Kid from Kid 'N Play Reveals Life-Saving Heart Transplant

Christopher 'Kid' Reid opens up about his battle with congestive heart failure and successful surgery.

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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Christopher 'Kid' Reid, one-half of the iconic hip-hop duo Kid 'N Play, has revealed that he underwent a successful heart transplant surgery last year that saved his life. Reid opened up about his health journey on Good Morning America, sharing that he had been diagnosed with congestive heart failure and was placed on a transplant waitlist before receiving a new heart just nine days later.

Why it matters

Reid's story sheds light on the importance of regular health checkups, especially for people of color who may face barriers to accessing quality healthcare. His openness about his condition aims to encourage others to prioritize their heart health and not ignore potential warning signs.

The details

Reid said he had been experiencing symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath, and excessive sleeping, which he initially attributed to getting older and touring. However, when his condition worsened, tests at Cedars-Sinai medical facility revealed his heart was failing and starting to affect his other organs. He was placed on the transplant waitlist and received a new heart just nine days later after being deemed a high priority case.

  • Over the last year or so, Reid started feeling more fatigued than before.
  • Three weeks after being treated with medication, Reid's doctor noticed he was 'very swollen'.
  • Reid was placed on a heart transplant waitlist and received a new heart nine days later.

The players

Christopher 'Kid' Reid

One-half of the hip-hop and acting duo Kid 'N Play, who recently underwent a successful heart transplant surgery.

Dr. Erika Jones

Reid's doctor who noticed his worsening condition and recommended he be placed on the transplant waitlist.

Dr. Laura DiChiacchio

Reid's surgeon who performed the successful seven-hour heart transplant surgery.

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What they’re saying

“Over the last year or so, [I] maybe just starting feeling more fatigued than before, shortness of breath, sleeping more than normal.”

— Christopher 'Kid' Reid (Good Morning America)

“The blood work confirmed my suspicion. It showed that his heart was failing and it was starting to affect his other organs.”

— Dr. Erika Jones, Reid's doctor (Good Morning America)

“A lot of people are walking around with heart disease because they don't go to the doctor. And you know, traditionally, people of color, we don't go.”

— Christopher 'Kid' Reid (Good Morning America)

The takeaway

Reid's story serves as a powerful reminder for people, especially in communities of color, to prioritize their heart health and not ignore potential warning signs. His openness about his condition and successful transplant surgery aims to encourage others to get regular checkups and not let barriers like lack of insurance or fear of bad news prevent them from seeking medical care.