On the show, Lawrence starred as Martin Payne, the titular character and a local DJ in Detroit; Tisha Campbell co-starred as his girlfriend-then-wife Gina, Tichina Arnold as Gina’s best friend Pam, and Carl Anthony Payne II who plays Martin’s buddy Cole. Ford was Martin's other best friend, the perpetually unemployed (or was he?) Tommy.
Several notable Hip-Hop stars appeared on Martin during it's run on FOX in the 1990s; The Notorious B.I.G., Kid of Kid 'N Play, OutKast, Heavy D, Tone Loc, Method Man and Bushwick Bill were among the rappers who showed up on the series during it's run.