Thirty-one years ago, a film centered around Black high schoolers dancing, rapping, singing and sneaking out to parties became a national hit.

House Party was a groundbreaking teen comedy and is now a cult classic. Directed by Reginald Hudlin, the film stars the hip-hop duo Kid n' Play, made up of Christopher "Kid" Reid from the Bronx and Christopher "Play" Martin from Queens. The duo's film dance-off is legendary, but their characters also nodded at social issues like police brutality and generational differences within the Black community.

Reid says that at the time, he never imagined the movie would have the reach it still enjoys.

"I think it really goes to show the power of film. And there's nothing like you seeing yourself on a huge movie screen, but I think it's as effective for your fans to see you that big and tall, and larger than life," Reid tells WNYC's David Furst.

The Apollo Theater is celebrating the movie and its sequel, House Party 2 in an online event on Saturday, Feb. 27.

For the full conversation, click "Listen."