Ray J shared distressing health news about his heart on social media. The singer, songwriter, and reality star, whose real name is William Ray Norwood Jr., went live on January 25 to update his supporters on his well-being. In the caption for the video, the “Wait A Minute” singer wrote that he “Just almost died,” adding that “I’m alive because of your prayers and support.”
TMZ reported that Norwood had been admitted to a Las Vegas hospital earlier this month. They attributed his admission to heart pains and a case of pneumonia.
Details About His Heart Issues
The reality star shed light on the details behind the incident in the Instagram post. “I want to thank everybody for praying for me,” he stated, looking directly into the camera lens. “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, then everything will be all right, so thank you for all your prayers.”
Heart disease is a leading cause of death in the United States of America. “One person dies every 34 seconds from cardiovascular disease,” according to the Centers for Disease Control.
The American Heart Association reports that the amount of heart function that is considered “normal” is “between 55% and 70%.” Anything lower than that could potentially indicate severe damage to the heart, which could come with serious side effects. The tests used to measure heart function include echocardiograms (commonly referred to as echos), nuclear imaging, cardiac catheterizations, and cardiac MRIs.
Black Men Are at a Higher Risk for Heart Issues
The Journal of the American Medical Association considers heart failure with reduced ejection fraction “a major public health concern with substantial morbidity and mortality.” According to the Office of Minority Health, “Black/African Americans were 35% more likely than the U.S. population overall to die from major heart and blood vessel disease.” Trends in cardiovascular disease risk in the U.S. have cited Black men as a particularly vulnerable population for adverse cardiovascular events. Research from the American Journal of Preventive Medicine places them as 65% more likely to have a heart attack or stroke.
Excessive Alcohol and Drug Use Can Increase Risks
In another since-expired video, which was ripped and migrated across social platforms, Norwood again referenced his health. He expressed regret for what he appeared to deem as excessive partying. “I shouldn’t have gone this hard,” he told viewers and another man who repeatedly entered and exited the frame before revealing that he had an upcoming appointment for further testing. Alcohol has been identified by the American Heart Association as a risk for cardiovascular disease, noting that “Drinking patterns, in particular binge and heavy episodic drinking, may modify the relationship between alcohol consumption and CAD risk.” Substance abuse of any kind can present physical health hurdles. Certain studies have even linked cannabis use to heart health risks. Norwood referenced heavy drinking in one of the videos he posted.
“Four or five bottles a day, 10 addys, f**ked my heart up on the right side right here,” he said, gesturing to his chest. “It’s like black, it’s like done.”
“2027 is definitely a wrap for me,” he added.
“Atherosclerotic heart disease and its antecedents pose the greatest risk for cardiovascular events for people prescribed stimulants,” per the Journal of Attention Disorders. “Stimulants are associated with increased risks of hypertension, coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, cardiomyopathy, and stroke,” according to a 2025 article from the Journal of Substance Use: Research and Treatment. Prescription stimulants are particularly risky for older adults, according to a 2021 study from the Journal of Pharmacy and Clinical Pharmacology.
Norwood made a few references to coconut water, which some perceive as a health tonic because of the potassium and electrolytes it contains, in the videos. He also shared his perspective on what he was thinking before his health challenges. He claimed he thought he was “undestructible.” “I could handle all the alcohol, I could handle all the adderall, I could handle all the drugs, but I couldn’t,” he continued. “It curved my time here. It curved it,” he added.
February is American Heart Month, an annual event that promotes heart health and raises awareness of the deadly threat of cardiovascular disease.
Resources
Journal of the American Medical Association
American Journal of Preventive Medicine
Journal of Attention Disorders
Journal of Substance Use: Research and Treatment
Journal of Pharmacy and Clinical Pharmacology
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