Krush Groove
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"Krush Groove" is a 1985 Warner Bros. film, written by Ralph Farquhar and directed by Michael Schultz (who also produced the movie, along with Doug McHenry). This film is based on the early days of Def Jam Recordings and up-and-coming record producer Russell Simmons (re-named Russell Walker in the film), portrayed by Blair Underwood in his feature film debut. Russell Simmons was the film's co-producer and story consultant; he also has a cameo role in the film as a club owner named Crocket.
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[edit] Movie
In the movie, Russell Walker has signed all of the hottest acts to his Krush Groove record label, including Run-D.M.C., Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde, and Kurtis Blow. Rick Rubin produces their records. When Run-D.M.C. has a hit record and Russell doesn't have the money to press records, he borrows money from a street hustler. At the same time, Russell and his brother Run are both competing for the heart of R&B singer/percussionist Sheila E. Also appearing in the film are LL Cool J, the Beastie Boys, New Edition, the Fat Boys, and some of their songs, as well as others from the likes of Chaka Khan, Debbie Harry, and The Gap Band. Members of the R&B band Full Force also make a cameo in the film as bodyguards.
Krush Groove was filmed in the Bronx, New York (including at least one scene in the Marble Hill projects). Among the locations where the movie was shot was the famous Disco Fever, a popular club during the embryonic stages of hip hop which, by the time of the film, had fallen on some hard times. Disco Fever owner Sal Abbatiello expected the movie not only to turn the spotlight on the burgeoning rap movement but also to "bring attention [back] to the club"[citation needed] and so agreed to have scenes shot there. Unfortunately, the attention surrounding the filming brought the scrutiny of the local authorities, who shut the club down for good on the last day of shooting for not having all the proper licenses and permits.
The movie was re-released on DVD in 2003. Among the special extras included on the DVD are commentary from Underwood, Schultz, and Source Magazine Senior Editor Brett Johnson, a theatrical trailer for the movie, and the Krush Groove All Stars video "Krush Groovin'".
[edit] Soundtrack
| Krush Groove | |||||
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| Soundtrack by Various Artists | |||||
| Released | 1985 | ||||
| Recorded | 1984-1985 | ||||
| Genre | Hip-hop | ||||
| Length | 45:00 | ||||
| Label | Warner Bros. 1-25295 |
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| Producer | Rick Rubin Doug McHenry Kurtis Blow Russell Simmons |
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| Professional reviews | |||||
| Michael Schultz film soundtracks chronology | |||||
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| Singles from Krush Groove | |||||
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Music from the Original Motion Picture Krush Groove (also called just Krush Groove Soundtrack) is a soundtrack album by various hip-hop artists, released on Warner Brothers Records in 1985. The album peaked at #79 on the Pop chart and #14 on the R&B chart. The Krush Groove soundtrack was released on Warner Bros. Records in 1985 and featured songs from the movie.
[edit] Track listing
- Chaka Khan - "(Krush Groove) Can't Stop The Street" (5:10)
- LL Cool J - "I Can't Live Without My Radio" (4:25)
- Kurtis Blow - "If I Ruled The World" (6:19)
- Fat Boys - "All You Can Eat" (3:27)
- Debbie Harry - "Feel The Spin" (4:01)
- Sheila E. - "Holly Rock" (4:57)
- Beastie Boys - "She's On It" (3:32)
- Gap Band - "Love Triangle" (4:47)
- Force MD's - "Tender Love" (3:55)
- Krush Groove Allstars - "Krush Groovin'" (5:05)
Other songs appeared in the film but were not on the album soundtrack:
- Autumn - "Kold Krush"
- Run DMC - "King of Rock", "It's Like That", "Can You Rock It Like This", "You're Blind"
- Fat Boys - "Don't You Dog Me", "Fat Boys", "Pump It Up (Let's Get Funky)"
- Sheila E. - "A Love Bizarre"
- UTFO - "Pick Up The Pace"
- Nayobe - "Please Don't Go"
- New Edition - "My Secret"
- Chad - "I Want You To Be My Girl"
[edit] Trivia
- Krush Groove was referenced in the film Dogma, where the characters Bartleby (Ben Affleck) and Loki (Matt Damon) have the following exchange:
Bartleby: This from the guy who still owes me 10 bucks over that bet about what was gonna be the bigger movie - E. T. or Krush Groove?
Loki: You know, fuck you, man, 'cause time's gonna tell on that one.
- A young Lyor Cohen is one of the NYU student bystanders listening to the fight between Russell Walker and Jay D's bodyguards as Run is going to the room.
- Ralph Farquhar, the film's screenwriter, is father to underground hiphop artist Busdriver (a.k.a. Regan J. Farquhar).
- In the first issue of of Jim Mahfood's comic book "Grrl Scouts" two of the main characters discuss "Krush Groove" with great enthusiasm.
