View source for DK Rap

{{redirect|Da Banana Bunch|the soundtrack album|[[Da Banana Bunch: The Original Donkey Kong 64 Soundtrack]]}}
{{theme infobox
|file=[[File:DKRap.oga]]"DK Rap" in ''Donkey Kong 64''
|image=[[File:DK64 DK Rap.png|250px]]<br>The [[Kong|DK Crew]] at the start of the song
|composer=[[Grant Kirkhope]]<br>[[George Andreas]] and [[Chris Sutherland]] (English lyrics)
|genre={{wp|Comedy hip-hop}}<ref>{{Cite|author=Weiss, Josh|date=November 22, 2019 |title='Donkey Kong 64' Composer Grant Kirkhope Looks Back on 20 Years of the 'DK Rap' |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/joshweiss/2019/11/22/donkey-kong-64-composer-grant-kirkhope-looks-back-on-20-years-of-the-dk-rap/ |publisher={{wp|Forbes}}}}</ref>
|key={{wp|E minor}}
|first_appearance=''[[Donkey Kong 64]]'' ([[List of games by date#1999|1999]])
|latest_appearance=''[[Tetris 99]]'' (48th Maximus Cup) (2025)
}}
The "'''DK Rap'''",<ref name=DK64>''[[Donkey Kong 64 Official Soundtrack / Soundtrack CD]]''</ref> also known as "'''Da Banana Bunch'''",<ref>''[[Da Banana Bunch: The Original Donkey Kong 64 Soundtrack]]''</ref> is a song that plays upon every startup of ''[[Donkey Kong 64]]''. It serves as an introduction to the game's playable characters, establishing their defining traits and special moves. The lyrics were written by [[Grant Kirkhope]], and the song was performed by [[George Andreas]] and [[Chris Sutherland]], with various other [[Rare]] staff members joining in for the chorus.<ref name="site">{{cite|author=[[Grant Kirkhope|Kirkhope, Grant]]|archive=web.archive.org/web/20151225105231/http://www.grantkirkhope.com/donkeykong64.html|title=Donkey Kong 64 Video Game Music Compositions|publisher=grantkirkhope.com|accessdate=February 8, 2024}}</ref> Andreas took inspiration for the song from the group {{wp|Run-DMC}}.<ref>{{Cite|author=B, James|date=September 14, 2012|title=A Rare Breed Part 2 – Nintendo Nation Talks to Grant Kirkhope|url=http://www.nintendo-nation.net/a-rare-breed-part-2-nintendo-nation-talks-to-grant-kirkhope|archive=https://web.archive.org/web/20121026120557/https://www.nintendo-nation.net/a-rare-breed-part-2-nintendo-nation-talks-to-grant-kirkhope|archivedate=October 26, 2012 |accessdate=June 11, 2025|website=Nintendo-Nation.net}}</ref> Kirkhope stated his goal in creating the song was to juxtapose the style of the new game and set ''Donkey Kong 64'' apart from the previous games in the ''[[Donkey Kong Country (series)|Donkey Kong Country]]'' series. The song is heavily associated with the ''[[Donkey Kong (franchise)|Donkey Kong]]'' franchise and with Rare in general.

The DK Rap is infamous for its "so bad it's good" nature, regarding its poor rapping and lyrics—an intentional stylistic choice on Kirkhope's part.<ref name="site"/><ref name="anonymousvalley_2022">{{cite|author=anonymousvalley|date=May 3, 2022|title=Sonemic Interview: Grant Kirkhope|url=https://rateyourmusic.com/feature/sonemic-interview-grant-kirkhope/|format=Online article|publisher=Rate Your Music|language=English|accessdate=January 31, 2025|archive=https://web.archive.org/web/20220503185042/https://rateyourmusic.com/feature/sonemic-interview-grant-kirkhope/}}</ref> The song has been criticized by various video game publications and journalists since the release of ''Donkey Kong 64''. The line "His [[Coconut Shooter|Coconut Gun]] can fire in spurts. If he shoots ya, it's gonna hurt!" was once voted as the fourth worst line in a video game ever by the magazine ''{{wp|Electronic Gaming Monthly}}'' in January 2002.<ref>{{cite|title=''Electronic Gaming Monthly'' issue 150|page=162}}</ref> The DK Rap has met a resurgence in popularity and notoriety, especially as [[List of references on the Internet#DK Rap|an Internet meme]]; Kirkhope described the phenomenon as bewildering, but he nonetheless expressed flattery with how "Twenty years later, everyone loves it. Everyone's finally got the joke".<ref name="anonymousvalley_2022"/> On April 1, 2017, in promotion of the game ''{{wp|Yooka-Laylee}}'', {{wp|Playtonic Games}} released a DK Rap-inspired song called the "[[DK_Rap#Yooka-Laylee_Rap|Yooka-Laylee Rap]]".<ref>{{cite|author=Playtonic|date=April 1, 2017|url=www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mSzJj1c1z0|title=The Yooka-Laylee Rap!|publisher=YouTube|accessdate=May 1, 2023|archive=web.archive.org/web/20230501231328/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mSzJj1c1z0}}</ref> In 2024, Kirkhope released a new arrangement of the DK Rap featuring new lyrics performed by rapper {{wp|Substantial}}.<ref>Grant Kirkhope - Topic (November 18, 2024). [https://youtu.be/i6FEcl6AI-w?si=SmuNpeEcX0FWye3j DK Rap]. ''YouTube''. Retrieved January 24, 2025.</ref>

==History==
===''Donkey Kong 64''===
[[File:Cranky Kong DJ.gif|thumb|left|Cranky Kong serves as the disc jockey for the DK Rap.]]
In the music video in ''Donkey Kong 64'', the DK Rap begins with [[Cranky Kong]]'s hands mixing records on a turntable. The sequence then cuts to the five playable [[Kong]]s in a group; [[Chunky Kong]] is wearing a 1970s-era disco outfit, only to rush offscreen and change into his regular outfit. Throughout the rap, each Kong is introduced in this order: Donkey Kong, [[Tiny Kong|Tiny]], [[Lanky Kong|Lanky]], [[Diddy Kong|Diddy]], and Chunky. It explains each Kong's unique traits varying from their abilities, weapons, and instruments. Donkey Kong's verse primarily focuses on his [[Coconut Shooter]] (referred to as a Coconut Gun) where he shoots down three [[Zinger]]s. Tiny's verse focuses on her [[Mini-Monkey]] and [[Pony Tail Twirl]] abilities, the former of which is shown by Tiny shrinking herself to beat up a [[Klaptrap]]. It shows Tiny climbing thick palm trees, which is possible only as Chunky with his [[Hunky Chunky]] ability. Lanky's verse describes his [[OrangStand]] and [[Baboon Balloon]] abilities. During the OrangStand scene, Lanky accidentally crashes himself offscreen. Diddy's verse describes his ability to use the [[Rocketbarrel Boost]] with the [[Barrel Jet|Jetbarrel]]. At one point, various [[Kaboom|TNT Bombers]] approach Diddy, only for him to throw an explosive [[orange]] at them. Lastly, Chunky's verse describes his great strength, which is shown by him scaring a [[Klump]] by enlarging himself (in reference to the Hunky Chunky ability) and being able to pick up [[boulder]]s. It also describes his clumsy and slow behavior by showing him accidentally throwing a boulder onto himself and moving slowly and not being able to [[jump]] high enough to collect a [[Golden Banana]]. Once he jumps high enough, he misses the Golden Banana and lands on the floor, for which several [[banana]]s cover the screen. In each of the Kong's verses, a different instrument can be heard: Donkey Kong's is a muted trumpet, Tiny's is a saxophone, Lanky's is a trombone, Diddy's is an electric guitar, and Chunky's are {{wp|timpani}}.

Near the end of the song, Cranky starts to mix on his turntable, for which the bridge of the song plays, consisting of the various fruits and foods shot from each of the Kongs' weapons. An audience can be heard giving the five playable Kongs a standing ovation before a Klump throws an orange to the screen, ending the rap.

The DK Rap was included in the game's official soundtrack, ''[[Da Banana Bunch: The Original Donkey Kong 64 Soundtrack]]'', where it is titled "'''Da Banana Bunch'''". A remix of the song was also included, titled "'''Da Banana Bunch (Vitamin B Remix)'''".

===DK Rap Attack===
{{main|DK Rap Attack}}
The DK Rap Attack was a contest hosted on the [[DKTV (microsite)|official ''Donkey Kong 64'' website]], hosted by [[Nintendo]] of America. It involved people submitting their own renditions and covers of the DK Rap.

=== ''Super Smash Bros.'' series ===
{{main-wiki|SmashWiki|Music (SSBM)#Kongo Jungle}}
A new version of the DK Rap was recorded for ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]''. The cover was produced by [[Hirokazu Ando]] and performed by James W. Norwood Jr., and it plays on the [[Kongo Falls|Kongo Jungle]] stage. The third and fifth verses describing Tiny Kong and Diddy Kong are sung faster, and the word "hell" in Chunky Kong's verse is replaced by "heck". This is the first song in the ''[[Super Smash Bros. (series)|Super Smash Bros.]]'' series to have vocals, as well as the only one to have them in ''Super Smash Bros. Melee''.

This version of the DK Rap is also featured in subsequent ''Super Smash Bros.'' games. It appears in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'' as an unlockable song for the stage [[Jungle Japes (stage)|Jungle Japes]], unlocked if the player obtains a [[CD]] for it. It returns in ''[[Super Smash Bros. for Wii U]]'' as an unlockable song for the stage [[Jungle Hijinxs (stage)|Jungle Hijinxs]], unlocked if the player gets a chain of 200 in Trophy Rush as Donkey Kong. In ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]'', the DK Rap is available from the start and can play on every [[Donkey Kong (franchise)|''Donkey Kong''–franchise]] stage. In both ''Super Smash Bros. for Wii U'' and ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate'', the DK Rap contains only the verses for Donkey Kong, Tiny Kong, and Diddy Kong, cutting the length down to just under two minutes.
{{media table
|file=SSBM Kongo Jungle.oga
|title=Kongo Jungle
|description=The arrangement heard in ''Super Smash Bros. Melee''
|length=0:30
}}

===''Donkey Konga''===
{{Donkey Konga song infobox
|game=''[[Donkey Konga]]''
|length=1:53
|bpm=142
|cost=6800
|difficulties={{Donkey Konga song difficulty|Solo|★★★|★★|★}}
}}
The ''Super Smash Bros. Melee'' version of the DK Rap returns as a playable song in ''[[Donkey Konga]]''. This game includes only Donkey Kong's, Tiny Kong's, and Lanky Kong's verses, omitting Diddy Kong's and Chunky Kong's.

The album ''[[Donkey Konga: The Hottest Hits]]'' released in 2004 also features the song.

===''Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle''===
Though the "DK Rap" is not featured in-game in ''[[Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle]]'', a brief arrangement of the song plays in the [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYE7i3RWL1k E3 2018 trailer] for the [[Donkey Kong Adventure]], where [[Rabbid Cranky]] plays the song on a turntable before being interrupted by [[Rabbid Peach]].

===''The Super Mario Bros. Movie''===
In ''[[The Super Mario Bros. Movie]]'', Donkey Kong is introduced in the [[Great Ring of Kong]] to the chorus portion of the DK Rap, which chants his name.

Prior to the film's release, a teaser for the film posted on social media confirmed the inclusion of the DK Rap in the film.<ref>{{cite|author=@supermariomovie|url=x.com/supermariomovie/status/1641485445816102920|title=DK Rap is straight-up 🍌🍌🍌 #SuperMarioMovie|publisher=X|date=March 30, 2023|accessdate=February 8, 2024}}</ref> In the teaser, Donkey Kong's film voice actor [[Seth Rogen]] states that the song is "objectively one of the worst rap songs of all time". Songwriter Grant Kirkhope expressed joy on the X networking platform upon learning about the song's inclusion in the film,<ref>{{cite|author=[[Grant Kirkhope|Kirkhope, Grant]]|date=March 30, 2023|url=x.com/grantkirkhope/status/1641555322723774464|title=If you’d told me in ‘97, when I wrote the worst rap track in the history of rap tracks, that it would go on to be in a Mario Bros movie I’d would’ve burst with excitement! Long live the DK Rap! @Sethrogen|publisher=X|accessdate=February 8, 2024}}</ref> but was later disappointed in seeing he was not credited as the original composer in the movie's credits.<ref>{{cite|author=Kirkhope, Grant|url=x.com/grantkirkhope/status/1643446092791705600|date=April 5, 2023|title=I was really looking forward to see my name in the credits for the DK Rap, but alas as expected it's not there ........ fml|publisher=X|accessdate=February 8, 2024}}</ref>

===''Donkey Kong Bananza''===
In ''[[Donkey Kong Bananza]]'', an arrangement of the "DK Rap" plays as the default music at [[Getaway]]s. It is likewise titled "'''Getaway'''" in the game's [[Donkey Kong Bananza sound test|sound test]]. The lyrics "''DK! Donkey Kong! / DK! Donkey Kong is here!''" is sampled from the original song, while the instrumentation is new.
{{media table
|file=DonkeyKongBananza Getaway.oga
|title=Getaway
|description=The arrangement heard in ''Donkey Kong Bananza''
|length=0:30
}}

===''Tetris 99''===
In ''[[Tetris 99]]'', an abriged version of "Getaway" from ''Donkey Kong Bananza'' plays in the losing results screen while the ''Donkey Kong Bananza'' theme is in use.

===Other appearances===
====References====
The DK Rap is mentioned in the [[Game Boy Advance]] remake of ''[[Donkey Kong Country 2 (Game Boy Advance)|Donkey Kong Country 2]]'', after Diddy completes the [[Funky's Flights (Bonus Game)|Funky's Flights]] mission [[Cool Sounds]]. By returning Funky's boombox from the mission, he tells the Kongs that he can continue listening to the DK Rap all day.

Donkey Kong's [[smashwiki:Crowd|crowd]] cheer in ''[[Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS]]'', ''[[Super Smash Bros. for Wii U]]'', and ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]'' references the song with the crowd cheering, "DK! Donkey Kong!" in the style of the song.

The song is also often referenced in Donkey Kong's blurbs across game-adjacent material. His description on the ''[[Mario Party 10]]'' website stated that "He's finally back to kick some tail", also pointing out his return to the ''[[Mario Party (series)|Mario Party]]'' series as a playable character. The [[Prima Games|Prima]] guide for ''[[Mario Kart 8 Deluxe]]'' directly opens Donkey Kong's bio by stating that he is the first member of the DK Crew.<ref>{{cite|quote=The first member of the DK crew returns to the track after dealing with a pesky invasion of his home island by some [[Snowmads|cold-hearted northerners]].|author=Epstein, Joe, Garitt Rocha, and Alexander Musa|title=''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe'' Official Guide|publisher=[[Prima Games]]|isbn=978-0744018400|page=24}}</ref> Donkey Kong's website description for ''[[Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020]]'' ("He's so strong, it isn't funny".) references Chunky Kong's verse in the song.<ref>{{cite|url=www.olympicvideogames.com/marioandsonic/us/index.html|title=Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020|publisher=olympicvideogames.com|accessdate=December 26, 2024|archive=web.archive.org/web/20201020193217/https://www.olympicvideogames.com/marioandsonic/us/index.html|deadlink=y}}</ref>

In ''[[Donkey Kong Bananza]]'', Cranky Kong sarcastically called Donkey Kong "the leader of the bunch" when scolding him for leaving the banana hoard unguarded to frolic in [[Ingot Isle]]'s mines.<ref>https://x.com/Plush2nd/status/1907801450282992080</ref> In [[New Donk City]], a [[Lanky Kong|Lanky]] billboard references the lyrics from his section of the DK Rap. At the start of the [[Ingot Isle Cave-In#Challenges|Challenge Rush: Bunch of Boss Battles (×5)]] challenge, [[Dixie Kong|Dixie]] and Diddy Kong chant "D! K!" and "Donkey! Kong!" respectively, referencing the chorus of the song. In the ''[[Donkey Kong Bananza: DK Island & Emerald Rush|DK Island & Emerald Rush]]'' DLC, the lyric "so strong, it isn't funny" is referenced in the [[List of Emerald Rush events|event]] title "[[So Strong It's Funny]]".

=====Yooka-Laylee Rap=====
To promote their then-upcoming video game ''{{wp|Yooka-Laylee}}'', a spiritual successor to classic Rare games such as ''{{wp|Banjo-Kazooie}}'' and ''Donkey Kong 64'', Playtonic Games posted the "Yooka-Laylee Rap" on their YouTube channel.<ref>{{cite|author=Playtonic Games|date=April 1, 2017|url=youtu.be/9mSzJj1c1z0|title=The Yooka-Laylee Rap!|publisher=YouTube|accessdate=November 3, 2019}}</ref>  Written and composed by Grant Kirkhope and sung by Chris Sutherland and Kevin Bayliss, the Yooka-Laylee Rap parodies the original DK Rap in the same cheesy, tongue-in-cheek style as its predecessor, containing a number of allusions and homages to it. For instance, Yooka's verse states that he is "green as heck", a tongue-in-cheek reference to the word "hell" from the original DK Rap being replaced with "heck" in the ''Super Smash Bros. Melee'' rendition. In addition, Yooka is described as "quick" and "nimble", a nod to Tiny Kong's verse. The general melody is noticeably very similar to the DK Rap.

====''Rare Treats: DONKEY KONG 64 Revisited''====
{{media missing|section=y|The arrangement}}
In December of 2024, Grant Kirkhope released a new arrangement of the DK Rap that was included in ''[[Rare Treats: DONKEY KONG 64 Revisited]]''. The arrangement features entirely new lyrics performed by rapper Substantial.

==List of ''Super Mario'' appearances==
===Games===
{|class="wikitable sortable" style="width:100%"
!Work
!System
!Year
!Type
!Title
!Credits
|-
|''[[Donkey Kong 64]]''
|[[Nintendo 64]]
|1999
|Original
|"DK Rap"<ref name=DK64/>
|[[Grant Kirkhope]]
|-
|''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]''
|[[Nintendo GameCube]]
|2001
|Arrangement
|"Kongo Jungle"
|[[Hirokazu Ando]]
|-
|''[[Donkey Konga]]''
|Nintendo GameCube
|2003
|Past arrangement (''Super Smash Bros. Melee'')
|"DK Rap"
|Hirokazu Ando
|-
|''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]''
|[[Wii]]
|2008
|Past arrangement (''Super Smash Bros. Melee'')
|"Kongo Jungle (Melee)"
|Hirokazu Ando
|-
|''[[Super Smash Bros. for Wii U]]''
|[[Wii U]]
|2014
|Past arrangement (''Super Smash Bros. Melee'')
|"DK Rap"
|Hirokazu Ando
|-
|''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''
|[[Nintendo Switch]]
|2018
|Past arrangement (''Super Smash Bros. Melee'')
|"DK Rap"
|Hirokazu Ando
|-
|''[[Donkey Kong Bananza]]''
|[[Nintendo Switch 2]]
|2025
|Arrangement
|"Getaway"
|
|-
|''[[Tetris 99]]''
|Nintendo Switch
|2025<ref group=footnotes1>Added in the 48th Maximus Cup on August 1, 2025</ref>
|Past arrangement (''Donkey Kong Bananza'')
|
|
|}
{{reflist|group=footnotes1}}

===Film and television===
{|class="wikitable sortable" style="width:100%"
!Work
!Year
!Type
!Title
!Credits
|-
|''[[The Super Mario Bros. Movie]]''
|2023
|Original
|"DK Rap"<ref>''[[The Super Mario Bros. Movie]]'' [[List of The Super Mario Bros. Movie staff|credits]]</ref>
|[[Grant Kirkhope]]
|}

===Albums===
{|class="wikitable sortable" style="width:100%"
!Work
!Year
!Type
!Title
!Credits
|-
|rowspan=2|''[[Da Banana Bunch: The Original Donkey Kong 64 Soundtrack]]''
|rowspan=2|1999
|Original
|"Da Banana Bunch"
|[[Grant Kirkhope]]
|-
|Remix
|"Da Banana Bunch (Vitamin B Remix)"
|
|-
|''[[Donkey Kong 64 Official Soundtrack / Soundtrack CD]]''
|1999
|Original
|"DK Rap"
|[[Grant Kirkhope]]
|-
|''[[Donkey Konga: The Hottest Hits]]''
|2004
|Past arrangement (''Super Smash Bros. Melee'')
|"DK Rap"
|[[Hirokazu Ando]]
|-
|''[[Rare Treats: DONKEY KONG 64 Revisited]]''
|2024
|Arrangement
|"DK Rap"
|Grant Kirkhope
|}

===Other media===
{|class="wikitable sortable" style="width:100%"
!Work
!Year
!Type
!Title
!Credits
|-
|[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYE7i3RWL1k Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle: Donkey Kong Adventure - Release Date Announcement - Nintendo E3 2018]
|2018
|Arrangement
|
|
|}

==Lyrics==
{{todo Donkey Kong franchise|section=y|list=*Include Vitamin B Remix lyrics}}
===Original version===
<blockquote><poem>
<i>Here, here, here we go

So they're finally here, performing for you
If you know the words, you can join in too
Put your hands together, if you want to clap
As we take you through this monkey rap!
Huh!

DK! Donkey Kong!

[[Donkey Kong|He]]'s the leader of the bunch, you know him well
He's finally back to kick some tail
His [[Coconut Shooter|Coconut Gun]] can fire in spurts
If he shoots ya, it's gonna hurt!
He's bigger, faster, and stronger too
He's the first member of the [[Kong|D.K. crew]]!
Huh!

DK! Donkey Kong!
DK! Donkey Kong is here!

(Here we go)
[[Tiny Kong|This Kong]]'s got style, so listen up, dudes
She can shrink in size, to suit her mood
She's quick and nimble when she needs to be
She can float through the air and climb up trees!
If you choose her, you'll not choose wrong
With a skip and a hop, she's one cool Kong!
Huh!

DK! Donkey Kong!

[[Lanky Kong|He]] has no style, he has no grace
This Kong has a funny face
He can handstand when he needs to
And stretch his arms out, just for you
Inflate himself just like a [[Baboon Balloon|balloon]]
This crazy Kong just digs this tune!
Huh!

DK! Donkey Kong!
DK! Donkey Kong is here!

[[Diddy Kong|He]]'s back again and about time too
And this time he's in the mood
He can fly real high with his [[Rocketbarrel Boost|jetpack]] on
With his [[Popgun|pistols]] out, he's one tough Kong!
He'll make you smile when he plays his [[Guitar Gazump|tune]]
But [[Kremling]]s beware 'cause he's after you!
Huh!

DK! Donkey Kong!
Huh!

Finally, [[Chunky Kong|he]]'s here for you
It's the last member of the D.K. crew!
This Kong's so strong, it isn't funny
Can make a Kremling cry out for mummy
Can pick up a [[boulder]] with relative ease
Makes crushing rocks seem such a breeze
He may move slow, he can't [[jump]] high
But this Kong's one hell of a guy!
Huh!

Come on, [[Cranky Kong|Cranky]], take it to the fridge!

Walnuts, peanuts, [[pineapple]] smells,
[[Grape]]s, [[melon]]s, oranges, and [[coconut]] shells!
Ahh, yeah!

Walnuts, peanuts, pineapple smells,
Grapes, melons, oranges, and coconut shells!
Ahh, yeah!</i>
</poem></blockquote>

===''Super Smash Bros.'' version===
<blockquote><poem>
<i>Here, here, here we go

So they're finally here, performing for you
If you know the words, you can join in too
Put your hands together, if you want to clap
As we take you through this monkey rap!
Huh!

DK! Donkey Kong!

[[Donkey Kong|He]]'s the leader of the bunch, you know him well
He's finally back to kick some tail

His [[Coconut Shooter|Coconut Gun]] can fire in spurts
If he shoots ya, it's gonna hurt!
He's bigger, faster, and stronger too
He's the first member of the [[Kong|D.K. crew]]!

DK! Donkey Kong! (Hah!)
DK! Donkey Kong is here!

[[Tiny Kong|This Kong]]'s got style, so listen up, dudes
She can shrink in size, to suit her mood

She's quick and nimble when she needs to be
She can float through the air and climb up trees!

If you choose her, you'll not choose wrong
With a skip and a hop, she's one cool Kong!

DK! Donkey Kong!

[[Lanky Kong|He]] has no style, he has no grace
This Kong has a funny face
He can handstand when he needs to
And stretch his arms out, just for you

Inflate himself just like a [[Baboon Balloon|balloon]]
This crazy Kong just digs this tune! (Hah!)

DK! Donkey Kong!
DK! Donkey Kong is here!

[[Diddy Kong|He]]'s back again, it's about time too
And this time he's in the mood

He can fly real high with his [[Rocketbarrel Boost|jetpack]] on
With his [[Popgun|pistols]] out, he's one tough Kong!
He'll make you smile when he plays his [[Guitar Gazump|tune]]

But [[Kremling]]s beware 'cause he's after you!

DK! Donkey Kong!
DK! Donkey Kong!
DK! Donkey Kong!
DK! Donkey Kong!

Finally, [[Chunky Kong|he]]'s here for you
He's the last member of the D.K. crew!
This Kong... so strong, it isn't funny
Can make a Kremling cry out for mummy

Can pick up a [[boulder]] with relative ease
Makes crushing rocks seem such a breeze
He may move slow, he can't jump high
But this Kong's one heck of a guy!

Come on, [[Cranky Kong|Cranky]], take it to the fridge!

Walnuts, peanuts, [[pineapple]] smells,
[[Grape]]s, [[melon]]s, oranges, and [[coconut]] shells!

Walnuts, peanuts, pineapple smells,
Grapes, melons, oranges, and coconut shells!
Oh, yeah!

So they're finally here, performing for you
If you know the words, you can join in too
Put your hands together, if you want to clap
As we take you through this monkey rap!</i>
</poem></blockquote>

===Japanese lyrics===
These translated lyrics are not present within the game. Instead, they are in the Japanese instruction manual.<ref>{{cite|url=m1.nintendo.net/docvc/NUS/JPN/NDOJ/NDOJ_J.pdf|title=Japanese ''Donkey Kong 64'' instruction booklet|format=PDF|language=Japanese|publisher=nintendo.net|accessdate=April 11, 2021}}</ref>

{| class=wikitable
!Japanese lyrics
!Romaji
!Translation
|-
|<poem>
いくぞ！

ついにヤツらがやってきた
キミのためにパフォーマンス
このうたをしってるんだったら
キミもいっしょにうたおう
りょうてをあわせて
てびょうしするかい？
これからモンキーラップへと
ごしょうたいするぜ

D、K！
ドンキーコングの
おでましだ！

コングのリーダー
キミもよくしってるだろう？
ついにヤツがかえってきた
ワニのしっぽをけちらすぞ
ヤツのココナッツキャノンは
スゴイはかいりょく
もしこれがヒットすりゃ
すっごくイターイぜ！
ヤツはおおきく、すばやく、
ちからもつよい
コングクルーの
さいしょのメンバー

このコングはスタイリッシュ
よくきいとけよ、ヤロウども
カノジョはムードにあわせて、
サイズをちいさくしたりする
イザというときになれば
スバヤくキビンなアクション
そらをフロートなんかして
きのうえにまでのぼっちゃう
カノジョをえらべば
ぜったいマチガイない
ステキなスキップ＆ホップで
カノジョはみんなのアコガレさ！

スタイルにはこだわらない
エレガントとはいえないな？
だがとてもタノシイかおをする
ヒツヨウとなれば
とくいのサカダチをして
キミのためだけに
ウデをのばしてみせてくれる
フーセンみたいに
プクプクふくらんだりもできる
このクレイジーなコングは
モンキーラップがだーいすき！

ヤツもまたかえってきた
まさにバッチリのタイミング
それにこんかいも
キアイはじゅうぶん！
バレルジェットで
そらたかくジャンプ
ポップガンをかまえりゃ
ヤツはてごわーいコングだぜ
とくいのギターで
みんなをたのしませてくれる
でもクレムリンよ、きをつけろ
ヤツはうしろにせまってるぞ！

そしてコイツがあらわれた
コングクルーの
さいごのメンバー
このコングはムチャつよい
シャレにもならないそのパワー
きょうあくなクレムリンどもも
ママのところへにげだしちゃう
きょだいなイワもへっちゃら
ひょいとカンタンにもちあげて
コナゴナにするのなんて
ヤツにとっちゃアサメシまえ
うごきはノロくて
ジャンプもにがて
でもこのコングは
とてもアブねーヤロウだぜ！

クランキー、カモン！
レイゾウコのまえでダンスだ！
それ、クルミ、ピーナッツ
パイナップルのかおり
ブドウ、スイカ、オレンジに
ココナッツのかわ
</poem>
|<poem>
<i>Iku zo!

Tsui ni yatsura ga yatte kita
Kimi no tame ni pafōmansu
Kono uta o shitterun dattara
Kimi mo issho ni utaō
Ryōte o awasete
Tebyōshi suru kai?
Kore kara monkī rappu e to
Goshōtai suru ze

D, K!
Donkī Kongu no
Odemashi da!

Kongu no rīdā
Kimi mo yoku shitteru darō?
Tsui ni yatsu ga kaette kita
Wani no shippo o kechirasu zo
Yatsu no kokonattsu kyanon wa
Sugoi hakairyoku
Moshi kore ga hitto surya
Suggoku itāi ze!
Yatsu wa ōkiku, subayaku,
Chikara mo tsuyoi
Kongu kurū no
Saisho no menbā

Kono Kongu wa sutairisshu
Yoku kiitoke yo, yarō-domo
Kanojo wa mūdo ni awasete,
Saizu o chiisaku shitari suru
Iza to iu toki ni nareba
Subayaku kibin na akushon
Sora o furōto nanka shite
Ki no ue ni made nobotchau
Kanojo o erabeba
Zettai machigai nai
Suteki na sukippu & hoppu de
Kanojo wa minna no akogare sa!

Sutairu ni wa kodawaranai
Ereganto to wa ienai na?
Daga totemo tanoshii kao o suru
Hitsuyō to nareba
Tokui no sakadachi o shite
Kimi no tame dake ni
Ude o nobashite misete kureru
Fūsen mitai ni
Pukupuku fukurandari mo dekiru
Kono kureijī na Kongu wa
Monkī rappu ga dāisuki!

Yatsu mo mata kaette kita
Masa ni batchiri no taimingu
Sore ni konkai mo
Kiai wa jūbun!
Bareru jetto de
Sora takaku janpu
Poppugan o kamaerya
Yatsu wa tegowāi Kongu da ze
Tokui no gitā de
Minna o tanoshimasete kureru
Demo Kuremurin yo, ki o tsukero
Yatsu wa ushiro ni sematteru zo!

Soshite koitsu ga arawareta
Kongu kurū no
Saigo no menbā
Kono Kongu wa mucha tsuyoi
Share ni mo naranai sono pawā
Kyōaku na Kuremurin-domo mo
Mama no tokoro e nigedashichau
Kyodai na iwa mo hetchara
Hyoi to kantan ni mochiagete
Konagona ni suru no nante
Yatsu ni totcha asameshi mae
Ugoki wa norokute
Janpu mo nigate
Demo kono Kongu wa
Totemo abunē yarō da ze!

Kurankī, kamon!
Reizōko no mae de dansu da!
Sore, kurumi, pīnattsu
Painappuru no kaori
Budō, suika, orenji ni
Kokonattsu no kawa</i>
</poem>
|<poem>
<i>Let's go!

Finally, here comes the gang
In performance for you
If you know this song,
You can sing along, too
Put your hands together
Do you wanna clap?
Through the incoming monkey rap,
We invite you to join

D, K!
Donkey Kong
is here!

Leader of the Kongs
You already knew, right?
This guy's finally come back
To kick the crocodiles' tails
His coconut cannon's
Got amazing firepower
If this thing hits you,
It'll reaaally hurt!
He's bigger, faster,
And stronger, too
The Kong Crew's
First member

This Kong is stylish
Listen carefully, dudes
To suit her mood,
She can make her size smaller
When there's an emergency,
She's quick and nimble to action
She can float through the sky
And even climb up trees
If you choose her,
It's absolutely never wrong
With a nice skip and a hop,
She's everyone's dream!

He doesn't care about style
Not exactly elegant, either?
But he's got a very funny face
When he needs to,
He specializes in handstands
Just for you,
He'll show his outstretched arms
Like a balloon,
He can also swell and puff up
This crazy Kong
loooves the Monkey Rap!

This guy's also back
And with perfect timing
This time, too,
He's in high spirits!
With his barrel jets,
He can jump through the sky
Readying his popgun,
He's a tough Kong
With his signature guitar,
He'll make you all smile
But Kremlings, be careful
He's coming up on you guys!

And so, this guy's here
The Kong Crew's
Final member
This Kong is super strong
His power isn't even funny
Even the big bad Kremlings
Run away to their mamas
Big boulders are no problem, either
They're easy to lift up
Crushing them is something
He can do before breakfast
His movement is slow,
And he's not good at jumping
But this Kong is
A suuuper dangerous dude!

Cranky, come on!
Let's dance in the fridge!
There's walnuts, peanuts,
Pineapple smells,
Grapes, melons, oranges and
Coconut shells
</poem>
|}

==Names in other languages==
{{foreign names
|citations=no
|Jpn=モンキーラップ
|JpnR=Monkī Rappu
|JpnM=Monkey Rap
}}

==References==
{{NIWA|SmashWiki=Music (SSBM)#Kongo Jungle}}
{{Wikipedia}}
<references/>

{{Themes}}
{{DK64}}
{{SSBM}}
{{Donkey Konga}}
{{SSBB}}
{{SSB4}}
{{SSBU}}
{{TSMBM}}
{{DKB}}
[[Category:Recurring themes]]
[[Category:Donkey Kong's themes]]
[[Category:Donkey Kong 64]]
[[Category:Donkey Kong music]]
[[Category:Donkey Konga songs]]
[[de:DK Rap]]
[[it:DK Rap]]