Ray J is one of those confounding celebrities who seems to be famous for being famous. Not unlike Paris Hilton and Kim Kardashian, Ray J's thin resume of achievements hasn't prevented him from spending a lot of time in the spotlight. On Friday his presence attracted about 250 curious fans to a "V.I.P Concert & Party" at the Beaumont Club. The hefty price of admission didn't get them much.
Ray J parlayed the success of his big sister, actress and pop star Brandy, into a recording career that's resulted in two big hits, "One Wish" in 2005 and "Sexy Can I" in 2007. Inspired at least in part by his relationship with Kardashian, a subsequent VH1 dating-oriented reality show, For the Love of Ray J, gave him further fame in 2009. His odd and laughably brief appearance Friday gave few indications that his fame has much shelf life.
Much to the consternation of the handful of people who had purchased premium seating, a Ray J associate encouraged all of the women in the room to move to the front of the stage. Most didn't need to be asked twice. Ray J ambled onto the stage at 12:27 a.m. and exited 17 minutes later. Backed only by a DJ, he sang most of "One Wish" and snippets of a handful of other selections. He noted that he was mourning the death of "an auntie."
"I'm a little sad today because I'm losing some of the people I love," he said.
Only when he invited women to jump onto the stage during "Shorty Is a Weirdo" did the evening feel anything remotely like a party. Their uninhibited dancing allowed Ray J to flash his ingratiating smile. Much of the remainder of his appearance was devoted to posing for photographs. He didn't even bother to sing along as "Bananaz" played.
Two locally-based acts easily outshone Ray J's disappointing outing. Stylish and energetic, Jackie Michaels' set drew heavily on contemporary R&B hits. Reminiscent of Mary J. Blige, Michaels' aggressive vocal approach makes her a talent worth watching. Bishop DonDotta was even better. Crude but effective, his salacious songs were also enhanced by a full band.
Ray J's appearance brought Andy Warhol's reference to fifteen minutes of fame to mind. For the majority of the people in attendance Thursday, all interest in Ray J's celebrity has expired.
Much to the consternation of the handful of people who had purchased premium seating, a Ray J associate encouraged all of the women in the room to move to the front of the stage. Most didn't need to be asked twice. Ray J ambled onto the stage at 12:27 a.m. and exited 17 minutes later. Backed only by a DJ, he sang most of "One Wish" and snippets of a handful of other selections. He noted that he was mourning the death of "an auntie."
"I'm a little sad today because I'm losing some of the people I love," he said.
Only when he invited women to jump onto the stage during "Shorty Is a Weirdo" did the evening feel anything remotely like a party. Their uninhibited dancing allowed Ray J to flash his ingratiating smile. Much of the remainder of his appearance was devoted to posing for photographs. He didn't even bother to sing along as "Bananaz" played.
Two locally-based acts easily outshone Ray J's disappointing outing. Stylish and energetic, Jackie Michaels' set drew heavily on contemporary R&B hits. Reminiscent of Mary J. Blige, Michaels' aggressive vocal approach makes her a talent worth watching. Bishop DonDotta was even better. Crude but effective, his salacious songs were also enhanced by a full band.
Ray J's appearance brought Andy Warhol's reference to fifteen minutes of fame to mind. For the majority of the people in attendance Thursday, all interest in Ray J's celebrity has expired.
| Bill Brownlee, Special to The Star
I walked by the Beaumont after leaving Titus and wondered what was going on there, I was thinking nothing, guess I was right, sad 250 people stopped by for so called celeb. Curious, how much were tickets?
Posted by: Green | July 04, 2011 at 03:03 PM
$30 and $50.
Posted by: Bill Brownlee | July 04, 2011 at 04:01 PM
Oh dear, thats way to much!
Posted by: Green | July 05, 2011 at 08:29 AM
$50 for 17 minutes of performance? Thats one of the more ridiculous things I've ever heard.
Posted by: joeboo | July 05, 2011 at 02:10 PM
Good grief, one Widespread Panic song is 17 minutes, thats all you got Ray J, stay home next time.
Posted by: Green | July 05, 2011 at 11:58 PM