7 Hilarious Hip-Hop Moments From The Hit TV Show Martin

Comedian Martin Lawrence’s Fox Networks television vehicle Martin made its debut 20 years ago today (August 27th). After small roles in Spike Lee’s Do The Right Thing and the first film of the House Party franchise with rap veterans Kid ‘n’ Play, the Washington, DC Area native made a huge splash with the slapstick situation comedy with co-stars Tisha Campbell-Martin and Tichina Arnold. Always present in the show was the fact that Martin had his roots deeply entrenched in Hip-Hop culture.

We take a look back at seven hilarious Hip-Hop moments from the show featuring some of the biggest names in the rap game, from the Notorious B.I.G. to Method Man of Wu-Tang Clan. Damn, we almost forgot OutKast was on the show, too.

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Photo: FOX

Martin Helps Method Man Rob His Apartment

(“You Play Too Much” 1997)

In what Martin thought was a prank set up by his girlfriend Gina’s best friend Pam, he unwittingly helps a burglar played by Wu-Tang Clan star Method Man (go to 4:12 mark in the vid below) in robbing his place. Sad truth is that the robbery was not a joke.

Snoop Dogg Crashes Martin and Gina’s Engagement Party

(“No Love Lost” 1994)

As was custom for Martin and Gina, the loving couple were embroiled in another fight on the evening of their engagement party. Crashing the classy affair was Snoop Doggy Dogg, who then turned the party into a flat-out West Coast convention complete with his own DJ. Jerome The Pimp (played by Lawrence) also figured heavily into the show’s plot.

Christopher “Kid” Reid Goes On Date With Sheneneh

(“Forever Sheneneh” 1992)

Detroit hood girl Sheneneh Jenkins wins a date with Christopher “Kid” Reid (of Kid ‘n’ Play fame). Although originally breaking the date off after Sheneneh’s attempt to get him drunk off malt liquor and take advantage of him, Gina convinces the rapper to finish off his evening with Martin’s loud and tacky neighbor. Kid’s appearance would be a reunion of sorts for Lawrence and Campbell who appeared in the first House Party movies.

Outkast, Coolio Appear Alongside Pam Grier, Rudy Ray Moore And Other 70s Stars

(“All The Players Came” 1995)

Martin organizes a fundraiser to save a movie theater owned by Mr. Mackey (played by Whitman Mayo who played Grady on Sanford & Son). Hosting a “player’s ball” at local nightclub Nipsey’s, rappers Outkast and Coolio appear on the set as well as iconic 70s film and TV stars Pam Grier, Ja’Net Dubois, Rudy Ray Moore and Antonio Fargas.

Notorious B.I.G. Turns Down Gina And Pam’s Singing Services

(“Blow, Baby Blow” 1995)

No rapper was bigger on the planet in 1995 than the Notorious B.I.G. except his rival 2Pac. Biggie’s inclusion on the show as himself showed that the husky rhyme slinger was a natural in front of the camera. After B.I.G. asks Martin for help in locating a new background vocalist, he introduces the rapper to Pam and Gina. Biggie was less than impressed by their talents, however. It also didn’t help that Cole (Carl Anthony Payne II) and Tommy (Thomas Mikal Ford) also hammed it up in front of the Bad Boy rapper as well.

Geto Boys Rapper Bushwick Bill Beats Up Tommy, Martin Seeks Revenge

(“Your Arms To Short To Box With Martin” 1993)

Tommy’s girlfriend Shannon has an ex Trey (played by Bushwick Bill of Geto Boys fame) who, along with his crew of height-challenged thugs, beat up Martin’s friend. Enraged, Martin and Cole head to the bar that serves little persons and they try to throw the weight around to hilarious results.

Dragon Fly Jones Finally Hands Out Fade To Student Kenji…Only To Lose To Miss Gerri 

(“Martin In The Corner Pocket” 1995)

Faux martial arts expert Dragon Fly Jones claims to have been a student of movie legend Bruce Lee, although he’s never seen winning any of his fights. With his loyal student Kenji in tow, the dentally-challenged Dragon Fly would seek to demonstrate his prowess only to lose time and again. However, Jones finally got some inspiration after winning some cash at a local pool hall. The running joke was that Jones owed Kenji money and his “student” came to collect. After losing, Jones finally turns
the tide and hands out the fade to Kenji…only to lose both his money and pride to older fellow pool player Miss Gerri.