Christopher “Kid” Reid, one half of the iconic hip-hop duo Kid ‘N Play, recently revealed he is recovering from undergoing a heart transplant.
Reid, 61, said he underwent the surgery after being diagnosed with congestive heart failure in July 2025.
The rapper, known best for his signature high-top fade and starring role in the “House Party” films, opened up about his health journey in a “Good Morning America” interview that aired Thursday.
Reid explained he experienced symptoms including fatigue and shortness of breath over the past year, which he initially attributed to aging and touring. But his condition worsened by last summer, sending him to the emergency room where doctors delivered the shocking diagnosis.
A subsequent trip to his cardiologist revealed his heart failure was affecting other organs, prompting the heart transplant.
The famed rapper and actor received a transplant just nine days after being placed on the waitlist.
“New year, new heart, new vibration,” Reid said in the “Good Morning America” interview.
Reid shared that he is now using his experience to raise awareness during American Heart Month in February, particularly urging people of color to prioritize their cardiovascular health and not ignore symptoms.
Kid ‘N Play, formed by Reid and Christopher “Play” Martin, was one of the defining rap groups of the 1980s and 1990s. The duo charted three albums on the Billboard 200 with their biggest mainstream hit “Ain’t Gonna Hurt Nobody” reaching No. 51 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1991.
Billboard named Kid ‘N Play on its list of the 50 greatest rap groups of all time in 2023.
