Inside Ray J's Health Woes as Death Fears Mount — After Singer Claimed Doctors Gave Him a Few Months to Live
Ray J has found himself in the hospital several times over the years.
July 1 2026, Published 8:30 p.m. ET
Ray J has been candid about his health no longer being in peak condition, and RadarOnline.com can reveal everything the 45-year-old has been through, including his numerous hospital stays.
Ray J Was Hospitalized With Pneumonia in 2021
Ray J claimed his doctors told him he had months to live.
The rapper was first hospitalized with non-COVID pneumonia amid the pandemic in 2021. His manager, David Weintraub, confirmed the artist was struggling to breathe before he was admitted to a hospital in Miami.
After all five of his COVID-19 tests came back negative, he was moved out of the facility's COVID wing.
"I appreciate all the love and support from everybody," he told his fans in a message he shared via his manager at the time. "Thank you for keeping me in your prayers, and I will be back up and running soon."
Ray J was discharged a few days later, per reports.
Ray J Was Admitted Again for Pneumonia and Heart Pain
He dealt with the severe lung infection and heart issues in January.
The One Wish hitmaker landed in a Las Vegas hospital on January 6 with a severe case of pneumonia and heart pain.
To check his health, Ray J reportedly underwent X-rays and an echocardiogram at the time. He was discharged after a few days when his condition stabilized.
Ray J Reveals His Heart Was 'Only Beating Like 25 Percent'
Ray J said the right side of his heart had turned 'black.'
In a video shared on January 25, Ray J revealed he had contracted pneumonia that later progressed into a severe case of heart failure.
"I want to thank everybody for praying for me. I was in a hospital. My heart's only beating like 25 percent, but as long as I stay focused and stay on the right path, everything will be alright," he disclosed, explaining his health was "not okay."
Ray J also wrote in the caption, "Just almost died!! I'm alive because of your prayers and support!!"
A few days later, he shared he was prescribed eight medications, including Entresto and Jardiance, for heart failure prevention. He reportedly could need a pacemaker or defibrillator, adding that he may go to Haiti to treat his "black heart."
"As long as I stay focused and stay on the right path, everything will be all right," he reminded himself.
Doctors Reportedly Told Ray J He May Only Have Months to Live
Per Ray J, his excessive alcohol and substance abuse affected the organ.
The Wait a Minute singer also claimed his doctors told him he had months to live.
"2027 is definitely a wrap for me," he said in the Instagram Live video, later attributing his heart condition to excessive alcohol and substance abuse.
"I f----- up," Ray J said of his lifestyle. "I think I thought I had more weight. I thought I was big, so I could handle all the alcohol, I could handle all the Adderall, I could handle all the drugs – but I couldn't. It curved my time here."
The R&B artist continued, "My baby mama [Princess Love] gonna be straight, my kids gonna be straight. If they wanna spend all the money, they can spend it. I did my part here. And d---, when it's all done, burn me, don't bury me."
After sparking concern, Ray J assured fans in a January 30 video that he was already feeling "better."
"He had a session with a doctor, who did miracles," his manager also revealed.
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Ray J Knocked Unconscious During an MMA Fight
He revealed he was getting better after the fight.
Ray J was hospitalized again for two days after he was knocked out by YouTuber Hot Fire during an MMA match on May 23. According to reports, he suffered a concussion while his heart rate slowed.
He updated fans on May 27, laughing off the hard hit that knocked him out while confirming he was okay.
