Ray J reveals near-fatal health crisis after heart function DROPS to 25% in Vegas |

Ray J, the R&B star behind timeless tracks like ‘One Wish’ and a reality TV icon, has pulled back the curtain on a life-threatening health crisis that nearly ended it all. The 45-year-old entertainer, whose real name is William Ray Norwood Jr., revealed in a raw Instagram video on January 25 that his heart is functioning at just 25 percent following a brutal bout with pneumonia and severe chest pains. Hospitalized in Las Vegas earlier this month, he described the ordeal as escaping death by the skin of his teeth, crediting fans’ prayers, his sister Brandy, and close friend Shila Hasanoff for his survival.In the emotional clip, Ray J appeared visibly weakened, sitting up in bed with an oxygen mask nearby, yet his spirit remained unbroken. “My heart’s only beating like 25 percent right now, but as long as I stay focused and keep God first, everything’s going to be all right,” he shared, his voice cracking with vulnerability. He recounted how the pneumonia hit fast, triggering excruciating heart pain that sent him to the ER. Doctors warned him of heart failure risks, a scare that echoed his 2021 pneumonia battle during the pandemic, when he also relied on oxygen and faith to pull through despite a negative COVID test.Family stepped up big time. Brandy, his Grammy-nominated sister, stayed by his side, while Shila from Love Cabin offered unwavering support. Ray J’s post, captioned “Just barely escaped! I’m alive because of your prayers,” exploded with love from fans worldwide.This isn’t just another celebrity health-related headline; it’s a stark reminder of health’s fragility, even for those in the spotlight.Ray J, a father of two and entrepreneur, now faces a long road to recovery, balancing meds, rest, and lifestyle shifts. As he fights back on this deadly health battle, one message rings clear: every heartbeat counts.