LOS ANGELES, USA — The R&B singer Ray J said he is facing serious health challenges after being hospitalised earlier this month for pneumonia and heart complications, telling fans that his heart is functioning at only a fraction of its normal capacity.
In an Instagram post on Sunday, January 25, 2026, the 45-year-old musician, whose full name is William Ray Norwood Jr., said he had “almost died” during his recent illness and credited prayers and support from family and fans for his recovery.
“I was in the 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 said. “So thank you for all your prayers.”
Hospitalisation and Medical Concerns
Earlier this month, TMZ reported that Ray J was taken to a Las Vegas hospital on January 6 for treatment for pneumonia and heart pain.
In subsequent social media videos, he said his health was still “not okay” and described his condition as serious.
He thanked members of his family for their support, saying: “Thank you to my mom, Brandy, and my dad, and everybody for helping me through.”
In a separate livestream later reposted online, Ray J said his medical team had warned that his condition could be life-threatening.
“2027 is definitely a wrap for me,” he said. When a friend questioned the claim, he replied: “That’s what the doctor said!”
Reflections on Past Behaviour
In the same livestream, Ray J attributed his health problems to years of substance and alcohol use.
Pointing to his chest, he said: “I f—ed my heart up on the right side, right here.”
He added: “Because I think I thought I had more weight. I thought I was a big [shot], so I could handle all the alcohol. I could handle all the Adderall. I could handle all the drugs, but I couldn’t. And it curbed my time here.”
He said that at one point he had been drinking “four or five bottles a day” and taking “10 Addies” at a time.
“I’m like, ‘Ain’t nothing happening to me? F— it. I’m indestructible,’” he said. “Joke’s on me. Take care of yourselves, y’all.”
Family and Financial Planning
In another video, Ray J said he had made financial arrangements to support his former wife, Princess Love, and their two children.
“My baby mama gon’ be straight, my kids gon’ be straight,” he said. “If they want to spend all the money, they can spend it, but I did my part here.”
He also acknowledged regret over his past lifestyle.
“I shouldn’t have went this hard, bro,” he said. “I shouldn’t have went that hard.”
He said his condition remained serious and that he was scheduled for further medical examinations.
“My mamma and my daddy coming to pick me up tomorrow and they’re gonna take me to the check-up,” he said. “Shout out to my mom and daddy and shout out to Brandy for looking out for me. She paid my bills for me for the rest of the year.”
Previous Health Issues
This is not the first time Ray J has been hospitalised for pneumonia. TMZ previously reported that he sought treatment for the illness in October 2021 during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The singer said he remains hopeful about his recovery and urged supporters to stay focused and healthy as he continues medical treatment.
Ani Afuekwe | Entertainment Reporter
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