A Brush with Death: Music Producer Uses Second Chance to Spread Kidney Disease Awareness

Almost half of all adults in the US have hypertension or high blood pressure¹. This can lead to serious consequences including kidney disease when not managed. 

Marlon Condoll Jr., a music producer by the name Smooth Producer Midnite, developed kidney failure as a result of high blood pressure. Instead of letting a tough situation bring him down, he’s fighting it, raising awareness for people with kidney diseases, and creating music to help others on dialysis.

A rough start to dialysis

Marlon learned he had mild-to-moderate kidney disease in 2018. 

“I wasn’t given a roadmap. The doctor told me I couldn't fix my kidneys. The only solution was a future transplant,” Marlon said. “I wasn’t assertive enough with my health. I didn’t make any significant changes because I didn’t understand the situation. I wish there was a course given to everyone diagnosed with kidney disease or kidney failure.” 

Now there is! The National Kidney Foundation offers two courses designed to catch up to speed. You'll learn how the kidneys work, what kidney disease is, and how to treat it.

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Marlon returned to life as normal after the diagnosis. He worked, produced new music, and started a computer programming degree. 

“In March 2022, I got very sick. I went to the emergency room where I learned my kidneys had failed. My blood pressure was very high. I was anemic,” said Marlon. “My life flashed before my eyes.”

The hospital team explained that he needed a catheter for emergency dialysis. Later he could get a fistula for in-center or a peritoneal dialysis catheter to dialyze at home. Marlon ultimately chose in-center. 

“I’m sharing my story because high blood pressure flies under the radar. People aren’t informed about how serious it can be.” Marlon said, “I want everyone to know about their blood pressure. They may be able to avoid dialysis by paying attention to it.”

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Overcoming setbacks

Since crashing into dialysis, Marlon has committed to bettering his health.

“Once I learned I can survive with kidney failure, I began to feel better. I’m a very compliant patient. I haven't missed any treatments and I follow my dietary and fluid rules." Marlon said, "I need to be healthy and prove I can take my health seriously to receive a kidney transplant.”

Everything was going well until early 2023 when Marlon began experiencing issues with his fistula. He went in for surgery to save it but woke up three days later barely able to move. Confusion set in and Marlon looked to his mother for answers. 

“She showed me her Facebook posts where she had documented the past few days’ events,” said Marlon. “I was dead for three minutes before being resuscitated. Knowing I'd died was an overwhelming feeling."

It took Marlon a few days to get through the worst of it. 

“I didn’t eat for three days. I had to relearn how to walk. I had a graft surgery instead of getting a new fistula. It was bad but I'm lucky to have a great support system. My mom and grandmother came and my brothers flew from Florida to Texas to help me.” Marlon said, “I still think about it to this day. I was given this second chance. That’s how I thrive."

Join an NKF Community for a safe place to share experiences, ask questions, and get answers related to kidney health, kidney disease, and transplantation.

Healing through art

In a way, Marlon is there for the people who need him most–through his music. Marlon, or Smooth Producer Midnite, is a beatmaker. He used his musical talents to produce an entire playlist of music to inspire fellow dialysis patients.

“It’s my most ambitious, favorite project to date,” said Marlon in a 2023 interview with Urban Magazine. “I have done some projects and placed beats on a few albums. This playlist is special because I'm part of the community. I did it for the people on dialysis.”

Music is also therapeutic for Marlon.

“The hardest part about having kidney failure is waking up and knowing that if you don’t do dialysis, you’ll die," said Marlon. "My music is a release. It’s fun and helps me focus on life outside of dialysis.” 

Marlon’s advocacy goes beyond music. He mentors other people with kidney failure. 

“I gave my number to several people about to start dialysis. I answer their questions–mostly about how the machine feels," said Marlon. "I tell them they can continue living. I go to night school and make music. It's important to have fun when you have the energy. Go see a sports game or a movie. Hang out with friends and enjoy life.”

Do you need support? You aren’t alone! Talk to someone who’s been there with NKF Peers.

Sources

¹“High Blood Pressure Symptoms and Causes.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 18 May 2021,https://www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure/about.htm#