Ray J appeared to have family on his mind on Jan. 21 when the “Love & Hip Hop” star posted a video of himself spending time with his two children on his 40th birthday. The singer shares Melody Love, 2, and 1-year-old Epik Ray with his estranged wife, Princess Love.
The reality star, whose initial video was recorded on his birthday on Jan. 17 days before its upload, mentioned how much his children meant to him as he held each toddler in both arms. He said, as Chloe x Halle’s song “Forgive Me” blasts in the background, “God is the greatest. Forget the clubs, forget the yachts, forget the parties, man. I’m with my kids, man, for my birthday. And that’s all that matters to me. That’s all that matters to me.”
The entrepreneur reiterated those sentiments as he wrote his caption: “This was the night of my birthday 1-17-2021 – The only thing I wanted to do was be with my family – I love them with all my soul. I love them so much I don’t even understand it. This is something truly special. The biggest gift of my life. @melodylovenorwood @epikraynorwood@princesslove”
Fans commended Ray J for acknowledging the importance of family while also gushing over his “cute” tots.
“Family is the best gift 😍😍😍😍”
“The feeling of hugging your kids ,nothing like it ❤️”
“His kids are so cute !!!”
“All about the kids.”
“That’s what’s up because at this age family is what matters you don’t need to go to parties anymore it’s the old you. It’s time to level up ✊🏾✊🏾.”
As most fans applauded the father of two for apparently changing, a couple of people said the singer shouldn’t get praised for something he’s supposed to do.
One criticized the 40-year-old’s comments in the video by saying, “The issue is him feeling he did something special trading yachts, money, clubs for family time. This should be the norm. Time with family should be a top priority…Beautiful babies tho.”
Another wrote, “I hate when ppl have to justify and glorify spending time with their children over doing some for themselves. That’s what you’re supposed to do sir! Plus we’re in a pandemic.”
Ray J’s public persona has rubbed fans the wrong way over the years, leading many to believe the “One Wish” vocalist won’t settle down and be a family man. Last fall, the “Love and Hip Hop” star filed for divorce from his estranged wife of four years after Love dismissed the previous petition.
During an interview with “Entertainment Tonight,” Ray J explained why he filed. The reality star said he wanted every party to be happy regardless of the outcome.
“I just think that I want to make sure everybody is happy, that everybody enjoys life and that this can help her smile more and enjoy who she is and enjoy her life,” he said. “You know, sometimes it’s the best thing to do.”
