Biography
Kid 'n Play emerged among the earliest rap acts to soften the genre's aggressive edge into upbeat, message-driven material aimed at adolescents and broad listeners. The pair launched their career in 1988 via the platinum-certified album 2 Hype, which later expanded into motion-picture projects and a Saturday-morning animated series—the first such program built around a rap duo. Although studio output slowed amid the gangsta-rap climate of the 1990s, with Face the Nation marking their final full-length release in 1991, they still delivered two follow-ups to the original House Party feature along with the 1991 teen comedy Class Act.
Born Christopher Reid in the Bronx, New York, Kid and Christopher Martin, born in Queens, New York, first crossed paths while competing in separate high-school crews—the Turnout Brothers and the Super Lovers. They initially performed together under the name Fresh Force. Former Super Lovers member Hurby "Luv Bug" Azor took on management duties and secured the duo a contract with Select Records in 1987. While James Brown loops dominated mid-decade productions, Azor steered 2 Hype toward disco and pop foundations. Bolstered by the near-Top Ten R&B single "Rollin' with Kid 'n Play," the set attained platinum status. Despite contemporaries enjoying greater chart traction, the duo's wholesome presentation propelled them into film roles; Kid's towering six-inch "eraserhead" hairstyle, initially viewed as extreme by mainstream viewers, aligned with his sincere, clean-cut appearance. House Party achieved modest box-office returns after its 1990 premiere, and the same year the pair issued the proper album Funhouse. Two additional screen projects arrived in 1991—the House Party sequel and Class Act—while Face the Nation reflected a reduced emphasis on pop accessibility, confirming the duo's established approach. A further House Party installment surfaced in 1993, after which the act largely receded from view.
Born Christopher Reid in the Bronx, New York, Kid and Christopher Martin, born in Queens, New York, first crossed paths while competing in separate high-school crews—the Turnout Brothers and the Super Lovers. They initially performed together under the name Fresh Force. Former Super Lovers member Hurby "Luv Bug" Azor took on management duties and secured the duo a contract with Select Records in 1987. While James Brown loops dominated mid-decade productions, Azor steered 2 Hype toward disco and pop foundations. Bolstered by the near-Top Ten R&B single "Rollin' with Kid 'n Play," the set attained platinum status. Despite contemporaries enjoying greater chart traction, the duo's wholesome presentation propelled them into film roles; Kid's towering six-inch "eraserhead" hairstyle, initially viewed as extreme by mainstream viewers, aligned with his sincere, clean-cut appearance. House Party achieved modest box-office returns after its 1990 premiere, and the same year the pair issued the proper album Funhouse. Two additional screen projects arrived in 1991—the House Party sequel and Class Act—while Face the Nation reflected a reduced emphasis on pop accessibility, confirming the duo's established approach. A further House Party installment surfaced in 1993, after which the act largely receded from view.
Albums
