Kid 'N Play's Christopher Reid Shares Heart Transplant Journey

The 61-year-old rapper received a life-saving heart transplant last summer after his heart started failing.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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Christopher 'Kid' Reid, one half of the iconic 90s rap duo Kid 'N Play, recently revealed that he underwent a heart transplant last summer after his heart started failing. Reid said he initially brushed off symptoms like fatigue and shortness of breath, thinking they were just signs of aging. But after an ER visit and further testing, doctors told Reid he needed a new heart and placed him high on the transplant list due to the seriousness of his condition. Just nine days later, Reid received a donor heart and had successful transplant surgery.

Why it matters

Reid's story highlights the importance of being proactive about one's health, even when symptoms seem minor. His openness about his health journey during American Heart Month aims to encourage others to get checked out if they notice any changes, as catching heart issues early can be life-saving.

The details

After experiencing symptoms like fatigue and shortness of breath, which he initially attributed to aging, Reid visited the ER last July. He was then put on medication, but a follow-up visit showed the medication wasn't helping. Doctors then told Reid he needed to stay in the ICU and that he required a heart transplant due to his worsening condition, which they described as 'life and death.' Because of the seriousness of his situation, Reid was placed high on the transplant list, and just nine days later, he received a donor heart and had successful transplant surgery.

  • In July 2025, Reid visited the ER and was put on medication for his heart issues.
  • In August 2025, a follow-up visit showed the medication was not helping, and doctors told Reid he needed a heart transplant.
  • In August 2025, Reid was placed high on the transplant list due to the seriousness of his condition.
  • In August 2025, just nine days after being placed on the list, Reid received a donor heart and had successful transplant surgery.

The players

Christopher 'Kid' Reid

One half of the iconic 90s rap duo Kid 'N Play, who recently underwent a life-saving heart transplant.

Erika Jones

Reid's cardiologist at Cedars-Sinai Los Angeles who treated him and recommended the heart transplant.

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What they’re saying

“A lot of times, we don't go because we don't want the bad news, or we too busy just hustlin', trying to make it from day to day. And we … feel like we don't got time, or we'll get over it. Well, you might not.”

— Christopher 'Kid' Reid (Good Morning America)

“He came in very swollen again, and that is a little unusual in somebody who's been started on treatment, for the swelling to come back that quickly.”

— Erika Jones, Reid's cardiologist at Cedars-Sinai Los Angeles (Good Morning America)

“I wanted to let them know at the same time, 'Hey, I am worthy of this.' If I do get this gift, I intend to respect it and really live life to the fullest.”

— Christopher 'Kid' Reid (Good Morning America)

“I hope that I'm the same person, but that I'm a better version of myself. Because man, this thing, this is a beautiful life.”

— Christopher 'Kid' Reid (Good Morning America)

What’s next

Reid is back to work, performing and writing an upcoming book titled The Heart of the Matter.

The takeaway

Reid's story serves as a powerful reminder to be proactive about one's health, even when symptoms seem minor. His openness about his heart transplant journey aims to encourage others to get checked out if they notice any changes, as catching heart issues early can be life-saving.