Brandy and Ray J Team Up for a New VH1 Series About Taking Over the Family Business

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Feb. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Superstar siblings Brandy and Ray J Norwood are famous for their incredible vocal talent on the stage and screen.  But they wouldn't be anywhere without the support and guidance of their parents – entertainment manager and mom, Sonja and talented musical father, Willie Norwood.  In this new VH1 series, viewers will get a first hand glimpse into the lives of the Norwood family unit and their family business – Rn'B Productions.  Run by Sonja, Rn'B Productions features an impressive roster of musical artists including Brandy, Ray J and their father Willie, who also serves as the company's vocal coach. But with Sonja ready to take a step down, Brandy and Ray J will have to fill her shoes quickly all the while taking the family business to the next level.  Will they have what it takes to continue to stay in the limelight while growing an entertainment empire? Watch as the Norwood's join forces and reach new levels of success in "Brandy and Ray J: A Family Business" premieres on VH1 Sunday, April 11 at 9:00 PM*.

From an early age Brandy and Ray J were exposed to the spotlight. Brandy blew the world away in the 90's with her soulful voice as a teenager, scoring numerous hits on the pop charts and earning her first Grammy® at the age of 19.  Popular for her starring role on the long running hit series "Moesha" and for her roles in films like "Cinderella" along side Whitney Houston, Brandy quickly became a household name. Following in his sister's footsteps, Ray J emerged onto the scene in various TV shows and films and became a power player in the music industry with platinum selling hits like "Sexy Can I" and "One Wish." Ray J is also famous for his reputation having dated many of Hollywood's leading ladies and staring in two seasons of his own hit VH1 reality series, "For the Love of Ray J."

"The Norwood's are an incredibly talented family who truly love each other and I think our viewers will relate to that," said Jeff Olde, Executive Vice President, Original Programming and Production, VH1. "They are also a family in business together in a rapidly evolving industry, which offers a whole other level of complexity in their relationships. I was struck not only by their bond and honesty with each other, but also by their ability to put family first amidst all the rewards and struggles their industry can provide."

In their new 11, one-hour episode series, both Brandy and Ray J will expand their roles in the family business. Brandy will step back into the music scene and team up with famous producer Timbaland for a new album all the while raising her seven year-old daughter Sy'rai. We'll also see Ray J stepping out of his notorious bad boy image and collaborating with Rodney Jerkins and other popular R&B heavyweights. Father Willie will continue to sing and coach his famous children while being the original voice of reason.  And the matriarch of the family, Sonja, will strive to keep her famous family on the right track, while passing the family business down to her two superstar children.

Despite their success and celebrity status, the Norwoods' are a typical American family who stick together.  "Brandy and Ray J: A Family Business" premieres on VH1 Sunday, April 11 at 9:00 PM*.

VH1.com will be home to show information, video clips, full episodes and more when "Brandy and Ray J: A Family Business" premieres in April.

Don't forget to tune in when all your favorite ladies from the past ten weeks reunite at the "For The Love of Ray J" reunion show on Monday, February 8 at 8:00 PM.*  Watch as this season's eliminated women finally give Ray J, and each other, a piece of their mind.

VH1's "Brandy and Ray J: A Family Business" is created and executive produced by Mark Cronin and Cris Abrego for 51 Minds Entertainment, LLC. an Endemol Company, who also produced the record-breaking series "Rock of Love," "Flavor of Love," "Charm School," and "I Love New York."  The production teams' programming launched VH1 into their highest ratings ever. Ben Samek and Matt Odgers also executive produces for the series and the company. Brandy and Ray J Norwood executive produce the series while Ray J also serves co-creator.  For VH1, the series is executive produced by Jeff Olde, Jill Holmes and Kristen Kelly.

VH1 connects viewers to the music, artists and pop culture that matter to them most with TV series, specials, live events, exclusive online content and public affairs initiatives. VH1 is available in 95 million households in the U.S. VH1 also has an array of digital channels and services including VH1Classic, VH1 Soul, VH1 Mobile, VH1Games and extensive broadband video on VH1.com. Connect with VH1 at www.VH1.com.

* All times ET/PT

SOURCE VH1