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Tag: Families

  • Brandy Addresses ‘Distance’ With Brother Ray J

    It seems even close-knit families experience their share of ups and downs. Grammy-winning singer Brandy recently opened up about the current state of her relationship with her brother, Ray J, revealing that there’s a noticeable ‘distance’ between them right now.

    Prioritizing Personal Peace

    In a candid interview with Parade, Brandy explained her decision to create space in their relationship. “There is distance right now,” she shared. “There are a few things that he’s been doing in the public eye that I don’t condone, and I just feel like loving him from afar right now is best for me and my peace.”

    While Brandy didn’t delve into the specifics of what actions have caused this strain, it’s suggested that Ray J’s recent public behavior, including alleged threats towards former Bad Boy artists Shyne and Mase over past relationships with Brandy, might be contributing factors. Despite the current space, Brandy was quick to emphasize that her love for her brother remains unwavering.

    Ray J’s ‘Black Sheep’ Feelings

    This revelation comes after Ray J himself spoke about his family dynamics. On the podcast ‘Drop the Lo’ in 2025, he described himself as the ‘black sheep,’ feeling that his family might be ’embarrassed’ by him. He expressed a belief that they don’t fully grasp his modern approach to entertainment and business, particularly his savvy use of the digital world and ‘the algorithm’.

    “I never wanted to be accepted, I just feel like I’m an embarrassment.” — Ray J on ‘Drop the Lo’ podcast

    Ray J voiced frustration, feeling his family isn’t ‘intelligent enough’ to understand his digital strategies, which he believes ensure his future financial security. He stated, “It’s the way of the future, I’ll never go broke. Do the dog and pony show. I love being on stage, but with the sh*t I know and the codes I know, we’ll always be safe.”

    While Brandy acknowledges the complexities, her focus remains on maintaining her own peace, even if it means creating some distance from her brother’s public persona for now. Her book, which chronicles her life with Ray J, is a testament to their enduring bond, even amidst current challenges.

    What are your thoughts on Brandy’s decision to create distance with Ray J? Do you think his public actions are a valid reason? Share your opinions in the comments below!

  • KJ Smith & Skyh Black Welcome Baby Girl, Thank Tyler Perry

    Joyful news from the world of ‘Sistas’! Actors KJ Smith and Skyh Black have welcomed their first child, a beautiful baby girl named Pryde JaNea Black. While the couple is understandably over the moon, their journey to parenthood included a challenging and unexpected turn of events, with a little help from a very special friend.

    Smith, who gave birth on October 4th, described the experience of holding her newborn as surreal. “I wake up every day and I’m just like, ‘I have a little being that is here,’” she shared with People magazine. “She looks like a little angel. She’s so precious.” Black is equally smitten, admitting their daughter already has him completely captivated.

    A Birth Story That Took an Unexpected Turn

    However, the path to meeting Pryde wasn’t smooth. Smith, who had envisioned a natural, serene home birth surrounded by loved ones, found herself in a grueling 48-hour labor that deviated significantly from her plan. “It was really hard because… I was so dead set on having a natural birth, and I just knew it was going to work for me,” she recalled.

    Despite her initial optimism, Smith’s maternal intuition kicked in. “I was in so much pain. I was in so much agony… I was like, ‘Something’s not right with my baby,’ and I just knew that,” she explained. This gut feeling prompted her to make a crucial call.

    Tyler Perry to the Rescue

    That urgent call was to none other than media mogul Tyler Perry, who, despite being reportedly out of the country, answered immediately. “His first question was, ‘What’s wrong?’ [and] his next question was, ‘Where is Skyh?’” Smith recounted. Perry’s swift intervention mobilized the couple’s family and led to a critical change of plans.

    Black expressed concerns about the home midwife’s preparedness, stating, “I don’t think our midwife was equipped with how she handled my wife’s birth.” Moments after speaking with Perry, the couple was admitted to Northside Hospital Atlanta. There, medical staff confirmed Smith’s instincts: the baby’s heart rate was dangerously low due to complications from the home birth attempt.

    An Emergency C-Section and Deep Gratitude

    Thanks to Perry’s urgent call ensuring the hospital staff was aware of their arrival and need for immediate help, Smith was able to receive an epidural and undergo an emergency C-section. “I’m just extremely grateful, and I cry about it every day,” Smith said, reflecting on the care she received. “The team was patient and diligent with me…”

    Black feels “forever indebted” to Perry, whom he considers not just a boss but a mentor and close family friend. “He saved my wife and my baby’s life,” he stated, emphasizing Perry’s immediate action that “made it possible” for them to have a healthy daughter.

    Smith, who identifies as a “type A” personality, has found that the intense experience has shifted her perspective. “I was so dead set on a certain outcome, and I just feel so blessed every day because I could have lost my life and I could have lost my baby’s life,” she shared. She now emphasizes the risks women take to bring new life into the world and the importance of relinquishing control to a higher power.

    • KJ Smith and Skyh Black welcomed their daughter, Pryde JaNea Black.
    • The birth was challenging, deviating from their planned home birth.
    • Smith’s intuition signaled a problem, leading to a call to Tyler Perry.
    • Perry’s intervention facilitated an urgent transfer to Northside Hospital Atlanta.
    • An emergency C-section was performed due to the baby’s dangerously low heart rate.
    • The couple expressed deep gratitude to Tyler Perry for his pivotal role.

    What are your thoughts on KJ Smith and Skyh Black’s birth story and Tyler Perry’s involvement? Share your reactions in the comments below!