DK Rap Composer Reveals Lack of Credit in Super Mario Bros. Movie

Grant Kirkhope, renowned for composing the iconic DK Rap in Donkey Kong 64, has shed light on his absence from the credits of The Super Mario Bros. Movie. In a detailed interview with Eurogamer, Kirkhope revealed that Nintendo opted not to credit composers for music they own, except for Koji Kondo. This policy extended to the DK Rap, despite its vocal component which initially seemed to qualify it for credits.

Kirkhope recounted his conversation with Nintendo, expressing his disappointment: "They said we decided that any music that was quoted from the games that we owned, we wouldn't credit the composers - apart from Koji Kondo. Then they decided anything with a vocal would get credited, so the DK Rap scores there. But then they decided if we also own it, we won't credit the composers. And that was the final nail in the coffin."

He further highlighted the futility of the credits, noting that by the time they rolled in the movie, the theater was empty except for his family. Kirkhope's frustration was evident in a 2023 social media post where he lamented, "I was really looking forward to see my name in the credits for the DK Rap, but alas as expected it's not there ........ fml."

The DK Rap, which Kirkhope played guitar on and featured vocals by the "lads from Rare," was sampled in a way Kirkhope described as "bizarre," akin to simply plugging in an N64 and looping the track. Despite this, neither Kirkhope nor the vocalists received credit, contrasting with the treatment of licensed tracks in the film.

When asked about the potential inclusion of the DK Rap in the Nintendo Music App, Kirkhope expressed uncertainty, referencing Nintendo's ownership and possible disinterest in Donkey Kong 64, a sentiment rumored during his time at Rare.

Eurogamer also noted that while Donkey Kong 64 is absent from the N64 Switch Online lineup, elements like the Rambi theme might appear in future projects like Donkey Kong Bananza. For a deeper dive into Kirkhope's thoughts on a new Banjo Kazooie, Donkey Kong Bananza, and the essence of nostalgia in gaming, readers can check out the full Eurogamer interview.

Looking ahead, the Super Mario Bros. franchise is set to expand with a new movie slated for release in April 2026.