t right now. You know, things happen so fast. Wow.

Essence.com: I also know that celebrities often have someone in their camp planting the seed for the media to grow and build on.

R.J.: Yeah, but I just woke up for real. For real, this is crazy.

Essence.com: Okay let’s make it more simple, are you and Whitney a couple?

R.J.: You know what? She’s a great friend of mine.

Essence.com: “Great friend” as in a platonic or romantic friend?

R.J.: Just a great friend. You know, I would say a friend who loves a friend.

Essence.com: How long have you and Whitney been friends?

R.J.: Since I was like young she’s been cool with my sister. If it wasn’t for Whitney my sister probably wouldn’t even be in the game because that’s who she studied every day. Then to have the chance to meet her, follow her and learn from her and develop her own style, that’s priceless. Whitney is my sister’s mentor. So I’d say, Whitney and I met when I was 11 or 12, I don’t really remember.

Essence.com: How is your relationship with Bobby Brown?

R.J.: They are all great people. I’m a big fan of Bobby Brown’s. He’s the greatest R&B artist of all time so I have much respect for him and the whole family.

Essence.com: So you two don’t have beef?

R.J.: No, not at all. If I see him out it’s all love. Like I said, I have much respect for him and what he’s accomplished in his career.

Essence.com: So is Lil’ Kim your girlfriend?

R.J.: You know what she’s someone who inspires me and played a big part in my “Sexy Can I” single so I pay homage to her as someone who’s on my side.

Essence.com: So you and Lil’ Kim are platonic friends?

R.J.: It’s more than that, we’re building dynasties.

To read more of this long interview click here.

Mediaoutrage- Funny guy…..