Diddy Kong Rap Creator Uncredited in Super Mario Film

Grant Kirkhope, the composer renowned for his work on classic titles like Donkey Kong 64, has revealed why he wasn't credited in The Super Mario Bros. Movie for the inclusion of the infamous DK Rap.

In an interview with Eurogamer, Kirkhope shared that he contacted Nintendo after the film's premiere. The company had a policy of not crediting composers for any of the music it owns, which extends to the DK Rap.

"They stated that any music directly quoted from the games they own would not receive composer credits, with the exception of Koji Kondo," Kirkhope recalled. "Then they adjusted the rule, saying any piece featuring vocals would be credited, which seemed to include the DK Rap. However, they later clarified that if Nintendo owns the work itself, the composers still wouldn't be credited. That was the final blow.

"I acknowledged their policies and understood their position, but I pointed out that by the time the credit roll reaches the songs, the theater is practically empty. Only my wife, kids, and I were left, hoping to spot my name. I mentioned that just a couple of lines of text wouldn't hurt, but that was their final decision," Kirkhope explained.

In 2023, Kirkhope voiced his disappointment online when his name was missing from The Super Mario Bros. Movie credits. He posted: "I was really looking forward to seeing my name appear in the credits for the DK Rap, but as expected, it's nowhere to be seen ........ fml"

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

— Grant Kirkhope (@grantkirkhope) April 5, 2023

Also missing from the credits was Bowser's Fury, another Nintendo-owned track featured in the film, while licensed songs did acknowledge their composers and performers.

Kirkhope went on to describe the sampling of the DK Rap as "odd," likening it to someone simply "plugging in an N64, grabbing the audio, and looping it." He performed the guitar part on the original track, while Rare staff members handled the "D-K" vocal sections, yet none received credit.

When asked by Eurogamer whether, since Nintendo fully owns the DK Rap, it might appear on the Nintendo Music App, Kirkhope had a surprising thought.

"I'm not sure," he said. "They've included some of David Wise's work on it before. They do own all the rights, so it's ultimately their call. I've long had a feeling that Nintendo wasn't particularly fond of Donkey Kong 64. It was a rumor that circulated among us at Rare back in the day. Whether it's accurate or not, I can't say."

As noted by Eurogamer, Donkey Kong 64 is not part of the Nintendo Switch Online N64 library, suggesting Nintendo's reservations may continue. However, the Rambi theme appears scheduled for use in Donkey Kong Bananza, leaving the full picture unclear.

You can explore Kirkhope's full interview on Eurogamer, where he discusses the possibilities of a new Banjo-Kazooie, the Donkey Kong Bananza project, and the lasting power of nostalgic soundtracks.

As for the Mario film series, a sequel to The Super Mario Bros. Movie is currently in development, with an expected release in April 2026.