Kid Capri Says He Was Never Paid For ‘Martin’ Show Sample

Source: iOne Digital / iOne

Kid Capri is coming for his coin. He says he was never compensated when his voice was sampled for the Martin show.

As spotted on HipHopDX, the legendary DJ paid a visit to the Bag Fuel podcast. While he discussed a variety of topics regarding his storied career, it was his reveal regarding the iconic comedy series that soon went viral. The introduction to the Martin show features his voice screaming “MARTIN LAWRENCE” throughout. He explained how he was never asked about it before it went to production nor was he ever paid for the usage. “They took my voice from Def Comedy Jam, sampled it, put it on the Martin show,” he said. “Never got no permission from me, never asked for my rights, nothing. This show been on eight different networks for 30 years. Now, if it was a money thing for me, I woulda been like, ‘Yo where’s my bread?’ I ain’t never did that.”

Originally premiering in 1992, the television sitcom would go on to run for five seasons. It also produced some of the most beloved characters in comedic history including Bruh-Man, Hustle Man, Sheneneh, Dragonfly Jones and Jerome. In 1996, Tisha Campbell (Gina) left the show citing that Martin Lawrence sexually harassed and threatened her. She returned to the show but requested that she film her scenes without Martin Lawrence being on set. The two have since reconciled. 

You can see Kid Capri discuss the sample clearance issue below.