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

Grant Kirkhope, the renowned composer behind classics like Donkey Kong 64, recently shared insights into why he wasn't credited for the use of the DK Rap in The Super Mario Bros. Movie. In a detailed discussion with Eurogamer, Kirkhope revealed that Nintendo opted not to credit composers for music they own, with the exception of Koji Kondo. This policy extended to the DK Rap, despite its vocal component which initially seemed to qualify it for credit.

Kirkhope explained the convoluted reasoning behind the decision: "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."

Expressing his disappointment, Kirkhope highlighted the fleeting nature of movie credits, noting that by the time they rolled, the theater was nearly empty. He voiced his frustration on social media in 2023, stating, "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 contributed to by playing guitar, along with the "lads from Rare" who handled the "D-K" part, 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 other contributors were credited, similar to the treatment of Bowser's Fury, another uncredited Nintendo-owned song in the film. In contrast, licensed tracks did receive proper credits.

Regarding potential future uses of the DK Rap, Kirkhope speculated on its inclusion in the Nintendo Music App, noting that while some of David Wise's compositions have been added, Nintendo's lukewarm reception to Donkey Kong 64 might influence their decision. He mentioned hearing rumors that Nintendo was not particularly fond of the game during his time at Rare.

For fans interested in more from Kirkhope, the full Eurogamer interview delves into topics like the possibility of a new Banjo Kazooie game, the upcoming Donkey Kong Bananza, and the role of nostalgia in game soundtracks.

Meanwhile, anticipation builds for the next installment in the Mario cinematic universe, with a new Super Mario Bros. movie slated for release in April 2026.