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Ray J had one of the most chaotic years we’ve seen from the R&B artist so far, but he promises that it’s all in the past. While he’s still got a ton of legal drama to clear up, he has announced that he’s turning over a new leaf for 2026. He claims he will be making major changes this year, and it feels like it couldn’t come at a better time. So, what exactly prompted the decision? It looks like a hospitalization might have been his tipping point.

Ray J is planning to change his life

Ray J turned 45 on January 17, and it appeared to be a quieter birthday celebration than he’s had in previous years. He shared an update on Instagram, thanking fans for their continued support, but acknowledged that his behavior over the previous 12 months had left something to be desired. He called 2025 a “crashout campaign.”

Ray J went on to say that he is focused on making the coming year better, insisting that he recognizes changes are needed. He said he was taking “full accountability” for his mistakes, and noted the misses his children. He did not name the biggest scandals of his year, though. Still, followers will know what they were.

While Ray J is adamant that he’s a changing man, his new persona will still have plenty of old trouble to clear up. Ray J left 2025 with a host of legal drama. First, he’ll have to address his issues with his estranged wife, Princess Love. In November, a judge issued a protective order against Ray J. The order stems from a Thanksgiving incident in which the artist pulled a gun on his estranged wife while their children were inside the home. In early January, Ray J asked a judge to modify the order so he could contact the two children he shares with the reality TV personality. The incident happened live on Twitch.

Aside from his custody drama with Princess Love, Ray J has two lawsuits he’ll need to clear up. Kim Kardashian and Kris Jenner are suing him for suggesting they were being investigated for racketeering. He made the comment more than once. He will also need to see American Express in court over a massive balance. According to Complex, the credit company filed a lawsuit against Ray J and his company for breach of contract. They say that the musician and his company owe them nearly $140,000. The lawsuit was filed in early December.

A hospitalization may have spurred the realization

Ray J’s plan to do better this year came as something of a shock even to his fans. Until recently, the R&B artist has been adamant that he’s done absolutely nothing wrong. So, what prompted the change? It appears that a recent hospitalization might have him feeling a bit introspective.

Earlier this month, Ray J was hospitalized with pneumonia. According to TMZ, the musician landed in a Las Vegas hospital after he experienced difficulty breathing and chest pains. He was very sick several years ago with a similar infection and ended up on oxygen. This case appears to be less severe.  

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