BIOGRAPHY
Early Years and Formation
Christopher "Kid" Reid and Christopher "Play" Martin formed the iconic hip-hop duo Kid 'n Play in the late 1980s. Hailing from New York, they became known for their upbeat, fun-loving style, energetic performances, and memorable high-top fade haircuts. Their early rise to fame was heavily influenced by their connection with fellow hip-hop group Salt-N-Pepa. This sense of camaraderie would remain a defining part of their careers. As Kid recalled, "We all came up together—Salt-N-Pepa, Kid 'n Play. We were like family before we were famous."
Salt-N-Pepa’s Support
Salt-N-Pepa played a pivotal role in Kid 'n Play’s early days, helping them navigate the music industry. This bond helped elevate Kid 'n Play as the duo began to gain recognition beyond their local scene. Play remarked,
"Salt-N-Pepa didn’t just support us—they put us on. They gave us a platform when we were still figuring things out."
"2 Hype" and Early Success (1988)
Kid 'n Play’s debut album, 2 Hype, released in 1988, introduced their playful, party-friendly style to the world. The album’s single "Kid vs. Play" showcased the duo’s lighthearted rivalry and established them as rising stars in the hip-hop scene. Their energy and sense of fun resonated with fans, setting the stage for their future success.
National Tours and N.W.A. Tour (1989)
The duo’s momentum increased when they joined N.W.A. on tour in 1989, an experience that helped solidify their reputation as key players in the hip-hop community. Touring with the notorious West Coast rap group exposed them to larger audiences and further cemented their place in the music scene. Reflecting on this period, Kid said,
"We went from local talent to national tours together. That bond is forever."
Filmography:
"House Party" (1990) and Sequels
While their music was gaining recognition, Kid 'n Play made a successful transition to film, starring in the iconic 1990 comedy House Party. The film became a cult classic, capturing the fun, carefree spirit of the 1990s. As Play reflected, “House Party was just the beginning. We were more than just rappers—we were entertainers." The success of the film led to two sequels: House Party 2 (1991) and House Party 3 (1994), where Kid and Play continued to showcase their comedic talents, solidifying their place in both hip-hop and film.
Legacy and Ongoing Influence
Kid 'n Play’s contributions to both music and film left a lasting legacy on pop culture. Their carefree, fun style made them a household name during the 1990s, and their influence still resonates in the hip-hop community today. Even after their time together as a duo, the bond they shared with each other, as well as with the groups they toured with and supported, remained unbroken.
“We were family from the start—just having fun and giving the fans an experience, not just music.”
- Kid ‘N Play.
In 1990, Kid 'n Play had their own NBC Saturday morning cartoon, where they were portrayed as teenagers while maintaining their music careers and signature humor. They appeared in live-action segments, while voice actors—including Martin Lawrence—handled the animated portions. The show promoted positive messages, and a Marvel Comics adaptation ran for nine issues in 1992. They also contributed to educational programs like Square One TV and Sesame Street. Later, they made animated appearances in Freaknik: The Musical and reprised their iconic roles in House Party: Tonight's the Night, where their characters had become music moguls.
Did you know?
Christopher “Play” Martin helped introduce his cousin, comedian Martin Lawrence, to Hollywood and played a key role in giving him his first major break with House Party. Lawrence later went on to build a successful career in entertainment, starring in blockbuster films like Bad Boys and Big Momma's House.
What are the duo up to now?
Christopher “Kid” Reid continued his acting career, guest starring in a few sitcoms, including Sister Sister. Christopher “Play” Martin shifted to Christian hip-hop and launched media ventures like HP4Digital Works and Brand Newz. Martin also became a university instructor, teaching hip-hop history. The duo reunited for various appearances, including the 2009 BET Hip Hop Awards and TV One’s Unsung. Reid made a cameo in LMFAO’s Sorry for Party Rocking video, and Martin starred in the sitcom Church Folks in 2020. In 2023, they appeared in a Progressive insurance ad, proving their lasting cultural influence.
in 2014, Kid 'n Play made a cameo in an iconic RadioShack’s Super Bowl XLVIII commercial,
The '80s Called.
In 2024, Kid 'n Play brought their signature energy and 90s nostalgia to Progressive’s Watch Party commercial, blending humor, hip-hop culture, and their iconic Kick Step with a special cameo from
NFL star Von Miller.
Kid 'N Play have recently expanded their creative ventures with The Fun House with Kid 'N Play podcast. The show, available on all major podcast platforms through Urban One Podcasts, celebrates over 50 years of hip-hop by featuring in-depth conversations with legendary artists and industry insiders.
Notable guests include Chuck D (Public Enemy), Roxanne Shanté, Kid Capri, Treach (Naughty by Nature), and Doug E. Fresh, among others.
The podcast dives into personal stories, hip-hop history, and even lighter topics like first dates at Olive Garden. It also explores pivotal moments in music history, including the media's role in the East Coast vs. West Coast rap rivalry
New Episodes Weekly