Wake Up, Babe--The DK Rap Is Back And Better Than Ever

As a gamer who grew up in the late ’90s and early ’00s, Donkey Kong 64 holds a special place in my heart. The game was a part of my childhood, and the iconic “DK Rap” was an integral part of that experience. Fast forward to today, with the remix album Rare Treats: Donkey Kong 64 Revisited, I feel like a kid again, reliving those nostalgic moments but with a modern twist. The collaboration between Substantial and Grant Kirkhope has breathed new life into the classic track while maintaining that funky DK vibe.


As a kid who grew up in the ’90s, Donkey Kong 64 holds a special spot in my gaming memories and raked in numerous accolades during its release year. If you’re craving a dose of nostalgia, give TopMob’s 1999 review a read. This game was groundbreaking for us as it moved Donkey Kong and his pals into the first 3D realm after the Donkey Kong Country series concluded on the previous generation of consoles. While the gameplay remains legendary, the opening theme “The DK Rap” left an even bigger impression, introducing players to the colorful cast of characters.

To honor the 25th anniversary of the game, rapper Substantial collaborated with original composer Grant Kirkhope to create a remix album titled “Rare Treats: Donkey Kong 64 Revisited.” One of the songs on this 14-track collection showcases fresh beats and updated lyrics, while maintaining the funky atmosphere that’s characteristic of Donkey Kong.

The DK Rap is making a comeback! I’ve been eagerly waiting to share this exciting news with you all. @IamSubstantial has done an outstanding job modernizing what was once considered the worst rap track ever made, and I even added a touch of guitar to it! Hooray!!! Art by @Kev_Bayliss.

— Grant Kirkhope (@grantkirkhope) November 15, 2024

This isn’t just a walk down memory lane; it’s an energetic, banana-infused celebration featuring revisited recordings and arrangements by composer Grant Kirkhope. The song titles have been revised to reflect their intended purpose. In other words, the renowned Grant Kirkhope, the original composer known for creating the iconic tracks of Banjo-Kazooie and GoldenEye 007, has come back to remaster the DK64 soundtrack.

Kevin Bayless, the creator of the original Donkey Kong 64 characters, also contributed to the game by providing the cover art and accompanying materials.

In last year’s blockbuster The Super Mario Bros. Movie, DK Rap was showcased, but surprisingly, Grant Kirkhope was not given credit for the film, a unique occurrence. Following its appearance, the track has been included in various games, with the most notable instances being as background music across several versions of Super Smash Bros., and in every other usage, Kirkhope was acknowledged as the original composer.

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2024-11-15 23:39