Ray J Admits He's A Huge Fan Of Kanye West
GOP Candidate Once Called Racist Three-Fifths Clause…
The year was Oct.25, 1985 and prior to that date, there had a been only a few films featuring rappers. 'Rappin'' had been released months earlier and took in $2 million from 1150 theaters. 'Beat Street' had been released in 1984 and grossed $16.5 million from 1380 theaters.
Then came 'Krush Groove' and it was the first time that real rappers were stars of a film. Directed by Michael Schultz, and produced by Russell Simmons, the film starred Blair Underwood, Sheila E., Run D.M.C, Rick Rubin, the Fat Boys, Kurtis Blow, with cameos by the Beastie Boys, New Edition and an upstart named LL Cool J, who made his film debut with the hit rap tune, 'I Can't Live Without My Radio.'
Based on the early days of Def Jam Recordings, up-and-coming manager Russell Walker (played by Underwood) 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.
Grossing $11 million from 519 theaters, 'Krush Groove' wasn't well received by critics, but it has remained a cult favorite among many and brought the rap industry to a mainstream audience. Today, on the 25th anniversary of its official theatrical release, we take a look back to the past and the present.
Krush Groove: Where Are They Now?
Krush Groove: 25 Years Later
In 1985 Warner Bros. took a chance to make a film starring rappers and based on the early days of Def Jam Recordings with 'Krush Groove' featuring many notables who are still active in the music industry today. 25 years later, Black Voices takes a look at some of the cast members and crew. Join us.
Krush Groove: Where Are They Now?
Blair Underwood
Prior to playing President Elias Martinez on NBC's 'The Event,' Underwood made his film debut in 'Krush Groove' playing Russell Walker. As the rest of the cast consisted of actual rappers and singers, Underwood was the sole actor in the film. While the Washington state native has carved out a career in films, including 'Set It Off' and 'Just Cause,' he's mostly associated with the TV series such as 'L.A Law,' and a recurring role on the HBO acclaimed series, 'Sex and the City.'
Krush Groove: Where Are They Now?
Sheila E.
As the lead female in the film, Sheila E. (nee Sheila Escovedo) played the romantic interest to both Run's and Blair Underwood's characters. As the daughter of legendary percussionist Pete Escovedo and biological aunt to Nicole Richie, the Oakland, California native is a professional drummer and percussionist perhaps best known for her work with Prince. She provided the vocals on the B-side to 'Let's Go Crazy,' before scoring her own hit with the single 'The Glamorous Life.' To this day, Sheila still performs at different venues.
Krush Groove: Where Are They Now?
Joseph Simmons
As the younger brother of Def Jam co-founder Russell Simmons, Joseph a.k.a Run from the rap group Run D.M.C played himself in the film. As the group was already a household name by the time the film was released with hits such as 'Sucker M.C.'s,' and 'It's like That,' Run went on to become a practicing minister, and is known as Reverend Run. In 2005, Run, with his family, created a hit MTV reality show, 'Run's House,' that successfully ran for six seasons.
Krush Groove: Where Are They Now?
Rick Rubin
As one of co-founders of Def Jam Records -- with Russell Simmonns, Rick Rubin played himself in the film. Although he started out as the original DJ for the Beastie Boys, Rubin went on to producing several talented groups such as Linkin Park, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Metallica, Slipknot, System of a Down, and Rage Against the Machine. He went on to found American Recordings, and at one point served as co-head of Columbia Records. In 2008, Rubin won the Grammy Award for Producer of the Year, Non-Classical for his work with the Dixie Chicks, Michael Kranz, Red Hot Chili Peppers, U2, and Green Day.
Krush Groove: Where Are They Now?
Kurtis Blow
Known as 'The King of Rap' in the film, Kurtis Blow (born Kurtis Walker) as one of the first rappers to sign with a major record label, and sold over half a million copies with the hit, 'The Breaks.' More recently, the Harlem, New York native became an ordained minister on August 16, 2009 after founding The Hip Hop Church.
Krush Groove: Where Are They Now?
Lisa Gay Hamilton
Hamilton made her film debut as the love interest to Prince Markie Dee's character in Krush Groove.' The Los Angeles native is best known for her role as attorney Rebecca Washington on the ABC legal drama 'The Practice,' and for her critically acclaimed performance as young Sethe in Jonathan Demme's film adaptation of Toni Morrison's 'Beloved,' which starred Oprah Winfrey, Thandie Newton and Danny Glover. An accomplished theater actress, Hamilton was also an original cast member in the Broadway productions of August Wilson's 'The Piano Lesson' and 'Gem of the Ocean.' She recently landed a role in the TNT comedy-drama series 'Men of a Certain Age.'
Krush Groove: Where Are They Now?
Run DMC
Consisting of Joseph 'Run' Simmons, Darryl 'D.M.C.' McDaniels, and Jason 'Jam-Master Jay' Mizel, the trio from Hollis, Queens, NY were pioneers in the rap world. They were the first group in their genre to have a gold record and be nominated for a Grammy. Mizell was shot and killed in a Merrick Boulevard recording studio in Jamaica, Queens in 2002. In 2007, the trio was named Greatest Hip Hop Group of All Time by MTV.com. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2009, the second hip-hop group to be inducted, after Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five.
Krush Groove: Where Are They Now?
The Fat Boys
Originally known as Disco 3, The Fat Boys consisted of Mark Morales a.k.a. 'Prince Markie Dee,' Damon Wimbley a.k.a. 'Kool Rock-Ski,' and Darren Robinson a.k.a. 'Buffy The Human Beat Box.' Robinson was a pioneer in beatboxing, which was his trademark. The group's popularity landed them their own starring film, 'Disorderlies,' with famed actor Ralph Bellamy. Sadly, Robinson died of a heart attack in 1995 at the age of 28. Prince Markie Dee is currently a radio host for WMIB 103.5 FM the Beat in Miami, Florida on its afternoon drive-time show. Kool Rock-ski resides in New York.
Krush Groove: Where Are They Now?
LL Cool J
While most viewers currently see LL Cool J (born James Todd Smith) on TV in the CBS drama, 'NCIS: Los Angeles,' not many people remember that the famed rapper made his film and rap debut in a three minute scene in 'Krush Groove.' Showcasing the hit rap song 'I Can't Live Without My Radio' was the first of many that Queens, NY native had for Def Jam Recordings. An accomplished actor, LL Cool J had done numerous films such as 'Any Given Sunday,' 'Deliver Us From Eva,' and 'Last Holiday' with Queen Latifah.
