Ray J Has Battled Serious Health Issues Before His Recent Heart Condition Diagnosis

Ray J promised he was turning over a new leaf as 2026 entered. The chaotic rapper might not have the chance. Shortly after his release from the hospital, the artist took to social media to claim he may not have long to live. Ray J outlined health issues that he claims could lead to his demise by 2027. This isn’t the first time he’s battled significant health struggles. Ray J has been hospitalized before. Both recent hospitalizations were about his lungs, not his heart, though.

Ray J says he could be dead by 2027 with a heart that is pumping at reduced capacity

Ray J took to social media this week with some sad news. The R&B artist who famously dated Kim Kardashian is facing a health battle that could take his life. He took to Instagram this week to reveal his heart is pumping at 25% capacity. He later said he’s operating at 60% of his pumping capacity. It’s unclear why he offered two different percentages. He went on to say doctors think he could die within months from the condition, but those around him are urging him to “stay positive.”

According to TMZ, he is planning to travel to Haiti for additional treatment that could prolong his life, though the exact type of treatment was not specified. He did offer a glimmer of hope at the end of his update, noting that if he follows orders, he could be OK. This is not the first time he’s battled serious health troubles. His hard-partying ways are reportedly to blame.

He’s been hospitalized multiple times with pneumonia

While the heart troubles are a seemingly new health battle for the 45-year-old rapper, it’s not his first health struggle. In 2021, as COVID-19 raged worldwide, Ray J landed in the hospital with pneumonia. While his illness was not attributed to a COVID-19 infection, he was treated with similar protocols. He was on oxygen for several days and remained in the hospital for weeks. When he was released, he required follow-up care, including breathing treatments. There is no indication that his heart was a concern at that time.

Earlier in January, he landed in a Las Vegas hospital, once again, for pneumonia. This time around, he also experienced chest pains and was under a doctor’s supervision for more than a week before he was released. After his hospitalization, he claimed he was on a new path.

Prior to 2021, Ray J had a bit of a run-in with the law that led him to an alcohol education course. While some followers assume the rapper has gone to rehab for substance abuse, struggling because of his 2012 mandated courses, there is no public confirmation that he has done so. His estranged wife, Princess Love, has suggested he would benefit from it, though.