In the first episode of the show Top Boy, we’re introduced to some of the narrative’s central characters—Dris, Jaq, and their associates—as they linger at an outdoor market in East London. This market is where they run much of their business from, buying information, strategizing, and keeping tabs on rival gangs as they try to make a profit on the drugs they sell. We see the group refusing to barter for a banged-up Bluetooth radio (“Everyone’s got Bluetooth cuz, my ancestors have Bluetooth”), negotiating with Turkish suppliers, and laughingly antagonizing each other over a broken bike. In the next scene, a rival dealer Jamie banters with his younger brothers Aaron and Stefan. Stefan is cooking dinner, laboring over a jerk chicken recipe. Aaron sits at the table studying for a college class. Jamie makes sure they’re aware of their cleanup responsibilities. He has to go, but he promises to check in on Stefan when he returns late at night.
These are some meanings of kin: sharing resources, staying vigilant against threats, passing time, poking fun. Making meals, checking in.