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[[File:DK64 DK Rap.png| | {{Rewrite-expand|Include Vitamin B Remix lyrics}} | ||
The "'''DK Rap'''," also known as the '''Monkey Rap''', is a song and video that plays upon every startup of ''[[Donkey Kong 64]]''. It serves as an introduction to the game's playable characters, | {{Theme infobox | ||
|file=[[File:DKRap.oga]] | |||
|image=[[File:DK64 DK Rap.png|250px]]<br>The [[Kong|DK Crew]] at the start of the song | |||
|composer=[[Grant Kirkhope]]<br>[[George Andreas]] and [[Chris Sutherland]] (English lyrics) | |||
|first_appearance=''[[Donkey Kong 64]]'' ([[List of games by date#1999|1999]]) | |||
|latest_appearance=''[[The Super Mario Bros. Movie]]'' (2023) | |||
}} | |||
The "'''DK Rap'''," also known as the '''Monkey Rap''', is a song and video that plays upon every startup of ''[[Donkey Kong 64]]''. It serves as an introduction to the game's playable characters, establishing their defining traits and special moves. The lyrics were written by [[Grant Kirkhope]], and the song was performed by George Andreas and [[Chris Sutherland]], with various other [[Rare Ltd.|Rare]] staff members joining in for the chorus.<ref name="site">{{cite|author=[[Grant Kirkhope|Kirkhope, Grant]]|archive=web.archive.org/web/20151225105231/http://www.grantkirkhope.com/donkeykong64.html|title=Donkey Kong 64 Video Game Music Compositions|publisher=grantkirkhope.com|accessdate=February 8, 2024}}</ref> Kirkhope has stated his goal in creating the song was to juxtapose the style of the new game and set ''Donkey Kong 64'' apart from the previous [[Donkey Kong Country (series)|''Donkey Kong Country'' games]]. The song is heavily associated with the [[Donkey Kong (franchise)|''Donkey Kong'' franchise]] and with Rare in general. It is also used as a theme for [[Donkey Kong]] in ''[[The Super Mario Bros. Movie]]''. | |||
The DK Rap is infamous for its "so bad it's good" nature, regarding its poor rapping and lyrics—an intentional stylistic choice on Kirkhope's part.<ref name="site"/> The song has been criticized by various video game publications and journalists since the release of ''Donkey Kong 64''. The line "His [[Coconut Shooter|Coconut Gun]] can fire in spurts. If he shoots ya, it's gonna hurt!" was once voted as the fourth worst line in a video game ever by the magazine ''{{wp|Electronic Gaming Monthly}}'' in January 2002.<ref>{{cite|title=''Electronic Gaming Monthly'' issue 150|page=162}}</ref> The DK Rap has met a resurgence in popularity and notoriety, especially as [[List of references on the Internet#DK Rap|an internet meme]]. On April 1, 2017, in promotion of the game ''{{wp|Yooka-Laylee}}'', {{wp|Playtonic Games}} released a DK Rap-inspired song called the "[[DK_Rap#Yooka-Laylee_Rap|Yooka-Laylee Rap]]."<ref>{{cite|author=Playtonic|date=April 1, 2017|url=www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mSzJj1c1z0|title=The Yooka-Laylee Rap!|publisher=YouTube|accessdate=May 1, 2023|archive=web.archive.org/web/20230501231328/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mSzJj1c1z0}}</ref> | |||
==History== | |||
===''Donkey Kong 64''=== | |||
[[File:Cranky Kong DJ.gif|thumb|left|Cranky Kong serves as the disc jockey for the DK Rap.]] | |||
In ''Donkey Kong 64'', the DK Rap begins with [[Cranky Kong]]'s hands mixing records on a turntable. The sequence then cuts to the five playable [[Kong]]s in a group; [[Chunky Kong]] is wearing a 1970s-era disco outfit, only to rush offscreen and change into his regular outfit. Throughout the rap, each Kong is introduced in this order: Donkey Kong, [[Tiny Kong|Tiny]], [[Lanky Kong|Lanky]], [[Diddy Kong|Diddy]], and Chunky. It explains each Kong's unique traits varying from their abilities, weapons, and instruments. Donkey Kong's verse primarily focuses on his [[Coconut Shooter]] (referred to as a Coconut Gun) where he shoots down three [[Zinger]]s. Tiny's verse focuses on her [[Mini-Monkey]] and [[Pony Tail Twirl]] abilites, the former of which is shown by Tiny shrinking herself to beat up a [[Klaptrap]]. Notably, it shows Tiny climbing thick palm trees, which is possible only as Chunky with his [[Hunky Chunky]] ability. Lanky's verse describes his [[OrangStand]] and [[Baboon Balloon]] abilities. During the OrangStand scene, Lanky accidentally crashes himself offscreen. Diddy's verse describes his ability to use the [[Rocketbarrel Boost]] with the [[Barrel Jet|Jetbarrel]]. At one point, various [[Kaboom|TNT Bombers]] approach Diddy, only for him to throw an explosive [[orange]] at them. Lastly, Chunky's verse describes his great strength, which is shown by him scaring a [[Klump]] by enlarging himself (in reference to the Hunky Chunky ability) and being able to pick up [[boulder]]s. It also describes his clumsy and slow behavior by showing him accidentally throwing a boulder onto himself and moving slowly and not being able to [[jump]] high enough to collect a [[Golden Banana]]. Once he jumps high enough, he misses the Golden Banana and lands on the floor, for which several [[banana]]s cover the screen. In each of the Kong's verses, a different instrument can be heard: Donkey Kong's is a muted trumpet, Tiny's is a saxophone, Lanky's is a trombone, Diddy's is an electric guitar, and Chunky's is a {{wp|timpani}}. | |||
Near the end of the song, Cranky starts to mix on his turntable, for which the bridge of the song plays, consisting of the various fruits and foods shot from each of the Kongs' weapons. An audience can be heard giving the five playable Kongs a standing ovation before a Klump throws an orange to the screen, ending the rap. | |||
The DK Rap was included in the game's official soundtrack, ''[[Da Banana Bunch: The Original Donkey Kong 64 Soundtrack]]'', where it is titled "'''Da Banana Bunch'''." A remix of the song was also included, titled "'''Da Banana Bunch (Vitamin B Remix)'''." | |||
===DK Rap Attack=== | ===DK Rap Attack=== | ||
{{main|DK Rap Attack}} | {{main|DK Rap Attack}} | ||
| Line 15: | Line 26: | ||
=== ''Super Smash Bros.'' series === | === ''Super Smash Bros.'' series === | ||
A new version of the DK Rap was recorded for ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]'', where it was performed by James W. Norwood Jr. with a completely different backing track, and it plays in the [[Kongo Falls|Kongo Jungle]] stage. The third and fifth verses describing Tiny Kong and Diddy Kong are sung faster, and the word "hell" is replaced by "heck." | {{main-wiki|SmashWiki|Music (SSBM)#Kongo Jungle}} | ||
A new version of the DK Rap was recorded for ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]'', where it was performed by James W. Norwood Jr. with a completely different backing track, and it plays in the [[Kongo Falls|Kongo Jungle]] stage. The third and fifth verses describing Tiny Kong and Diddy Kong are sung faster, and the word "hell" in Chunky Kong's verse is replaced by "heck." | |||
This version of the DK Rap is also featured in subsequent | This version of the DK Rap is also featured in subsequent [[Super Smash Bros. (series)|''Super Smash Bros.'' games]]. It appears in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'' as an unlockable song for the stage [[Jungle Japes (stage)|Jungle Japes]], unlocked if the player obtains a [[CD]] for it. It returns in ''[[Super Smash Bros. for Wii U]]'' as an unlockable song for the stage [[Jungle Hijinxs (stage)|Jungle Hijinxs]], unlocked if the player gets a chain of 200 in Trophy Rush as Donkey Kong. In ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]'', the DK Rap is available from the start and can play on every [[Donkey Kong (franchise)|''Donkey Kong'' series]] stage. In both ''Super Smash Bros. for Wii U'' and ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate'', the DK Rap contains only the verses for Donkey Kong, Tiny Kong, and Diddy Kong due to memory constraints, cutting the length down to just under two minutes. | ||
===''Donkey Konga''=== | ===''Donkey Konga''=== | ||
| Line 23: | Line 35: | ||
===''Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle''=== | ===''Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle''=== | ||
Though the DK Rap is not featured in ''[[Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle]]'', the E3 2018 trailer for the [[Donkey Kong Adventure]] DLC briefly plays it. In said trailer, [[Rabbid Cranky]] is seen playing part of the DK Rap on a turntable, before being interrupted by [[Rabbid Peach]].<ref>Nintendo | Though the DK Rap is not featured in ''[[Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle]]'', the E3 2018 trailer for the [[Donkey Kong Adventure]] DLC briefly plays it. In said trailer, [[Rabbid Cranky]] is seen playing part of the DK Rap on a turntable, before being interrupted by [[Rabbid Peach]].<ref>{{cite|author=Nintendo|date=June 12, 2018|url=youtu.be/kYE7i3RWL1k|title=Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle: Donkey Kong Adventure - Release Date Announcement - Nintendo E3 2018|publisher=YouTube|accessdate=April 29, 2019}}</ref> | ||
===''The Super Mario Bros. Movie''=== | ===''The Super Mario Bros. Movie''=== | ||
In ''[[The Super Mario Bros. Movie]]'', Donkey Kong is introduced in the [[Great Ring of Kong]] to the chorus portion of the DK Rap which chants his name. | In ''[[The Super Mario Bros. Movie]]'', Donkey Kong is introduced in the [[Great Ring of Kong]] to the chorus portion of the DK Rap, which chants his name. | ||
Prior to the film's release, a teaser for the film posted on social media confirmed the inclusion of the DK Rap in the film.<ref> | Prior to the film's release, a teaser for the film posted on social media confirmed the inclusion of the DK Rap in the film.<ref>{{cite|author=@supermariomovie|url=x.com/supermariomovie/status/1641485445816102920|title=DK Rap is straight-up 🍌🍌🍌 #SuperMarioMovie|publisher=X|date=March 30, 2023|accessdate=February 8, 2024}}</ref> In the teaser, Donkey Kong's film voice actor [[Seth Rogen]] states that the song is "objectively one of the worst rap songs of all time." Songwriter Grant Kirkhope expressed joy on the X networking platform upon learning about the song's inclusion in the film,<ref>{{cite|author=[[Grant Kirkhope|Kirkhope, Grant]]|date=March 30, 2023|url=x.com/grantkirkhope/status/1641555322723774464|title=If you’d told me in ‘97, when I wrote the worst rap track in the history of rap tracks, that it would go on to be in a Mario Bros movie I’d would’ve burst with excitement! Long live the DK Rap! @Sethrogen|publisher=X|accessdate=February 8, 2024}}</ref> but was later disappointed in seeing he was not credited as the original composer in the movie's credits.<ref>{{cite|author=Kirkhope, Grant|url=x.com/grantkirkhope/status/1643446092791705600|date=April 5, 2023|title=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|publisher=X|accessdate=February 8, 2024}}</ref> | ||
== | ===Other appearances=== | ||
The DK Rap is mentioned in the [[Game Boy Advance]] remake of ''[[Donkey Kong Country 2 | The DK Rap is mentioned in the [[Game Boy Advance]] remake of ''[[Donkey Kong Country 2 (Game Boy Advance)|Donkey Kong Country 2]]'', after Diddy completes the [[Funky's Flights (Bonus Game)|Funky's Flights]] mission [[Cool Sounds]]. By returning Funky's boombox from the mission, he tells the Kongs that he can continue listening to the DK Rap all day. | ||
Donkey Kong's [[smashwiki:Crowd|crowd]] cheer in ''[[Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS]]'', ''[[Super Smash Bros. for Wii U]]'', and ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]'' references the song with the crowd cheering, "DK! Donkey Kong!" in the style of the song. | Donkey Kong's [[smashwiki:Crowd|crowd]] cheer in ''[[Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS]]'', ''[[Super Smash Bros. for Wii U]]'', and ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]'' references the song with the crowd cheering, "DK! Donkey Kong!" in the style of the song. | ||
The song is also often referenced in Donkey Kong's blurbs across game-adjacent material. His description on the ''[[Mario Party 10]]'' website stated that "He's finally back to kick some tail," also pointing out his return to the ''[[Mario Party (series)|Mario Party]]'' series as a playable character. The [[Prima Games|Prima]] guide for ''[[Mario Kart 8 Deluxe]]'' | The song is also often referenced in Donkey Kong's blurbs across game-adjacent material. His description on the ''[[Mario Party 10]]'' website stated that "He's finally back to kick some tail," also pointing out his return to the ''[[Mario Party (series)|Mario Party]]'' series as a playable character. The [[Prima Games|Prima]] guide for ''[[Mario Kart 8 Deluxe]]'' directly opens Donkey Kong's bio by stating that he is the first member of the DK Crew.<ref>{{cite|quote=The first member of the DK crew returns to the track after dealing with a pesky invasion of his home island by some cold-hearted northerners.|author=Epstein, Joe; Rocha, Garitt; Musa, Alexander|title=''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe'' Official Guide|publisher=[[Prima Games]]|isbn=978-0744018400|page=24}}</ref> Donkey Kong's website description for ''[[Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020]]'' ("He's so strong, it isn't funny.") references Chunky Kong's verse in the song.<ref>{{cite|url=www.olympicvideogames.com/marioandsonic/us/index.html|title=Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020|publisher=olympicvideogames.com|accessdate=November 3, 2019}}</ref> | ||
===Yooka-Laylee Rap=== | ====Yooka-Laylee Rap==== | ||
To promote their then-upcoming video game ''{{wp|Yooka-Laylee}}'', a spiritual successor to classic | To promote their then-upcoming video game ''{{wp|Yooka-Laylee}}'', a spiritual successor to classic Rare games such as ''{{wp|Banjo-Kazooie}}'' and ''Donkey Kong 64'', Playtonic Games posted the "Yooka-Laylee Rap" on their YouTube channel.<ref>{{cite|author=Playtonic Games|date=April 1, 2017|url=youtu.be/9mSzJj1c1z0|title=The Yooka-Laylee Rap!|publisher=YouTube|accessdate=November 3, 2019}}</ref> Written and composed by Grant Kirkhope and sung by Chris Sutherland and Kevin Bayliss, the Yooka-Laylee Rap parodies the original DK Rap in the same cheesy, tongue-in-cheek style as its predecessor, containing a number of allusions and homages to it. For instance, Yooka's verse states that he is "green as heck," a tongue-in-cheek reference to the word "hell" from the original DK Rap being replaced with "heck" in the ''Super Smash Bros. Melee'' rendition. In addition, Yooka is described as "quick" and "nimble," a nod to Tiny Kong's verse. The general melody is noticeably very similar to the DK Rap. | ||
==Lyrics== | ==Lyrics== | ||
| Line 83: | Line 95: | ||
Huh! | Huh! | ||
DK! Donkey Kong!<br> | DK! Donkey Kong!<br> | ||
DK! Donkey Kong is here! | DK! Donkey Kong is here! | ||
| Line 89: | Line 101: | ||
And this time he's in the mood<br> | And this time he's in the mood<br> | ||
He can fly real high with his [[Rocketbarrel Boost|jetpack]] on<br> | He can fly real high with his [[Rocketbarrel Boost|jetpack]] on<br> | ||
With his [[ | With his [[Popgun|pistols]] out, he's one tough Kong!<br> | ||
He'll make you smile when he plays his [[Guitar Gazump|tune]]<br> | He'll make you smile when he plays his [[Guitar Gazump|tune]]<br> | ||
But [[Kremling]]s beware 'cause he's after you!<br> | But [[Kremling]]s beware 'cause he's after you!<br> | ||
| Line 103: | Line 115: | ||
Can pick up a [[boulder]] with relative ease<br> | Can pick up a [[boulder]] with relative ease<br> | ||
Makes crushing rocks seem such a breeze<br> | Makes crushing rocks seem such a breeze<br> | ||
He may move slow, he can't [[jump]] high<br> | He may move slow, he can't [[jump]] high<br> | ||
But this Kong's one hell of a guy!<br> | But this Kong's one hell of a guy!<br> | ||
Huh! | Huh! | ||
| Line 160: | Line 172: | ||
This crazy Kong just digs this tune! (Hah!) | This crazy Kong just digs this tune! (Hah!) | ||
DK! Donkey Kong!<br> | DK! Donkey Kong!<br> | ||
DK! Donkey Kong is here! | DK! Donkey Kong is here! | ||
| Line 167: | Line 179: | ||
He can fly real high with his [[Rocketbarrel Boost|jetpack]] on<br> | He can fly real high with his [[Rocketbarrel Boost|jetpack]] on<br> | ||
With his [[ | With his [[Popgun|pistols]] out, he's one tough Kong!<br> | ||
He'll make you smile when he plays his [[Guitar Gazump|tune]] | He'll make you smile when he plays his [[Guitar Gazump|tune]] | ||
| Line 184: | Line 196: | ||
Can pick up a [[boulder]] with relative ease<br> | Can pick up a [[boulder]] with relative ease<br> | ||
Makes crushing rocks seem such a breeze<br> | Makes crushing rocks seem such a breeze<br> | ||
He may move slow, he can't jump high<br> | He may move slow, he can't jump high<br> | ||
But this Kong's one heck of a guy! | But this Kong's one heck of a guy! | ||
| Line 203: | Line 215: | ||
===Japanese lyrics=== | ===Japanese lyrics=== | ||
{{rewrite-expand|section=yes|include | {{rewrite-expand|section=yes|include translation}} | ||
{| | |||
These translated lyrics are not present within the game. Instead, they are in the Japanese instruction manual.<ref>{{cite|url=m1.nintendo.net/docvc/NUS/JPN/NDOJ/NDOJ_J.pdf|title=Japanese ''Donkey Kong 64'' instruction booklet|format=PDF|language=Japanese|publisher=nintendo.net|accessdate=April 11, 2021}}</ref> | |||
{| class=wikitable | |||
!Japanese lyrics | |||
!Romaji | |||
|- | |- | ||
| | | | ||
いくぞ！<br> | いくぞ！<br> | ||
| Line 289: | Line 304: | ||
ジャンプもにがて<br> | ジャンプもにがて<br> | ||
でもこのコングは<br> | でもこのコングは<br> | ||
とてもアブねーヤロウだぜ！<br> | |||
クランキー、カモン！<br> | クランキー、カモン！<br> | ||
| Line 297: | Line 312: | ||
ブドウ、スイカ、オレンジに<br> | ブドウ、スイカ、オレンジに<br> | ||
ココナッツのかわ<br> | ココナッツのかわ<br> | ||
| | |||
<i>Iku zo!<br> | |||
Tsui ni yatsura ga yatte kita<br> | |||
Kimi no tame ni pafōmansu<br> | |||
Kono uta o shitterun dattara<br> | |||
Kimi mo issho ni utaō<br> | |||
Ryōte o awasete<br> | |||
Tebyōshi suru kai?<br> | |||
Kore kara monkī rappu e to<br> | |||
Goshōtai suru ze<br> | |||
D, K!<br> | |||
Donkī Kongu no<br> | |||
Odemashi da!<br> | |||
Kongu no rīdā<br> | |||
Kimi mo yoku shitteru darō?<br> | |||
Tsui ni yatsu ga kaette kita<br> | |||
Wani no shippo o kechirasu zo<br> | |||
Yatsu no kokonattsu kyanon wa<br> | |||
Sugoi hakairyoku<br> | |||
Moshi kore ga hitto surya<br> | |||
Suggoku itāi ze!<br> | |||
Yatsu wa ōkiku, subayaku,<br> | |||
Chikara mo tsuyoi<br> | |||
Kongu kurū no<br> | |||
Saisho no menbā<br> | |||
Kono Kongu wa sutairisshu<br> | |||
Yoku kiitoke yo, yarō-domo<br> | |||
Kanojo wa mūdo ni awasete,<br> | |||
Saizu o chiisaku shitari suru<br> | |||
Iza to iu toki ni nareba<br> | |||
Subayaku kibin na akushon<br> | |||
Sora o furōto nanka shite<br> | |||
Ki no ue ni made nobotchau<br> | |||
Kanojo o erabeba<br> | |||
Zettai machigai nai<br> | |||
Suteki na sukippu & hoppu de<br> | |||
Kanojo wa minna no akogare sa!<br> | |||
Sutairu ni wa kodawaranai<br> | |||
Ereganto to wa ienai na?<br> | |||
Daga totemo tanoshii kao o suru<br> | |||
Hitsuyō to nareba<br> | |||
Tokui no sakadachi o shite<br> | |||
Kimi no tame dake ni<br> | |||
Ude o nobashite misete kureru<br> | |||
Fūsen mitai ni<br> | |||
Pukupuku fukurandari mo dekiru<br> | |||
Kono kureijī na Kongu wa<br> | |||
Monkī rappu ga dāisuki!<br> | |||
Yatsu mo mata kaette kita<br> | |||
Masa ni batchiri no taimingu<br> | |||
Sore ni konkai mo<br> | |||
Kiai wa jūbun!<br> | |||
Bareru jetto de<br> | |||
Sora takaku janpu<br> | |||
Poppugan o kamaerya<br> | |||
Yatsu wa tegowāi Kongu da ze<br> | |||
Tokui no gitā de<br> | |||
Minna o tanoshimasete kureru<br> | |||
Demo Kuremurin yo, ki o tsukero<br> | |||
Yatsu wa ushiro ni sematteru zo!<br> | |||
Soshite koitsu ga arawareta<br> | |||
Kongu kurū no<br> | |||
Saigo no menbā<br> | |||
Kono Kongu wa mucha tsuyoi<br> | |||
Share ni mo naranai sono pawā<br> | |||
Kyōaku na Kuremurin-domo mo<br> | |||
Mama no tokoro e nigedashichau<br> | |||
Kyodai na iwa mo hetchara<br> | |||
Hyoi to kantan ni mochiagete<br> | |||
Konagona ni suru no nante<br> | |||
Yatsu ni totcha asameshi mae<br> | |||
Ugoki wa norokute<br> | |||
Janpu mo nigate<br> | |||
Demo kono Kongu wa<br> | |||
Totemo abunē yarō da ze!<br> | |||
Kurankī, kamon!<br> | |||
</ | Reizōko no mae de dansu da!<br> | ||
Sore, kurumi, pīnattsu<br> | |||
Painappuru no kaori<br> | |||
Budō, suika, orenji ni<br> | |||
Kokonattsu no kawa</i> | |||
|} | |} | ||
==Media== | ==Media== | ||
| Line 312: | Line 412: | ||
|description2=The arrangement of the DK Rap used for the Kongo Jungle stage in ''Super Smash Bros. Melee'' | |description2=The arrangement of the DK Rap used for the Kongo Jungle stage in ''Super Smash Bros. Melee'' | ||
}} | }} | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
{{NIWA|SmashWiki=Music (SSBM)#Kongo Jungle}} | |||
{{Wikipedia}} | |||
<references/> | <references/> | ||
| Line 325: | Line 424: | ||
{{SSBU}} | {{SSBU}} | ||
{{TSMBM}} | {{TSMBM}} | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:Music]] | ||
[[Category:Donkey Kong 64]] | [[Category:Donkey Kong 64]] | ||
[[Category:Donkey Konga]] | [[Category:Donkey Konga]] | ||
Latest revision as of 15:20, October 18, 2024
It has been requested that this article be rewritten and expanded to include more information. Reason: Include Vitamin B Remix lyrics
| "DK Rap" | |
|---|---|
 The DK Crew at the start of the song | |
| Composed by: Grant Kirkhope George Andreas and Chris Sutherland (English lyrics) | |
| First appearance | Donkey Kong 64 (1999) |
| Latest appearance | The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023) |
The "DK Rap," also known as the Monkey Rap, is a song and video that plays upon every startup of Donkey Kong 64. It serves as an introduction to the game's playable characters, establishing their defining traits and special moves. The lyrics were written by Grant Kirkhope, and the song was performed by George Andreas and Chris Sutherland, with various other Rare staff members joining in for the chorus.[1] Kirkhope has stated his goal in creating the song was to juxtapose the style of the new game and set Donkey Kong 64 apart from the previous Donkey Kong Country games. The song is heavily associated with the Donkey Kong franchise and with Rare in general. It is also used as a theme for Donkey Kong in The Super Mario Bros. Movie.
The DK Rap is infamous for its "so bad it's good" nature, regarding its poor rapping and lyrics—an intentional stylistic choice on Kirkhope's part.[1] The song has been criticized by various video game publications and journalists since the release of Donkey Kong 64. The line "His Coconut Gun can fire in spurts. If he shoots ya, it's gonna hurt!" was once voted as the fourth worst line in a video game ever by the magazine Electronic Gaming Monthly in January 2002.[2] The DK Rap has met a resurgence in popularity and notoriety, especially as an internet meme. On April 1, 2017, in promotion of the game Yooka-Laylee, Playtonic Games released a DK Rap-inspired song called the "Yooka-Laylee Rap."[3]
History
Donkey Kong 64
In Donkey Kong 64, the DK Rap begins with Cranky Kong's hands mixing records on a turntable. The sequence then cuts to the five playable Kongs in a group; Chunky Kong is wearing a 1970s-era disco outfit, only to rush offscreen and change into his regular outfit. Throughout the rap, each Kong is introduced in this order: Donkey Kong, Tiny, Lanky, Diddy, and Chunky. It explains each Kong's unique traits varying from their abilities, weapons, and instruments. Donkey Kong's verse primarily focuses on his Coconut Shooter (referred to as a Coconut Gun) where he shoots down three Zingers. Tiny's verse focuses on her Mini-Monkey and Pony Tail Twirl abilites, the former of which is shown by Tiny shrinking herself to beat up a Klaptrap. Notably, it shows Tiny climbing thick palm trees, which is possible only as Chunky with his Hunky Chunky ability. Lanky's verse describes his OrangStand and Baboon Balloon abilities. During the OrangStand scene, Lanky accidentally crashes himself offscreen. Diddy's verse describes his ability to use the Rocketbarrel Boost with the Jetbarrel. At one point, various TNT Bombers approach Diddy, only for him to throw an explosive orange at them. Lastly, Chunky's verse describes his great strength, which is shown by him scaring a Klump by enlarging himself (in reference to the Hunky Chunky ability) and being able to pick up boulders. It also describes his clumsy and slow behavior by showing him accidentally throwing a boulder onto himself and moving slowly and not being able to jump high enough to collect a Golden Banana. Once he jumps high enough, he misses the Golden Banana and lands on the floor, for which several bananas cover the screen. In each of the Kong's verses, a different instrument can be heard: Donkey Kong's is a muted trumpet, Tiny's is a saxophone, Lanky's is a trombone, Diddy's is an electric guitar, and Chunky's is a timpani.
Near the end of the song, Cranky starts to mix on his turntable, for which the bridge of the song plays, consisting of the various fruits and foods shot from each of the Kongs' weapons. An audience can be heard giving the five playable Kongs a standing ovation before a Klump throws an orange to the screen, ending the rap.
The DK Rap was included in the game's official soundtrack, Da Banana Bunch: The Original Donkey Kong 64 Soundtrack, where it is titled "Da Banana Bunch." A remix of the song was also included, titled "Da Banana Bunch (Vitamin B Remix)."
DK Rap Attack
- Main article: DK Rap Attack
The DK Rap Attack was a contest hosted on the official Donkey Kong 64 website, hosted by Nintendo of America. It involved people submitting their own renditions and covers of the DK Rap.
Super Smash Bros. series
- SmashWiki article: Music (SSBM) § Kongo Jungle
A new version of the DK Rap was recorded for Super Smash Bros. Melee, where it was performed by James W. Norwood Jr. with a completely different backing track, and it plays in the Kongo Jungle stage. The third and fifth verses describing Tiny Kong and Diddy Kong are sung faster, and the word "hell" in Chunky Kong's verse is replaced by "heck."
This version of the DK Rap is also featured in subsequent Super Smash Bros. games. It appears in Super Smash Bros. Brawl as an unlockable song for the stage Jungle Japes, unlocked if the player obtains a CD for it. It returns in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U as an unlockable song for the stage Jungle Hijinxs, unlocked if the player gets a chain of 200 in Trophy Rush as Donkey Kong. In Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, the DK Rap is available from the start and can play on every Donkey Kong series stage. In both Super Smash Bros. for Wii U and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, the DK Rap contains only the verses for Donkey Kong, Tiny Kong, and Diddy Kong due to memory constraints, cutting the length down to just under two minutes.
Donkey Konga
The Super Smash Bros. version of the DK Rap returns as a playable song in Donkey Konga. The album Donkey Konga: The Hottest Hits released in 2004 also features the song.
Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle
Though the DK Rap is not featured in Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle, the E3 2018 trailer for the Donkey Kong Adventure DLC briefly plays it. In said trailer, Rabbid Cranky is seen playing part of the DK Rap on a turntable, before being interrupted by Rabbid Peach.[4]
The Super Mario Bros. Movie
In The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Donkey Kong is introduced in the Great Ring of Kong to the chorus portion of the DK Rap, which chants his name.
Prior to the film's release, a teaser for the film posted on social media confirmed the inclusion of the DK Rap in the film.[5] In the teaser, Donkey Kong's film voice actor Seth Rogen states that the song is "objectively one of the worst rap songs of all time." Songwriter Grant Kirkhope expressed joy on the X networking platform upon learning about the song's inclusion in the film,[6] but was later disappointed in seeing he was not credited as the original composer in the movie's credits.[7]
Other appearances
The DK Rap is mentioned in the Game Boy Advance remake of Donkey Kong Country 2, after Diddy completes the Funky's Flights mission Cool Sounds. By returning Funky's boombox from the mission, he tells the Kongs that he can continue listening to the DK Rap all day.
Donkey Kong's crowd cheer in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS, Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate references the song with the crowd cheering, "DK! Donkey Kong!" in the style of the song.
The song is also often referenced in Donkey Kong's blurbs across game-adjacent material. His description on the Mario Party 10 website stated that "He's finally back to kick some tail," also pointing out his return to the Mario Party series as a playable character. The Prima guide for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe directly opens Donkey Kong's bio by stating that he is the first member of the DK Crew.[8] Donkey Kong's website description for Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 ("He's so strong, it isn't funny.") references Chunky Kong's verse in the song.[9]
Yooka-Laylee Rap
To promote their then-upcoming video game Yooka-Laylee, a spiritual successor to classic Rare games such as Banjo-Kazooie and Donkey Kong 64, Playtonic Games posted the "Yooka-Laylee Rap" on their YouTube channel.[10] Written and composed by Grant Kirkhope and sung by Chris Sutherland and Kevin Bayliss, the Yooka-Laylee Rap parodies the original DK Rap in the same cheesy, tongue-in-cheek style as its predecessor, containing a number of allusions and homages to it. For instance, Yooka's verse states that he is "green as heck," a tongue-in-cheek reference to the word "hell" from the original DK Rap being replaced with "heck" in the Super Smash Bros. Melee rendition. In addition, Yooka is described as "quick" and "nimble," a nod to Tiny Kong's verse. The general melody is noticeably very similar to the DK Rap.
Lyrics
Original version
Here, here, here we go
So they're finally here, performing for you
If you know the words, you can join in too
Put your hands together, if you want to clap
As we take you through this monkey rap!
Huh!DK! Donkey Kong!
He's the leader of the bunch, you know him well
He's finally back to kick some tail
His Coconut Gun can fire in spurts
If he shoots ya, it's gonna hurt!
He's bigger, faster, and stronger too
He's the first member of the D.K. crew!
Huh!DK! Donkey Kong!
DK! Donkey Kong is here!(Here we go)
This Kong's got style, so listen up, dudes
She can shrink in size, to suit her mood
She's quick and nimble when she needs to be
She can float through the air and climb up trees!
If you choose her, you'll not choose wrong
With a skip and a hop, she's one cool Kong!
Huh!DK! Donkey Kong!
He has no style, he has no grace
This Kong has a funny face
He can handstand when he needs to
And stretch his arms out, just for you
Inflate himself just like a balloon
This crazy Kong just digs this tune!
Huh!DK! Donkey Kong!
DK! Donkey Kong is here!He's back again and about time too
And this time he's in the mood
He can fly real high with his jetpack on
With his pistols out, he's one tough Kong!
He'll make you smile when he plays his tune
But Kremlings beware 'cause he's after you!
Huh!DK! Donkey Kong!
Huh!Finally, he's here for you
It's the last member of the D.K. crew!
This Kong's so strong, it isn't funny
Can make a Kremling cry out for mummy
Can pick up a boulder with relative ease
Makes crushing rocks seem such a breeze
He may move slow, he can't jump high
But this Kong's one hell of a guy!
Huh!Come on, Cranky, take it to the fridge!
Walnuts, peanuts, pineapple smells,
Grapes, melons, oranges, and coconut shells!
Ahh, yeah!Walnuts, peanuts, pineapple smells,
Grapes, melons, oranges, and coconut shells!
Ahh, yeah!
Super Smash Bros. version
Here, here, here we go
So they're finally here, performing for you
If you know the words, you can join in too
Put your hands together, if you want to clap
As we take you through this monkey rap!
Huh!DK! Donkey Kong!
He's the leader of the bunch, you know him well
He's finally back to kick some tailHis Coconut Gun can fire in spurts
If he shoots ya, it's gonna hurt!
He's bigger, faster, and stronger too
He's the first member of the D.K. crew!DK! Donkey Kong! (Hah!)
DK! Donkey Kong is here!This Kong's got style, so listen up, dudes
She can shrink in size, to suit her moodShe's quick and nimble when she needs to be
She can float through the air and climb up trees!If you choose her, you'll not choose wrong
With a skip and a hop, she's one cool Kong!DK! Donkey Kong!
He has no style, he has no grace
This Kong has a funny face
He can handstand when he needs to
And stretch his arms out, just for youInflate himself just like a balloon
This crazy Kong just digs this tune! (Hah!)DK! Donkey Kong!
DK! Donkey Kong is here!He's back again, it's about time too
And this time he's in the moodHe can fly real high with his jetpack on
With his pistols out, he's one tough Kong!
He'll make you smile when he plays his tuneBut Kremlings beware 'cause he's after you!
DK! Donkey Kong!
DK! Donkey Kong!
DK! Donkey Kong!
DK! Donkey Kong!Finally, he's here for you
He's the last member of the D.K. crew!
This Kong... so strong, it isn't funny
Can make a Kremling cry out for mummyCan pick up a boulder with relative ease
Makes crushing rocks seem such a breeze
He may move slow, he can't jump high
But this Kong's one heck of a guy!Come on, Cranky, take it to the fridge!
Walnuts, peanuts, pineapple smells,
Grapes, melons, oranges, and coconut shells!
Walnuts, peanuts, pineapple smells,
Grapes, melons, oranges, and coconut shells! Oh, yeah!So they're finally here, performing for you
If you know the words, you can join in too
Put your hands together, if you want to clap
As we take you through this monkey rap!
Japanese lyrics
It has been requested that this section be rewritten and expanded to include more information. Reason: include translation
These translated lyrics are not present within the game. Instead, they are in the Japanese instruction manual.[11]
| Japanese lyrics | Romaji |
|---|---|
|
いくぞ！ ついにヤツらがやってきた D、K！ コングのリーダー このコングはスタイリッシュ スタイルにはこだわらない ヤツもまたかえってきた そしてコイツがあらわれた クランキー、カモン！ |
Iku zo! Tsui ni yatsura ga yatte kita D, K! Kongu no rīdā Kono Kongu wa sutairisshu Sutairu ni wa kodawaranai Yatsu mo mata kaette kita Soshite koitsu ga arawareta Kurankī, kamon! |
Media
 DK Rap - The rap's introductory verse | File info |
| Kongo Jungle - The arrangement of the DK Rap used for the Kongo Jungle stage in Super Smash Bros. Melee | File info |
References
- ^ a b Kirkhope, Grant. Donkey Kong 64 Video Game Music Compositions. grantkirkhope.com. Retrieved February 8, 2024. (Archived December 25, 2015, 10:52:31 UTC via Wayback Machine.)
- ^ Electronic Gaming Monthly issue 150. Page 162.
- ^ Playtonic (April 1, 2017). The Yooka-Laylee Rap!. YouTube. Retrieved May 1, 2023. (Archived May 1, 2023, 23:13:28 UTC via Wayback Machine.)
- ^ Nintendo (June 12, 2018). Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle: Donkey Kong Adventure - Release Date Announcement - Nintendo E3 2018. YouTube. Retrieved April 29, 2019.
- ^ @supermariomovie (March 30, 2023). DK Rap is straight-up 🍌🍌🍌 #SuperMarioMovie. X. Retrieved February 8, 2024.
- ^ Kirkhope, Grant (March 30, 2023). If you’d told me in ‘97, when I wrote the worst rap track in the history of rap tracks, that it would go on to be in a Mario Bros movie I’d would’ve burst with excitement! Long live the DK Rap! @Sethrogen. X. Retrieved February 8, 2024.
- ^ Kirkhope, Grant (April 5, 2023). 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. X. Retrieved February 8, 2024.
- ^ "The first member of the DK crew returns to the track after dealing with a pesky invasion of his home island by some cold-hearted northerners." – Epstein, Joe; Rocha, Garitt; Musa, Alexander. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Official Guide. Prima Games. ISBN 978-0744018400. Page 24.
- ^ Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020. olympicvideogames.com. Retrieved November 3, 2019.
- ^ Playtonic Games (April 1, 2017). The Yooka-Laylee Rap!. YouTube. Retrieved November 3, 2019.
- ^ Japanese Donkey Kong 64 instruction booklet (PDF). nintendo.net (Japanese). Retrieved April 11, 2021.
