The infamous DK Rap gets a revamp, complete with Grant Kirkhope’s involvement

Nintendo’s history is filled to the brim with amazing tunes that have stood the test of time. So many classic tracks that fans hold near and dear, and they’ve become a greater part of pop culture in general. Plenty of those tracks live on today through official remixes, tributes and more, and there’s no doubt Nintendo has plenty more bangers up their sleeves.

One song that Nintendo fans will never forget is the DK Rap from Donkey Kong 64. The thing is, it’s not held in the same regard as many other Nintendo tunes. The DK Rap is such a product of its time that it’s hard not to hear it now and giggle. It’s not a bad track by any means, but it’s certainly a unique one in Nintendo history. It almost felt outdated the second it released, and nowadays it’s downright ancient.

No one knows that more than Grant Kirkhope, the original composer of the DK Rap. Perhaps that’s why he’s teamed up with the rapper Substantial to give the DK Rap a complete makeover. The result of that collaboration has just been released via Materia Collective, and you can hear it below.

This version of the DK Rap is part of Rare Treats: DONKEY KONG 64 Revisited, a project produced and released by composer Grant Kirkhope and video game record label Materia Collective in honor of the 25th anniversary on November 22, 2024.

This isn’t just a nostalgia trip – it’s a full-blown, banana-fueled celebration, with revisited recordings and versions re-arranged by composer Grant Kirkhope. Track titles have also been updated to match their intended destiny.

Remade by the legend himself, Grant Kirkhope: The original composer and living legend who brought you the unforgettable tracks of Banjo-Kazooie and GoldenEye 007 has returned to remaster the DK64 soundtrack.

You can stream Rare Treats: DONKEY KONG 64 Revisited right now, and you can also pre-order a physical release. You can find all the links for purchase and streaming right here.