An Open Letter From:
Christopher 'Kid' Reid &
Christopher ‘Play’ Martin
Christopher 'Kid' Reid &
Christopher ‘Play’ Martin
(a/k/a "Kid N Play")
Dear Extended Family, Friends & Fans of Kid N Play:
2012 year marks the 22nd Annual Reunion of Kid N Play: House Party. Wow, how does time fly, when you’re having fun. It just seems like yesterday, when we did our first kick-step and House Party hit the big screen. The past few years have been very busy and exciting from touring to teaching and being on a number of television shows - click the following link to watch a Kid N Play live performance clip on the George Lopez Show: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8QVZGT869g&feature=related
We are writing you today to let you all know that we have been working on two things: (1) shooting a series of us traveling from coast-to-coast (Los Angeles to New York to Miami to Atlanta and every-in-between; and (2) shooting a film pilot for a movie entitled ‘SkyKapz’ (see project synopsis online at: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/kidnplay/346669831?token=17d0af86 ).
SkyKapz is an inspiring and entertaining story of two lifelong friends as they work and play together at a major metropolitan airport while struggling to break through in the entertainment industry. Christopher “Kid” Reid and Christopher “Play” Martin (a/k/a “Kid N Play”) will play the lead roles, while experienced Hollywood actors will be placed in key supporting roles and cameos from some of the leading figures in the comedy and hip-hop industries. Kid N Play Films is surveying shoot locations in Atlanta, Georgia, due to community support of video productions and incentives.
If you are reading this correspondence and you are a fan of Kid N Play and you would personally like to support us in achieving the two objectives of shooting: (1) Kid N Play: Coast-to-Coast; and (2) Kid N Play: SkyKapz: The Movie, then there are three (3) things that you can help us with:
1. Tell everyone that you know that Kid N Play are looking to do this biggest House Party ever and are enlisting the support of the community, extended family, friends and fans worldwide.
2. Support Kid N Play Online at:
a. Kid N Play Films Official Website: http://www.KidNplay.com
b. Kid N Play Films Official Twitter Page: https://twitter.com/#!/KidnPlaySkyKapz
c. Kid N Play Films Official Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/ profile.php?id=100003472823919
d. Kid N Play Films Official MySpace Page: http://www.myspace.com/kidnplayfilms
e. Kid N Play Films Official Blog: http://kidnplayskykapz.blogspot.com/
f. Kid N Play Films Contribute Page: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/kidnplay/346669831?token=17d0af86
3. Be an active contributor and supporter of Kid N Play: Coast-to-Coast and SkyKpaz: The Movie (chance for autographs, pictures, (your very own ‘House Party’ with Kid N Play as hosts), etc., via direct support and contributions and get an opportunity to participate in the project whether as an extra, on-location and even audition for a part or submit music for the soundtrack, at KickStarter: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/kidnplay/346669831?token=17d0af86
Thank you very much for taking the time to read this letter and to share it with a friend. We truly appreciate all of the love and support that the community has given us throughout the years (your emails, letters, hugs and well-wishes when we are in the streets, on and on—THANK YOU), and we are excited about the opportunity to “do it one more time”. Feel free to reach out for us directly via email at: kidnplayfilms@yahoo.com (24/7), if there is any way that we can be of assistance to you, provide additional information or answer answer any questions that you may have.
Tisha Campbell, Queen Latifah, Bernie Mac, Martin Lawrence, Chris Tucker...on and on...all have one thing in common...They got their first start in the entertainment business via a Kid N Play film. That was then...and this is now...and it is our hope and desire that when we shoot Coast-to-Coast and SkyKapz, that this opens the door for the next wave of mega-stars, maybe even you, and we want that to be our enduring legacy of giving back and lifting up the next generation of entertainers...that is the true heart and essence of Kid N Play.
Yours Truly and Thank you For Your Support,
Christopher 'Kid' Reid & Christiopher ‘Play’ Martin (a/k/a 'Kid N' Play)
www.KidNPlay.com
If you are reading this correspondence and you are a fan of Kid N Play and you would personally like to support us in achieving the two objectives of shooting: (1) Kid N Play: Coast-to-Coast; and (2) Kid N Play: SkyKapz: The Movie, then there are three (3) things that you can help us with:
1. Tell everyone that you know that Kid N Play are looking to do this biggest House Party ever and are enlisting the support of the community, extended family, friends and fans worldwide.
2. Support Kid N Play Online at:
a. Kid N Play Films Official Website: http://www.KidNplay.com
b. Kid N Play Films Official Twitter Page: https://twitter.com/#!/KidnPlaySkyKapz
c. Kid N Play Films Official Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/ profile.php?id=100003472823919
d. Kid N Play Films Official MySpace Page: http://www.myspace.com/kidnplayfilms
e. Kid N Play Films Official Blog: http://kidnplayskykapz.blogspot.com/
f. Kid N Play Films Contribute Page: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/kidnplay/346669831?token=17d0af86
3. Be an active contributor and supporter of Kid N Play: Coast-to-Coast and SkyKpaz: The Movie (chance for autographs, pictures, (your very own ‘House Party’ with Kid N Play as hosts), etc., via direct support and contributions and get an opportunity to participate in the project whether as an extra, on-location and even audition for a part or submit music for the soundtrack, at KickStarter: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/kidnplay/346669831?token=17d0af86
Tisha Campbell, Queen Latifah, Bernie Mac, Martin Lawrence, Chris Tucker...on and on...all have one thing in common...They got their first start in the entertainment business via a Kid N Play film. That was then...and this is now...and it is our hope and desire that when we shoot Coast-to-Coast and SkyKapz, that this opens the door for the next wave of mega-stars, maybe even you, and we want that to be our enduring legacy of giving back and lifting up the next generation of entertainers...that is the true heart and essence of Kid N Play.
Yours Truly and Thank you For Your Support,
Christopher 'Kid' Reid & Christiopher ‘Play’ Martin (a/k/a 'Kid N' Play)
www.KidNPlay.com
About KidNPlay.com & Kid N Play: KidNPlay.com is the official website of Kid N Play Films. For more information, please visit: www.KidNPlay.com
Kid 'n Play is a hip-hop and comedy duo from New York City that was popular in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The duo was composed of Christopher "Kid" Reid (born April 5, 1964 in The Bronx, New York City), Christopher "Play" Martin (born July 10, 1962 in Queens, New York City), working alongside their DJ, Mark "DJ Wiz" Eastmond (born March 21, 1966 in Queens, New York City). Besides their successful musical careers, Kid 'n Play are also notable for success in acting.
The pair met while performing in rival high school groups The Turnout Brothers and The Super Lovers, and initially formed their duo under the name The Fresh Force Crew. In 1986 She's a Skeezer and Rock Me were recorded. By 1987 they had changed their name to Kid n' Play.
Kid 'n Play recorded three albums together between 1988 and 1990: 2 Hype (1988), Kid 'n Play's Funhouse (1990), and Face the Nation (1991). Hurby "Luv Bug" Azor, the producer for Salt-n-Pepa who had been a member of the The Super Lovers with Play, served as Kid 'n Play's manager and producer during the early portion of their career. All three albums focused upon positive lyrics backed by pop-friendly instrumental tracks. Among the group's most successful singles were 1989's "Rollin' with Kid 'n Play" (#11 on the Billboard R&B singles chart), 1990s "Funhouse" (#1 on the Billboard rap singles chart), and "Ain't Gonna Hurt Nobody" (another #1 rap hit).
The group's stage show highlighted their teen-friendly personalities, and dances such as their trademark, the Kick Step. Reid's visual trademark was his hi-top fade haircut, which stood ten inches high at its peak. Martin regularly wore eight-ball jackets.
Kid 'n Play were also notable for their dance known as the Funky Charleston, or affectionately known as the Kid and Play Kickstep, influenced by the 1920s-era dance move, first seen in their video "Gittin Funky". The Funky Charleston featured the New Jack Swing-aerobic dance moves typical of late 1980s urban street dancing. Unlike the original Charleston, The Funky Charleston/Kid and Play requires two participants instead of one. This dance also was made quite popular in the movie House Party, in which Kid and Play have a dance competition with Tisha Campbell and A.J. Johnson.
In addition to their music, Kid 'N Play starred together in four motion pictures, all of them based around hip-hop characters and themes. The duo also appeared on the soundtrack albums to these films. Three of the Kid 'n Play films were entries in the House Party series. The first two House Party films (1990's House Party and 1991's House Party 2) also featured the then-relatively unknown Martin Lawrence and Tisha Campbell, later stars of the TV sitcom Martin. House Party 3 featured hip-hop/R&B girl group TLC.
Class Act, produced in 1992, was a comedy in the same vein as the House Party films. For that film, Reid traded his trademark hi-top fade in for braids instead. The haircut is used as a plot device in the film.
Kid 'n Play even had their own NBC Saturday morning cartoon, Kid 'n Play, for one season from 1990 to 1991. On the show, Kid 'n Play were regressed to teens, but their recording careers remained intact, as did their comic personas.
Kid 'n Play appeared in live-action wraparounds of the cartoons, but voice actors (again including close friend Martin Lawrence) took over for the animated versions of the duo. The show stressed positive role models, teaching kids how to get along and stay out of trouble. A 1992 Marvel Comics comic book based on the cartoon lasted nine issues. They also shot some segments for the PBS math show Square One TV and Sesame Street. They appeared on the animated special Freaknik: The Musical as themselves on Adult Swim.
Reid continued acting, guest starring in a number of television sitcoms, including Sister, Sister, and hosting shows such as It's Showtime at the Apollo and Your Big Break. Martin became a born-again Christian, and devoted his time to working on Christian-based hip-hop music projects. He eventually took his industry experience and founded HP4Digital Works, a multimedia company that provides pre- and post-production for film, digital, and live theater productions. He also founded Brand Newz, an online syndicated magazine focusing on positive community leaders and events.
Martin became a professor (teaching a class on the history of hip-hop) at North Carolina Central University in Durham, North Carolina and at FAMU in Tallahassee, Fl (where he now resides). Martin was also a judge for the 8th annual Independent Music Awards. The duo is currently on a tour of the House Party anniversary along with other rappers such as Salt n Pepa
In 2009, State Farm released a commercial featuring LeBron James dancing to the music of Kid 'n Play. In October 2009 the duo appeared on the BET Hip Hop Awards where they did their trademark dance. On Feb 9, 2010 the duo appeared on The Mo'Nique Show. On June 23, 2010 the duo appeared on Lopez Tonight and performed 'Rollin' with Kid 'N Play' from their album, 2 Hype.
For more information, please visit: www.KidNPlay.com
Kid 'n Play is a hip-hop and comedy duo from New York City that was popular in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The duo was composed of Christopher "Kid" Reid (born April 5, 1964 in The Bronx, New York City), Christopher "Play" Martin (born July 10, 1962 in Queens, New York City), working alongside their DJ, Mark "DJ Wiz" Eastmond (born March 21, 1966 in Queens, New York City). Besides their successful musical careers, Kid 'n Play are also notable for success in acting.
The pair met while performing in rival high school groups The Turnout Brothers and The Super Lovers, and initially formed their duo under the name The Fresh Force Crew. In 1986 She's a Skeezer and Rock Me were recorded. By 1987 they had changed their name to Kid n' Play.
Kid 'n Play recorded three albums together between 1988 and 1990: 2 Hype (1988), Kid 'n Play's Funhouse (1990), and Face the Nation (1991). Hurby "Luv Bug" Azor, the producer for Salt-n-Pepa who had been a member of the The Super Lovers with Play, served as Kid 'n Play's manager and producer during the early portion of their career. All three albums focused upon positive lyrics backed by pop-friendly instrumental tracks. Among the group's most successful singles were 1989's "Rollin' with Kid 'n Play" (#11 on the Billboard R&B singles chart), 1990s "Funhouse" (#1 on the Billboard rap singles chart), and "Ain't Gonna Hurt Nobody" (another #1 rap hit).
The group's stage show highlighted their teen-friendly personalities, and dances such as their trademark, the Kick Step. Reid's visual trademark was his hi-top fade haircut, which stood ten inches high at its peak. Martin regularly wore eight-ball jackets.
Kid 'n Play were also notable for their dance known as the Funky Charleston, or affectionately known as the Kid and Play Kickstep, influenced by the 1920s-era dance move, first seen in their video "Gittin Funky". The Funky Charleston featured the New Jack Swing-aerobic dance moves typical of late 1980s urban street dancing. Unlike the original Charleston, The Funky Charleston/Kid and Play requires two participants instead of one. This dance also was made quite popular in the movie House Party, in which Kid and Play have a dance competition with Tisha Campbell and A.J. Johnson.
In addition to their music, Kid 'N Play starred together in four motion pictures, all of them based around hip-hop characters and themes. The duo also appeared on the soundtrack albums to these films. Three of the Kid 'n Play films were entries in the House Party series. The first two House Party films (1990's House Party and 1991's House Party 2) also featured the then-relatively unknown Martin Lawrence and Tisha Campbell, later stars of the TV sitcom Martin. House Party 3 featured hip-hop/R&B girl group TLC.
Class Act, produced in 1992, was a comedy in the same vein as the House Party films. For that film, Reid traded his trademark hi-top fade in for braids instead. The haircut is used as a plot device in the film.
Kid 'n Play even had their own NBC Saturday morning cartoon, Kid 'n Play, for one season from 1990 to 1991. On the show, Kid 'n Play were regressed to teens, but their recording careers remained intact, as did their comic personas.
Kid 'n Play appeared in live-action wraparounds of the cartoons, but voice actors (again including close friend Martin Lawrence) took over for the animated versions of the duo. The show stressed positive role models, teaching kids how to get along and stay out of trouble. A 1992 Marvel Comics comic book based on the cartoon lasted nine issues. They also shot some segments for the PBS math show Square One TV and Sesame Street. They appeared on the animated special Freaknik: The Musical as themselves on Adult Swim.
Reid continued acting, guest starring in a number of television sitcoms, including Sister, Sister, and hosting shows such as It's Showtime at the Apollo and Your Big Break. Martin became a born-again Christian, and devoted his time to working on Christian-based hip-hop music projects. He eventually took his industry experience and founded HP4Digital Works, a multimedia company that provides pre- and post-production for film, digital, and live theater productions. He also founded Brand Newz, an online syndicated magazine focusing on positive community leaders and events.
Martin became a professor (teaching a class on the history of hip-hop) at North Carolina Central University in Durham, North Carolina and at FAMU in Tallahassee, Fl (where he now resides). Martin was also a judge for the 8th annual Independent Music Awards. The duo is currently on a tour of the House Party anniversary along with other rappers such as Salt n Pepa
In 2009, State Farm released a commercial featuring LeBron James dancing to the music of Kid 'n Play. In October 2009 the duo appeared on the BET Hip Hop Awards where they did their trademark dance. On Feb 9, 2010 the duo appeared on The Mo'Nique Show. On June 23, 2010 the duo appeared on Lopez Tonight and performed 'Rollin' with Kid 'N Play' from their album, 2 Hype.
For more information, please visit: www.KidNPlay.com
Keep Up The Great Work!!!
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