Krush Groove (1985)

In this movie based on the early days of Def Jam Recordings, up-and-coming manager Russell Walker manages all the hottest acts on the record label Krush Groove Records, which include ... 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 Lamont Bivins	...	Himself (New Edition) (as Michael Bivins)
Bobby Brown	...	Himself (New Edition) (as New Edition)
Ronnie DeVoe	...	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 manages all the hottest acts on the record label Krush Groove Records, which include Run-D.M.C., Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde, and Kurtis Blow, while Rick (Rubin) produces the label's 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 both compete for the heart of R&B singer Sheila E.

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Plot Keywords:

pay phone | city | bar | car wash | d.j. | 

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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)

Opening Weekend USA:

$2,905,293, 27 October 1985, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$11,052,713

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

In Dogma (1999), Bartleby (Ben Affleck) mocks Loki (Matt Damon) by reminding him of a $10 bet Loki made when he said Krush Groove (1985) would be a bigger movie than E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982).

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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

Referenced in Chopping Mall (1986)

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Soundtracks

Please Don't Go
Performed by Nayobe
Written by Andy Panda Tripoli
Courtesy of Sutra Records

User Reviews

Good film for old school Hip-Hop heads.

This film isn't an award winner but it is a must see for all Hip Hop historians. Loosely based on the life of producer Russel Simmons this film takes us back to the early days of Hip-Hop when rap was just starting to break into the mainstream. Blair Underwood plays Russel and everyone else (Run DMC, Fat Boys, Sheila E, New Edition, Beastie Boys, L.L. Cool J, etc..) play themselves. I think, if anything, this film gives fans an idea of what it was like for young rappers, producers and other musicians from NYC in the early eighties. I think the film could have been better if it was a little grittier and honest, but if it was than Rap and Hip-Hop may not have blown up the way it did into mainstream culture.