In September 1997, a young Sports Illustrated writer got banned from the Oakland Raiders’ training facility by owner Al Davis, then hopped a plane to Kansas City and went on a 72-hour bender with Chiefs star Derrick Thomas. Among Mike’s adventures was attending a memorable (wait for it) house party hosted by the late, great pass rusher the night before he led the Chiefs to a victory over the Raiders, during which they watched Mike Tyson defend his heavyweight title and enjoyed the uproarious commentary provided by another guest: hip-hop star Christopher (Kid) Reid, he of the unmistakable hi-top fade. Part 2 of our expansive conversation covers the early days of Kid N’ Play, their star turn in “House Party” (and the dubious decision that cost them a shot at sitcom success), Kid’s relentless clowning of Martin Lawrence, his defense of close friend Bill Maher after the “Real Time” host dropped an N-bomb and why he thinks Mike and Aaron Rodgers are an iconic NFL duo.
Kid talks about growing up in The Bronx and Queens worshipping seminal rappers like Melle Mel--and later getting to hang with his idols. After landing the lead role in House Party originally intended for Will Smith (who, thanks to Kid’s regrettable business decision, ended up with a hit sitcom on NBC that vaulted him to superstardom), Kid tormented Martin Lawrence on set and put his writing touches on the 1990 film that became a surprise sensation. We hear about Kid’s friendship with Bill Maher, who he defended (and privately chastized) after the comedian dropped an N-bomb on “Real Time,” and his latest musical effort, a pandemic-inspired collaboration with rapper Bizkit called “Horizon.” Kid also shares his thoughts on the chasm between Aaron Rodgers and the Packers and tells Mike and Natalie about his epic feud with their friend (and Pass It Down intro impresario) Luke Campbell of 2 Live Crew in ‘90s.