Damn.
So guys, I got a little rumor for you. And honestly, this one stings.
As you already know, Ray J is preparing to enter the world of celebrity combat sports and has been talking about competing in MMA-style fights this summer. Some people are excited. Some people think it’s entertaining. Me? I’m concerned.
Before anybody starts laughing, hear me out. Please.
The little voice in the back of my head still cares about people. Ray J is a father. He has children. He has family members who love him. And from everything we’ve seen lately, he appears to be moving through life at full speed with very few people able to slow him down. I just don’t want him to crash.
READ ALSO: Ray J Signs Up For Back To School Brawl After Boxing K.O. Fiasco
Now here’s where the rumor comes in.
According to sources I know personally, one of the driving forces behind these fights is money.
I know. That sounds crazy when we’re talking about Ray J. He’s been famous for decades. He’s a singer, actor, entrepreneur, reality TV star and overall hustler. The man has been in the public eye for most of his life.
But what I’m hearing is deeper than just needing a paycheck.
Ray is reportedly trying to stack as much money as possible because he’s worried something could happen to him. This is highly likely from what I have heard. The way it was explained to me was chilling. The source claimed Ray wants to build a financial war chest for his children in case the worst happens.
But if true, it paints a very different picture of what’s motivating him. I mean, aren’t we all doing this in some way? Most of us?
The strangest part is that some people around him don’t understand why he’s willing to take these risks, my source says. Others believe he sees opportunities in celebrity fighting that he no longer sees in television, hosting gigs or even reality TV. I mean…that lane isn’t what it used to be. The market has changed.
And let’s be honest. In today’s attention economy, the most extreme stunt often gets the biggest check.
That worries me.
There have been ongoing discussions online about Ray J’s health. All reports say he has serious health challenges. Some people have even repeated claims about his heart function and HE’S said it too. So, we still do not know all that is going on.
The whole situation reminds me of Tupac Shakur. There were times when Pac seemed to understand the danger around him but continued charging forward anyway. I’m not saying the situations are the same. Not even close. But there’s a similar feeling here.
I sincerely hope none of it is true, but I hear it is very true.
If the rumors are wrong, great.
If they’re right, then this story isn’t really about celebrity boxing at all.
It’s about a man who may believe he’s running out of time.
What do you think?