What makes 2 Hype by Kid 'n Play notable?

The album features the hit single 'Rollin’ With Kid ’n Play', which helped propel it into Top 10 positions on various charts and established the duo as a leading force in the new jack swing movement. Its playful energy and danceable tracks made it a staple at parties, influencing the sound of hip-hop in the late '80s and early '90s. Released in early 1988, '2 Hype' was Kid 'n Play's debut album, positioning them as rising stars in hip-hop following their successful appearances on the film circuit. The album came just months before their breakthrough film 'House Party', which would further solidify their place in pop culture.

2 Hype works well if you're into steady groove for dancing, playful vibes with friends and infectious energy for parties.

How many songs are on 2 Hype?

2 Hype has 11 tracks, running approximately 44 minutes.

2 Hype

Kid 'n Play · 1988

44 min · 11 tracks · hip-hop

Energetic hip-hop grooves blend with playful lyrics and lively beats, embodying the spirit of late '80s party culture.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Rollin’ With Kid ’n Play — This track serves as an anthem for carefree fun, encapsulating the party vibe that defined both the album and the duo's public persona.
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Gittin’ Funky — With its infectious hook and rhythmic playfulness, this track showcases the duo's charisma while emphasizing their dance-centric appeal.
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Do the Kid ’n Play Kick Step — 'Do the Kid ’n Play Kick Step' not only highlights their signature dance move but also cements their contribution to hip-hop culture through choreography.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

48 /100

Foothills

Higher than 19% of albums we've rated

The album captures late '80s party culture with energetic grooves and playful lyrics, though it lacks depth for long-term engagement.

What we noticed

The album opens with a high-energy track that sets a lively tone, and the tempo remains consistently upbeat across the first six tracks.
Several tracks feature call-and-response vocal patterns, engaging listeners to participate in the music.
The last three tracks introduce more varied tempos and themes, creating a noticeable shift in mood towards the end of the album.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady groove for dancing
playful vibes with friends
infectious energy for parties
easy listening during gatherings
fun sing-along moments

Maybe skip if you

seeking introspective soundscapes
prefer instant gratification tracks

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in early 1988, '2 Hype' was Kid 'n Play's debut album, positioning them as rising stars in hip-hop following their successful appearances on the film circuit. The album came just months before their breakthrough film 'House Party', which would further solidify their place in pop culture.
Stylistic neighbors: Bell Biv DeVoe· Tony! Toni! Toné!· Guy

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Rollin’ With Kid ’n Play 4:03
2 Brother Man Get Hip 3:46
3 Gittin’ Funky 4:44
4 Soul Man 3:32
5 Damn That DJ (The Wizard M.E.) 3:30
6 Last Night 4:24
7 Hype 3:59
8 Can You Dig That 3:30
9 Undercover 3:41
10 Do the Kid ’n Play Kick Step 4:04
11 Do This My Way 4:47

What to play next

Listen next

Funhouse

1990

Full Kid 'n Play discography Artists like Kid 'n Play

hip-hop new jack swing

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata