Grant Kirkhope, a composer standing behind many classic games, including Donkey Kong 64, explained why he was not recognized in the film Super Mario Bros. for using the infamous rap DK.
In an interview with EurogamerKirkhope said that after releasing the film he talked to Nintendo, and the company decided not to credit any music that includes rap DK.
“They said that we decided that every music quoted from the games we have, we would not recognize composers – except Koji Kondo,” said Kirkhope. “Then they decided that whatever with vocals would be recognized, so DK Rap would shoot there. But then they decided that if we had it, we would not recognize composers. And this was the last nail of the casket.
“I said that I appreciate that you have your rules and the rest, but until the loans appear in the film to show the songs, the theater is completely empty, everyone disappeared, it was only me and my wife and my two children sat there” I look like my daddy! ” I said, “because of several poems of the text …”, but it was, “Kirkhope explained.
In 2023, Kirkhope expressed his frustration because of his name, which did not appear in the inscriptions of the film Super Mario Bros., publishing: “I really couldn’t wait to see my name in DK Rap, but unfortunately, as expected, there is no …….. FML”
I really couldn’t wait to see my name in DK Rap, but unfortunately, as expected
– Grant Kirkhope (@Grantkirkhope) April 5, 2023
Although Bowser’s fury, another song belonging to Nintendo in the film, was also not recognized, licensed songs received loans for their composers and performers.
Kirkhope continued, to tell the Eurogamer, that the sampling of rap DK was “bizarre”, as if “they simply connected N64 and took samples and looped.” Kirkhope played the guitar on the track, while “boys from Rare” did part “DK”, and everyone was undeniable.
Eurogamer asked if, because Nintendo is the owner of the right to DK Rap, he could go to the Nintendo Music application. Sale received an interesting answer.
As Eurogamer noted, Donkey Kong 64 is not included in the N64 Switch online composition, although the Rambi theme It looks like it is to appear in Donkey Kong Banana. Who knows
You can check more discussions from Kirkhope In a full interview for EurogamerWhere the composer DK spoke about the chances of the fresh Banjo Kazooie, Donkey Kong Banana and the sound of nostalgia.
As for the Mario film franchise, the new film is underway, the new Mario Bros. film, which is to arrive in April 2026.
Eric is an independent IGN writer.
