Kid ‘N Play have become known as one of the most renowned duos in Hip-Hop history. Ever since they made their debut in 1988 with 2 Hype, the duo have broken barriers in entertainment for rappers. They were some of the first rap artists to launch acting careers with the classic House Party trilogy as well as Class Act.
Since achieving their musical success, Christopher “Kid” Reid and Christopher “Play” Martin have maintained separate interests. But Kid ‘N Play have also managed to maintain their partnership which still goes strong to this day.
Kid has not only become a stand up comedian, but also an entrepreneur. A long time cannabis lover, he recently launched his Kid N Blaze brand. He discussed the endeavor in a recent interview.
“Kid N Blaze is actually more of a cannabis lifestyle brand,” Reid said. “Literally, we tried to put out different strains but it was a lot harder than I thought. So we pivoted and delved into merch, you know, but more in a more collaborative sense with entities that are already established in the industry.”
Kid also talked about the importance of learning the cannabis industry and how he plans to be at its forefront.
“Now we’re collaborating with growers that already have the structure. The example I always use is what Diddy did with Ciroc,” he explained.
Play of Kid ‘N Play on his educational career
Meanwhile, Play has enjoyed a successful career at several HBCUs where he has taught courses on Hip-Hop. He opened up on how the experience has been for him.
“So for me, I’ve been involved in the higher education community. I mentioned before that Class Act was a foreshadowing because I didn’t do well or want to do well in school but what has evolved is a very strong interest in people,” he said. “School isn’t for everybody but for those who higher education is for, it’s unfortunate when they don’t take advantage of it.”
Play recently accepted a position as an instructor at Virginia State University starting this fall. He is also producing a documentary on background dancers for early hip hop artists such as Kid ‘N Play. Titled And I Dance, Play described it as “a seven year labor of love.”
Kid added that the duo’s individual pursuits are beneficial to the group, something he wished they learned earlier in their careers.
“As far as individual things, for a long time, we kind of had a policy that we would only do stuff together,” Reid recalled. “Looking back, I don’t know if that was always the right thing because everything we do now brings the energy back to the group.”
Written by Olan Bryant