Krush Groove (1985)

In this movie based on the early days of Def Jam Recordings, up-and-coming manager Russell Walker has all the hottest acts on the record label Krush Groove records, including Run-D.M.C., Dr... See full summary »

Director:

Michael Schultz

Writer:

Ralph Farquhar

Stars:

Sheila E., Joseph Simmons, Darryl McDaniels

1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Sheila E.	...	Herself
Joseph Simmons	...	Himself (Run-D.M.C)
Darryl McDaniels	...	Himself (Run-D.M.C.) (as Daryll McDaniels)
Jason Mizell	...	Himself (Run-D.M.C.)
Mark Morales	...	Himself (Fat Boys)
Damon Wimbley	...	Himself (Fat Boys)
Darren Robinson	...	Himself (Fat Boys) (as Darren 'Buffy' Robinson)
Kurtis Blow	...	Himself
Blair Underwood	...	Russell Walker
Ricky Bell	...	Himself (New Edition)
Michael Lamone Bivins	...	Himself (New Edition) (as Michael Bivins)
Bobby Brown	...	Himself (New Edition) (as New Edition)
Ronald De Voe	...	Himself (New Edition) (as New Edition)
Ralph E. Tresvant	...	Himself (New Edition) (as Ralph Tresvant)
LisaGay Hamilton	...	Aisha

Storyline

In this movie based on the early days of Def Jam Recordings, up-and-coming manager Russell Walker has all the hottest acts on the record label Krush Groove records, including Run-D.M.C., Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde, and Kurtis Blow, while 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 and his brother Run are both competing for the heart of R&B singer Sheila E.

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Plot Keywords:

recording industry | church | nightclub | high school | loan shark | 

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Taglines:

It's chillin'!

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Music

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Certificate:

R

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

25 October 1985 (USA)

Also Known As:

Rap Attack

Filming Locations:

Bronx, New York City, New York, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$3,000,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Crystalite Productions, Film Development Fund, Visual Eyes Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

97 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Did You Know?

Trivia

The film is a fictionalized account of the early days of Def Jam Recordings and Rush Management. Rick Rubin and almost all of the musical acts played themselves in the movie. Russell Walker, the character played by Blair Underwood, was based on Russell Simmons, who appeared in the film as the club owner who said, "Let's get these kids on stage," just before the infamous Run's House scene.

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Goofs

LL Cool J appears as himself in a scene halfway through the film where he auditions for Rick and the other Krush Groove management team. In that scene, it is presumed that LL Cool J is an unknown. However, near the beginning of the film, when Sheila E. is performing "A Love Bizarre" in a club, the name "LL Kool J" (sic) can be seen written on the chalkboard behind her on stage. The chalkboard is still seen during other performances before LL Cool J makes his appearance.

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Quotes

LL Cool J: Box!

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Crazy Credits

The charcter of Russel Walker was based on the life of Russel Simmons.

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Connections

References The Wizard of Oz (1939)

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Soundtracks

"You're Blind"
Performed by Run-D.M.C. (as Run-DMC)
Written by Lawrence Smith (as L. Smith), T. Rome, Russell Simmons (as R. Simmons),
Darryl McDaniels (as D. McDaniels)
Available exclusively Profile Records

User Reviews

For fans of '80s rap only

"Krush Groove" features some great performances by Run DMC (including their classic "King of Rock"), the Fat Boys, Kurtis Blow, the Beastie Boys, New Edition, and a very young LL Cool J. Unfortunately, without any real plot or characterization, that's all the film really has. If you like hip-hop circa 1985, "Krush Groove" is worth watching; it you don't, then skip it.