Krush Groove

Michael Schultz / 1985 / 97 min. / digital video

Columbia College Conaway Center, 1104 S. Wabash
Friday, November 1, 2019, 6-10pm
free admission

Part of An Incomplete History of Hip-Hop in Film, presented by South Side Projections, Columbia College’s Hip-Hop Studies Minor, Hip-Hop Club, and Hip-Hop: A Sonic History course

In this movie based on the early days of Def Jam Recordings, up-and-coming manager Russell Walker manages all the hottest acts on Krush Groove Records, which include Run-D.M.C., Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde, and Kurtis Blow, while Rick (played by 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. Also featuring Sheila E., New Edition, the Beastie Boys, LL Cool J, and many more, Krush Groove is an essential who’s-who of the early days of hip-hop, and even if the story doesn’t exactly break any boundaries, the performances more than make it worth your time.