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) who was portrayed by Blair Underwood (in his feature film debut). Russell Simmons was the film's co-producer and story consultant; as well as having a cameo role in the film as a club owner listed as "Crocket")
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[edit] Movie
In the movie, Russell Walker has signed all of the hottest acts to his record label "Krush Groove" records, 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 this film: LL Cool J, the Beastie Boys, New Edition, and the Fat Boys, and songs from the aforementioned artists as well as soundtrack performances from artists such as 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 kept it realistic by filming in the Bronx, New York (including at least one scene in the Marble Hill projects), viewed in the hip-hop community as the birthplace of rap music. Among the places 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. In addition to bringing attention to the burgeoning rap music movement, owner Sal Abbatiello expected the movie to "bring attention [back] to the club" and agreed to have them shoot some scenes in the club. Unfortunately, the media surrounding the filming brought the attention of the local authorities, who shut Disco Fever 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'".
It has been widely rumored that director Spike Lee inquired about the possibility of working as an assistant director to help fund his film She's Gotta Have It, but didn't get the job.
[edit] Soundtrack
The soundtrack to Krush Groove was released on Warner Bros. Records in 1985, and featured songs from the movie.
[edit] Tracklist
- 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)
- Fat Boys, Run-D.M.C., Sheila E. & Kurtis Blow - Krush Groovin' (5:05)
[edit] Charts
The record peaked at #79 Pop and #14 R&B in the US.
[edit] Singles
- Chaka Khan - "(Krush Groove) Can't Stop The Street"
- Fat Boys, Run D.M.C., Sheila E. & Kurtis Blow - "Krush Groovin'"
- Force MDs - "Tender Love"
[edit] External links
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