Christopher Reid: From Kid N’ Play to ‘Grown & Working!’

Photo from @kidfromkidnplay twitter

When you hear the name Kid N’ Play, you most likely think about the 1990 film, House Party. That’s right the cult classic starring Christopher “Kid” Reid, Christopher “Play” Martin, Martin Lawrence, Tisha Campbell-Martin, A.J. Johnson, Full Force, and John Witherspoon hit movie theaters a quarter of a century ago.

However, Christopher “Kid” Reid and Christopher “Play” Martin are more than just the two funny guys who wanted to throw a party when their parents were out of town. Since the release of their 1988 album, 2 Hype, which went gold, Kid N’ Play have been entertaining hip-hop lovers all over the world with their upbeat sounds, good energy and iconic dance moves.

Reid was born in The Bronx, New York City, to a Jamaican father and an Irish mother. He graduated from the Bronx High School of Science in 1982. He also graduated from Lehman College in the Bronx after attending Miles College.

Reid says now that he’s 58-years-young, “Kid N’ Play can now be called ‘Grown N’ Worked’ Ha!”

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Reid has lived “full life” in his words.

“When I was growing up I had an afro and these real thick glasses and Play was this dude that always dressed fly, he had guns. So I was like this guy is cool!”

Both Kid and Play needed each other to and could learn from one another. From there, the friendship was formed and their mutual love for music made the partnership easy. But with fame came more responsibilities.

With the touring and selling records all over the world in the 1990’s, came the onslaught of women and drinking and new issues.

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Photo from @kidfromkidnplay twitter

“Within the span of a year and a half, I went from touring and being single to being married with three kids. It was crazy.”

Now, happily divorced, Reid says he learned a lot and imparts his knowledge with upcoming performers. Here’s his THREE tips:

• 1. “You’re gonna make mistakes. Try not to make the same ones twice.”
• 2. “Keep good people around you.”
• 3. “Love what you do. It’s a blessing and a privilege to do what you do. Pressure is a privilege.” 

Reid is now doing voiceovers, has a budding and touring stand up comedy show, still touring with Play and has his own medical marijuana business called Kid N’ Blaze.

For more on Chris Reid, click here.