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

Grant Kirkhope, renowned for composing the DK Rap in Donkey Kong 64, has shared his disappointment over not being credited in The Super Mario Bros. Movie. In an interview with Eurogamer, Kirkhope revealed that Nintendo opted not to credit composers for any music it owns, including the DK Rap, except for Koji Kondo. Despite a brief consideration to credit vocal pieces, this policy ultimately excluded Kirkhope and others involved in the DK Rap.

Kirkhope expressed his frustration, noting that by the time the credits roll, theaters are typically empty, making the absence of his name even more disappointing. He shared his feelings on social media in 2023, lamenting the lack of recognition for his work on the DK Rap.

The DK Rap, which features Kirkhope on guitar and vocals by the "lads from Rare," was sampled in a way Kirkhope described as "bizarre," suggesting it was directly taken from the N64 game. Despite Nintendo's ownership of the track, it remains absent from the Nintendo Music App, possibly due to Nintendo's rumored lukewarm reception to Donkey Kong 64.

While Donkey Kong 64 is not part of the N64 Switch Online lineup, elements like the Rambi theme are expected to feature in upcoming projects such as Donkey Kong Bananza. Kirkhope's full interview with Eurogamer also touches on potential future projects like a new Banjo Kazooie and the significance of nostalgia in game music.

Meanwhile, the Mario movie franchise is set to continue, with a new Super Mario Bros. movie scheduled for release in April 2026.