Play
Now in the following movies how much creative control did you get because I can’t imagine some old white dude coming up with a “Pajama Jammy Jam.”
Play: We were fortunate enough to have black people who understood. Kid and I have been fortunate in all the movies we did even “Class Act” and that was written by a white guy we love named Randy Miller. We always had directors that trusted our instinct. They would ask us would this be said and how legitimate would it be. Sometimes we would just do it both ways and whichever one turned out better when you edit it that’s the one you did. Most of the time they let us do it any way we wanted to, but when there was a disagreement the compromise was we’ll do different takes of each person’s version.
We came up on Kid N Play so we were there for everything. Besides Hammer ya’ll the only rappers I know who had their own cartoon and Marvel comic book. What was that experience like.
Play: They always wanted us, even till today, to do TV. We weren’t really crazy about doing TV because at the time Eddie Murphy had advised us not to do TV unless you absolutely have too. At the same time at the time I had a child and I always wanted to do something to be immortalized for him at that age. So the idea came up to do that and that’s what happened. Same thing with the comic book. It was just like what was going on now you have to grow or you’re going to explode. It was just a natural thing and may have come off as a little premature but it tickles me now because a lot of cats who would be very vocal about crossing over and selling out look at this now. It’s the evolution of what’s to be. The only reason that it didn’t go longer is because a new NBC president came in and felt very strongly about live Saturday morning programming. That’s when Saved by the Bell and Hang Time and all those shows came in. If it wasn’t for that vision it would have lasted. It didn’t have anything to do with low ratings, it was just that the president wanted to aim at teens on Saturday mornings. Things gotta run their course and not saying it because I did it but if it wasn’t for a lot of those things happening I don’t know if a lot of people would be benefiting from what they are benefiting from now. Those things had to prove that it worked. Even when it was time to do House Party I was reluctant and out voted. I didn’t want to do House Party because of the track record of a Tougher Than Leather or a Krush Groove. Those were great movies looking back on it in retrospect but at the time they were box office failures. I didn’t want to be part of that humiliation. But House Party came out and did as well as it did. It cost over 5 million dollars to make it but it turned around and made over 30 million in a short time. I know it must be well over a 100 large now. From investment stats, percentages and averages that’s a businessperson’s dream.
You touched on it a little bit but what is something you feel Kid n Play is responsible for but you haven’t gotten your just due?
Play: I think we get our just due. I’m fine. I can’t really speak for Kid but from the dialogue we had he’s cool too. Everywhere I go its nothing but love. Sometimes you think that I have to have a record or film out now but when I’m around the current rappers today its nothing but love and respect. They kinda throw out the red carpet treatment. I’m just thankful to live long enough to see the fruits of labor. The new stuff I’m involved in I’m real excited about. I live life like everyone else, you have your ups and your downs but I know other cats who have been even more instrumental than Kid and I and they treat them unfair. I’m glad we don’t get it like that. I think Hammer did an incredible job for rap but sometimes he is like the butt of people’s jokes. I don’t think its fair. I think it’s unfair that how Public Enemy is treated. There should be a tribute to those cats and Big Daddy Kane.
Yea I remember hearing someone say how they slammed Hammer for doing KFC commercials but now you see mad heads doing things like that.
Play: That’s my point. Its like cats are seeing that maybe five plus years ago this would be crazy. The only one who has seemed to stick to his guns in regards to keeping it street is KRS-ONE. Everyone else is doing stuff that if you look five or ten years ago it would be like you sold out. You gotta make a decision do you want to make friends or do you want to be blessed and do you want to eat or do you want to be a starving artist. You can talk all that mess when you’re younger because you live in your mother and father’s house but when you end up having kids, you have mortgage and car notes to pay that keeping it street on the corner ain’t gonna hold too much water.
Are you still involved in the ministry?
Play: I’m involved in witnessing. My whole thing is hiphop and alternative hiphop that some would call Christian or Holy hiphop. My thing is its stuff that’s going to put light into people. If its gonna raise a question or talk about a problem its also going to supply an answer. I think other rap topics are good as well and this is what is going on but are we going to glorify it and pimp it or are we gonna come up with an answer. I don’t get preachy that’s not where we’re coming from. The cats that I support and represent are coming at it on a real interesting angle real soon.
Was there any particular situation that brought you closer to god?
Play: Just life. When you invest every dime and all your emotions and physical energy into something that you swear once you get it you’re there and come to find out your not. Your tired, in debt and all kinds of crazy stuff go on and come to find out its nothing but a big façade. All these people you grew up with under the belief that they made it, come to find out when you hang out with them and eat with them they share with you the hell they are going through. It’s like if you’re that happy why do you buy a new car every month. It’s an emptiness that’s not being fulfilled. If you got the car you love you not gonna do nothing with that for a long time. If you got the chain you love why do you have to keep switching it and making it bigger and bigger? Not to judge because I’ve been there and done that with the dooky rope chains, big medallions, and a series of Rolexes and all that. It’s like clothes, you swear when you get that one outfit you set and next thing you know it’s played out and now its time to get the newer version.
Are you doing anything with Frankie Cutlass?
Play: No not right now. He’s a very cool brother. He helped me and Salt out with this project we are getting ready to come out with at the end of the year called “Rise,” which is the first hiphop stage production of its kind. We taking it back doing old school, new school and crazy r&b tracks and at the end of the day its about what is it all for. We’re really excited about that and Frankie helped out a great deal getting the musical score together. Rockwilder did most of the stuff so it’s really hot. We got Whodini in it, Dana Dane, Kane, some possible participation with Dougie Fresh and Slick Rick. All that’s being discussed and negotiated. The only reason its taking so long to do is because we insisted that it have the same budget as when you are putting out a movie with all the publicity and bells and whistles that come along with it. Its gonna be kind of hard to ignore in a few months.
I read the press release and it said you took a lot from yours and Salt’s lives and incorporated it.
Play: That’s the inspiration. It’s a story about two people, a kid named Rapp and his sidekick. It’s based on a lot of real events and things from our experiences the good and the bad. A lot of comedy and serious moments. It’s really hot, a lot of money has been put into it. It’s me, her and we are backed by Allan Houston from the New York Knicks.
Are there specific morals or lessons to be learned from this or is it mostly entertainment?
Play: I guess you can look at it as edutainment. Its really a situation where you need to know your worth because if you don’t people will see it before you see it and if they’re not good people they are gonna use it and abuse it for all it’s worth and by the time you realize what you have unfortunately its too late. We don’t get all preachy and all sad it’s like everybody’s story you have the good, the bad, the great and sometimes the ugly.
March 24th, 2006
Yeah Play. You don’t have to keep on rapping to let niggas know that your still Alive. Keep on handling that Church Business. Tell brothers how it is. Niggas need to grow up! MLK 4 Nigga.
March 29th, 2006
I just want to say i’m blessed by your presence. You are not one of those people who is trying to straddle the fence to serve God and man. Styles is right, people really need to grow up and realize that all that negative rap music is damaging our culture and our heritage. It’s gone from being creative stylings to downright menacing. The devil is all over most of that stuff. God bless you and your ministry.
April 12th, 2006
hey play i met you when i was about 8 or 9 yrs old and still have a poloroid photo taken of you show the peace sign and talking on the old school cell phone, i remeber when you and kid made hip hop fun and fun to dance to and to enjoy your self, me and my friends was doing and trying some of the moves that both you did back in the early 90’s…. i was watching all of the house party movies and think back how hip hop was in the 90’s and 2006 hip hop is no fun no more, its all about sex,money,guns,drugs,and murder, exspensive cars and jewelry. icant even listen to todays hip hop that dont have any meaning to it, just lies… now i sought out people who i list to like K.west, common,flowtr. but i still listing to my old school music from the 80’s and 90’s. and wondering when will be a reunion of kid n play to show kids of today that they can make hip hop fun and dance to it and not volient. i have seen the movie “rize” and seen tommy the clown making things fun for hip hop music for kids and adults of all ages fun to dance to and express thems selves too… someday if i have to start a new kid n play duo ill do it and get back to dancing again since age 15, im 29 now and a master automotive and diesle technician and like to show and teach those who want to learn the trade of buisness and skill… im not a relig. type person, but i do and like to show those the right way to go in life. if any questions? just email me
April 16th, 2006
First of all I would like to say, Houston is not like what happen to you on April 15, 2006. It was poor adversitment and it was time wrong. (fact: Sometime the people we are around have a bad name in the community so that when they are trying to do things other people will still hold on to that.) The next time you come to H-town and want to do something give me call you have our number. You should not have to come her to spend money. Houston is where you make money. Free hotel, free flight, and free money……
May 8th, 2006
Hi,Im the one you met in the mall! I just want to say, OH MY GOSH! I did’nt even know you, but my mom knew who you were, thx 4 the autograph, I shall cherish it 4evah. Im gonna hang it on my wall! Anyway, I’ve never met a famous person in my life! And thx 4 giving me that chance.
Love always
May 23rd, 2006
I am so glad that I found this site. House Party was my favorite movie as a teen and still is now that I am 30.
I just watched it AGAIN last night. It still cracks me up. I loved your music as well.
I admire what you are doing with your life. You are a great role model. Thank you for that.
Best Wishes Always.
May 27th, 2006
Hey I stumble on to the site by mistake and was very impressed. It’s funny to me that when people think of old school and who contributed to the growth of Hip Hop, Kid and Play name are never mentioned. Growing up knowing first hand the trail and contribution these guys made to the game, we need more web sites like this to remind and bring to the attention of other what an impact this group made.
May 28th, 2006
hi Play I hope you start to rap again because you are one of the best rappers and more sit down and wait for the birds is not good because you are a legend in belguim and kids also hope you take a tour again peace out my friend
June 18th, 2006
Thanks to you and kid.I remember back in the days when me and my friends would try those crazy moves it was hard but pratice made it a little easier .
Iam not going to say anything about todays music because the world have changed to a new era,where things are faster..
Keep up the good work and say a pray for me..
marvin..trinidad.
July 3rd, 2006
There is no scripture in the Bible that says music’s purpose is to win souls. To say that we need to use HIP-HOP (a false religion) culutre to win souls means that God’s Word does not have the power to do so. All this Holy Hip-Hop mess is telling our kids is that I can be saved for the sole purpose of not having to really change. I can keep my sagging pants, my metal mouth, etc. That I don’t have to abandon Hip-Hop to be saved. You do not get saved to seek what things of the world I can keep, but to become a new creature and to DENY oneself, not please oneself. How can you have Holy Jehovah Witnesses Ministry or Holy Mormon Ministry? Hip-Hop is a religion that opposes God on every front.
July 3rd, 2006
Even Rapper’s Delight by Sugarhill Gang was ungodly by promoting and glamorizing fornication.
September 17th, 2006
Play (Christopher) … I just watched “Coming to America” with your wife and Eddie Murphy. I “googled” you because I was wondering if you and your wife were still together. What can I say? I was just being nosey. (laugh) Your life is not in the limelight and I was just curious. Well, I started reading about your life NOW, and I am very impressed and very happy for you that you found God or better yet, He was always there, but I am happy that you finally let Him in. Congratulation!!!!! I didn’t anticipate in adding anything to your website, but I read what Fred said on July 3rd, 2006 and felt the need to respond. I am also a saved, sanctified and most definitely filled with the Holy Ghost. Fred, In Play’s defense, you say, “there is no scripture in the Bible that says music’s purpose is to win souls”, well I am here to tell you. There is no scripture stating the opposite. There are different reasons for why souls are brought to Christ just as the means are different as well. All I listen to is Gospel music and each song I’ve listened to open a door of past experiences and help me to see the light. The light being God. The reason why I finally stopped fighting God and let Him in and take control of my life. The music that Christopher produces tells a story. Just like all Christian songs tell a story. A story of yet another soul that God takes care of. The way God is, is told in music. Let it be through song… Whether it is through contemporary gospel music or any other style music. Just as long as the presence of God is there, I don’t believe it really matters what type of music it is. Remember, God’s word IS in all Christian music. With Hip Hop, it’s just an added twang to it. Fred, next time leave your negative comments in your head, where they only make sense to yourself. J Now… Christopher, since I was being nosey enough to see if you and your wife were still together. I believe I will take it a step further and check out the music you have produced. If you actually read this or any of your representatives read this, please email me a list of what you’ve done since God has taken over your life. Oh, one more thing, I was in hopes that you and your wife ARE still together. May God bless you in everything you do…
October 13th, 2006
i am in the rapping business my self i mean i try i been at it for
at least five years trying to spit hype stuff and i never got to meet kid and play i always wanted to i love every single movie they are in there the shit and they will always be the shit
old school is the best
January 12th, 2007
Hi Christopher;
I was searching the web for some things on Black History and typed in your name. I’m sure you’ve forgotten me, but I’m the one that considered myself to be a “pest” to you when I got you to speak at our church “Mt. Hebron Baptist Church” in Aliceville, Alabama several years ago. You were truly a blessing to our congregation and community. It’s good to know you’re still strong in the Lord; for we truly can…Do all things through Christ who strengthens us. Keep up the good work and know that God is good and that He is good all the time. Peace! (Isaish 40:31)
January 18th, 2007
I would love to talk to you Chris. If you get this please contact me. Much Love and GOD Bless you.
November 3rd, 2007
play i need to talk to you from rayco moes son you can reach me on my e mail