1. It All Started As a Joke!
The DK Rap began as a joke by Grant Kirkhope, the composer who gained prominence for composing the Banjo Kazooie and Diddy Kong 64 soundtrack. Kirkhope claimed it was just rareware having fun with their own weird take on rap, but critics and fans took it seriously.
2. Inspired by Run DMC and Funky Medina
The musical influences behind the rap are as eclectic as the game itself! Composers Grant Kirkhope and George Andreas drew inspiration from the groundbreaking hip-hop sounds of Run DMC and the smooth vibes of Funky Medina, giving the DK Rap its distinct, albeit unusual, rhythm.
3. The First Ever Nintendo Rap Song
Think about it – before the DK Rap, Nintendo games weren't exactly known for their lyrical prowess. This track holds the prestigious title of being the very first rap song to appear in a Nintendo title, paving the way for... well, not many other Nintendo raps, but a significant milestone nonetheless!
4. First Donkey Kong Song to Feature Full Vocals
While previous Donkey Kong games had iconic musical scores, the DK Rap marked a major first: it was the inaugural Donkey Kong song to feature full, prominent vocals. It was a bold move, and one that certainly left an impression!
5. The Super Smash Bros. Melee Version Censored "Hell" to "Heck"
For those who grew up with the original, you might recall a certain four-letter word. However, when the song made its way into the family-friendly brawler Super Smash Bros. Melee, the line "But this kong's one hell of a guy" was famously changed to "but this kong's one heck of a guy" – a classic case of Nintendo's commitment to clean fun.
6. The Melee Version Was Sped Up, Performed by James Nortwood Jr., and Took Two Days to Create
The Melee version wasn't just censored; it was also sped up for the fast-paced fighting game. The vocals for this rendition were laid down by James Nortwood Jr., and incredibly, the entire track was completed in just two days! Talk about a quick turnaround.
7. Remixed in 2024 by Grant Kirkhope and Featured Substantial
The DK Rap truly has staying power! In 2024, original composer Grant Kirkhope revisited the track, giving it a fresh remix. Even better, it featured the talents of rapper Substantial, who delivered a "proper" rap song, adding a new layer of legitimacy to its quirky origins.
8. Made a Cameo Appearance in The Super Mario Bros. Movie
One of the most exciting recent moments for DK Rap fans was its brief but memorable cameo in The Super Mario Bros. Movie. When Donkey Kong first appeared on screen, a snippet of the iconic rap played, sending waves of nostalgia through theaters worldwide.
9. The Lanky Verse References Madonna's "Vogue" Lyrics
Listen closely to Lanky Kong's verse: "He has no style, he has no grace / This Kong has a funny face." Does that sound familiar? It's a clear, playful nod to Madonna's legendary hit "Vogue" and its iconic spoken-word section. A truly unexpected pop culture crossover!
10. "His coconut gun can fire in spurts, if he shoots ya it's gonna hurt" Was Voted the Worst Video Game Line in 2002
Despite its charm, not everyone was a fan of every lyric. In 2002, a prominent gaming magazine famously voted the line "His coconut gun can fire in spurts, if he shoots ya it's gonna hurt" as the worst video game line of the year. Whether you agree or disagree, it's certainly a line that sticks with you!