Singer and actor Ray J took to social media this week to reveal a poor prognosis for his health, sharing that his heart is “only beating like 25%” following his hospitalization for a severe case of pneumonia.
In videos now circulating online from previous online comments, Ray J, 45, said doctors told him he doesn’t have much longer to live. “2027 is definitely a wrap for me,” the singer said. He gestured to his heart and said the right side is black from alcohol and drug use. “It’s like done,” he continued.
Friends in the background of the video urged Ray J to not listen to doctors, telling him he would live to see his children grow up.
The singer repeatedly said he previously drank four to five bottles of alcohol a day, and took up to 10 “addys.” “I shouldn’t have went this hard bro,” Ray J said in the video. He said he “f—ed up,” and previously thought “I could handle all that alcohol, I could handle all that adderall, I could handle all the drugs, I could handle everything, but I couldn’t.”
He told TMZ on Thursday that he is on eight different kinds of medication for his heart, and that doctors have recommended he stay in bed, take his medication and not smoke or drink. They have also told him to prepare for the possibility of a pacemaker or defibrillator, according to TMZ.
Ray J did not immediately respond to a request for comment from NBC News.
The R&B performer — who is the younger brother of pop star and actor Brandy — made it big with hits like “One Wish” and “Sexy Can I,” and later as a reality star on “Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood” and “For the Love of Ray J.” He came to tabloid fame after the 2007 release of his sex tape with Kim Kardashian.
The singer and father of two was hospitalized for pneumonia in early January following a custody and legal battle with estranged wife Princess Love. Ray J was arrested in November for allegedly pointing a gun at Princess Love.
Ray J said in videos circulated online that a restraining order prevents him from contacting Princess Love or his children, and that he cannot be within 150 feet of them. The singer also said he hasn’t seen his children since his health has gotten worse, and the mother of his children doesn’t know how “drastic” his health decline has been.
