Nintendo’s Complicated Relationship with Donkey Kong 64 and the DK Rap: Insights from Grant Kirkhope

In 2023, the successful release of The Super Mario Bros.

Movie marked another major collaboration between Nintendo and Illumination, bringing Mario and his friends to the big screen for millions of fans worldwide.

One of the film's most talked-about musical moments was the inclusion of the 'DK Rap'—an iconic track originally featured in Donkey Kong 64, composed by Grant Kirkhope.

However, Kirkhope's lack of formal credit in the film's end titles sparked industry discussion, shedding light on Nintendo’s longstanding and nuanced relationship with Donkey Kong 64 and its music. Grant Kirkhope, whose work spans multiple titles developed by Rare—including Donkey Kong 64—recently spoke to Eurogamer to clarify the situation.

According to Kirkhope, when he inquired about the absence of his name in the credits, Nintendo explained that their policy excludes composer credits for in-game tracks owned by the company, with the notable exception of Koji Kondo, the legendary Mario composer.

The policy takes another turn, however: tracks featuring vocals are typically credited, but if Nintendo owns both the rights and the work, composer's names remain unlisted.

Kirkhope summarized this experience by stating that, because Nintendo retains ownership, he is not officially acknowledged in the movie’s credits, even though his original DK Rap is featured prominently.

"That was the final nail in the coffin," he reflected on this rigid stance. Kirkhope went further, noting that his family would have been the only ones remaining in the theater to see his name, hoping for recognition that ultimately was not given due to these internal policies.

His comments underscore broader industry challenges regarding recognition for creators whose work is integral to beloved franchises. The discussion also touched on the Donkey Kong 64 soundtrack’s continued absence from official platforms like Nintendo Music, despite the presence of music from other well-known Rare composers, such as Dave Wise.

Kirkhope observed, "They have put some of Dave's stuff on it.

They do own it all so it's up to them," referencing Nintendo’s exclusive control over the back catalog. Recounting the broader sentiment from the Rare era, Kirkhope rewrote industry rumors that circulated at the time—suggesting, in his words, that Nintendo may not have been particularly enamored with Donkey Kong 64.

He clarified that this was hearsay passed among developers, illustrating the complex, and at times hesitant, approach by Nintendo towards some classic titles in its library. Though released for the Nintendo 64 in 1999, Donkey Kong 64 remains a key part of Nintendo’s platform history, known for its pioneering expansion pak requirement and ambitious collect-a-thon format.

While not currently available on the Nintendo Switch eShop, the game and its music retain a distinct place in gaming culture, as evidenced by their enduring presence in films and fan discussions.

Developers like Grant Kirkhope continue to champion recognition for creative contributions long after the credits roll, fostering important dialogue within the industry.

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