DK Rap: Difference between revisions

[[File:DK64 DK Rap.png|thumb|300px|The [[Kong|DK Crew]] at the start of the song. Pictured from left to right are [[Tiny Kong]], [[Lanky Kong]], [[Donkey Kong]], [[Chunky Kong]], and [[Diddy Kong]].]]

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 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 an [[List of references on the Internet#DK Rap|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>

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 Attack was a contest hosted on the [[DKTV (microsite)|official ''Donkey Kong 64'' website]], hosted by [[Nintendo]] of America. It involved people submitting their own renditions and covers of the DK Rap.

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."

 

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, cutting the length down to just under two minutes.

 

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.

 

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>

 

 

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>

 

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.

 

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>

 

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.

<blockquote><i>

Here, here, here we go

 

So they're finally here, performing for you<br>

If you know the words, you can join in too<br>

Put your hands together, if you want to clap<br>

As we take you through this monkey rap!<br>

Huh!

 

DK! Donkey Kong!

 

[[Donkey Kong|He]]'s the leader of the bunch, you know him well<br>

He's finally back to kick some tail<br>

His [[Coconut Shooter|Coconut Gun]] can fire in spurts<br>

He's bigger, faster, and stronger too<br>

He's the first member of the [[Kong|D.K. crew]]!<br>

Huh!

 

DK! Donkey Kong is here!

 

(Here we go)<br>

[[Tiny Kong|This Kong]]'s got style, so listen up, dudes<br>

She can shrink in size, to suit her mood<br>

She's quick and nimble when she needs to be<br>

If you choose her, you'll not choose wrong<br>

 

 

This crazy Kong just digs this tune!<br>

Huh!

 

DK! Donkey Kong!<br>  

 

 

 

Finally, [[Chunky Kong|he]]'s here for you<br>

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[[Lanky Kong|He]] has no style, he has no grace<br>

This Kong has a funny face<br>

He can handstand when he needs to<br>

And stretch his arms out, just for you

 

Inflate himself just like a [[Baboon Balloon|balloon]]<br>

This crazy Kong just digs this tune! (Hah!)

 

DK! Donkey Kong is here!

 

[[Diddy Kong|He]]'s back again, it's about time too<br>

And this time he's in the mood

 

He can fly real high with his [[Rocketbarrel Boost|jetpack]] on<br>

He'll make you smile when he plays his [[Guitar Gazump|tune]]

 

 

DK! Donkey Kong!<br>

DK! Donkey Kong!<br>

DK! Donkey Kong!

 

Finally, [[Chunky Kong|he]]'s here for you<br>

He's the last member of the D.K. crew!<br>

This Kong... so strong, it isn't funny<br>

Can make a Kremling cry out for mummy

 

Can pick up a [[boulder]] with relative ease<br>

Makes crushing rocks seem such a breeze<br>

He may move slow, he can't jump high<br>  

But this Kong's one heck of a guy!

 

Come on, [[Cranky Kong|Cranky]], take it to the fridge!

 

[[Grape]]s, [[melon]]s, oranges, and [[coconut]] shells!<br>

 

Grapes, melons, oranges, and coconut shells!

 

 

 

 

 

ヤツのココナッツキャノンは<br>

 

 

 

 

 

 

{{media table

|file1=DKRap.oga

|title1=DK Rap

|description1=The rap's introductory verse

|description2=The arrangement of the DK Rap used for the Kongo Jungle stage in ''Super Smash Bros. Melee''

 

[[Category:Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]

[[de:DK Rap]]