Last Tuesday evening, hip-hop artist Christopher “Play” Martin and R&B songstress Meli’sa Morgan spoke to a packed room at the Bronx Library Center for a “Fame and (Mis)Fortune” talk, an opportunity for the pair to discuss financial literacy and their own financial struggles.

Simply talking about those struggles can be helpful and therapeutic, they said.

“I felt a drive and accountability as a human being to [speak out about my struggles],” said Martin. “I believe you should bring that horse to the water, because when he’ll get thirsty, he’ll remember where it is.”

“I’ve got lessons for people that will help them,” said Morgan. “Talking about that here is a solution.”

Both Martin and Morgan hail from Queens and were ill-equipped to handle the money that followed their success in the music industry in the ’80s and ’90s.

“My influences came from the movies,” said Martin. “My way of making money was different than the Huxtables [Bill Cosby’s fictional black family on “The Cosby Show]. My influence was more how to get my money on, hustling.”

“You’re just spending,” said Morgan. “When the money stops coming in, that’s when you go in reverse.”

Martin especially opened up about some of his financial mistakes.

“My two biggest mistakes were not following my heart with my house and letting my accountant go,” Martin said. He explained that he had been encouraged to take out a loan instead of paying off a new home, and that his accountant had been paying his taxes quarterly to avoid paying a large lump sum once a year.

Martin, who attended the High School of Art and Design before dropping out, also opened a clothing boutique in Queens featuring his own designs. He lacked an understanding of business operations, however, and the venture failed.

“I had a 5th Avenue mind,” said Martin. “I thought money would solve it [and save the business].”

For those who run into tax problems, Morgan reminded audience members to keep the IRS informed. Based on her personal experience, Morgan suggested to “work things out with the IRS, and try the installment plans.

Martin emphasized living within your means.

“I’ve learned excess isn’t good for me. I work better when I have something to chase,” said Martin. “Live within your means and do what you want. Don’t keep up with the Joneses if your last name isn’t Jones because it’ll kill you.”

The two were also open about how their faith in Christianity helped guide them towards financial responsibility, drawing cheers and applause from the crowd.

“Never let anyone steal your joy,” said Morgan. “Give love, receive love, be love.”

Since becoming more disciplined with their finances, Martin and Morgan have had continued success. Morgan ditched a pricey Manhattan apartment for a co-op in Queens over a decade ago, and spends much of the year at her home in Aiken, South Carolina. Both are still touring, and Martin is in talks for a “House Party” sequel as part of the hip-hop duo Kid n’ Play.

Martin has also been an artist-in-residence at several institutions of higher learning, including Duke University, as an instructor of hip-hop. “Stop looking at hip-hop as a [musical] preference — it’s a language,” he told the audience.

The talk ended with a  Q&A and an autograph session, with Martin and Morgan touching upon the subjects of hard work and hope when dealing with money problems.

“It’s not the end of the world,” Morgan said of financial struggles. “You can still live your life.”