Complex.com has been looking back at various classic hip hop songs for a while with interviews with those involved in their series Magnum Opus . It is an enjoyable look behind the scenes which shows how these songs came to into existence. In one of the latest videos LL Cool J’s Rock the Bells was featured and a clip of the movie Krush Groove was shown, where he had a small cameo. Despite the fact that I had seen quite a lot of hip hop related movies, this was one I missed. Time to add this one.
The movie centers around the fictional label Krush Groove, which has signed acts like Kurtis Blow and Run DMC is about to become a big success. Run DMC’s new single can’t be pressed quickly enough and the label’s boss, Russell Walker (Blair Underwood), doesn’t have the finances in order to get more made. Although he tries to get his hands on more money through various ways he ends up making a deal with a shady loan shark. It is the beginning for a lot of trouble for him. Rivalry with other labels, but also tension between Russell and his brother Run result in conflict.
Is Krush Groove a good movie? If I’m honest, not really. The acting is generally quite bad, the story is extremely simple and visually nothing really stands out. Despite that though it is a film I really was able to enjoy. The reason for that is that it shows a small part of hip hop history and a lot of famous artists appear, including a couple of performances. Artists include New Edition, Sheila E, Run DMC, The Beastie Boys, The Fat Boys and LL Cool J.
The story of Krush Groove is based on the label Def Jam, which was started by Rick Rubin in his dorm room, which he managed to make into a success together with Russell Simmons. Both these man play a part in the film. When this movie was made there wasn’t any easy “access” to these artists. MTV had only just started and it would take some time before they started showing hip hop. Krush Groove gave the viewer a look into the world of rap and did that with the biggest stars of that moment. If you decide to watch this movie for its story than it’s better to skip it, but if you are looking for an interesting look into a period when the second generation of hip hop artists was coming up than Krush Groove is worth your time.
Yeah, the acting isn’t great. Still, it is a fun film as I enjoyed watching the Fat Boys trying to find themselves as they would grab entire pizzas as it would play into who they are. I also love seeing the Beastie Boys.
I never listened much to the Fat Boys, but they had some funny moments in this movie. It was nice seeing the Beastie Boys in their cameo, but it was a bit weird to hear them booed.
I love Krush Groove. You’re right in that it’s a better time capsule than it is a movie. Still, it’s my movie from my era of hip hop. And we have a long history together.
http://dellonmovies.blogspot.com/2014/01/movies-i-grew-up-with-krush-groove.html
My era of hip hop started a bit later…really started getting into it at the golden age, so beginning of the nineties. Will check out the article.
Oh my gosh! After that video of a young Vin Diesel breakdancing in the 80s re-surfaced again this week, this movie was back on my mind. Thank you for reviewing it! I need to watch it again.
I know that video, it fun to see. Glad to have reviewed it for you 😉 Enjoy the rewatch!
I need to see this haha, bad or not!
If you are into hip hop and its history you owe it to yourself to watch it 🙂