Partners In Kryme, the duo behind the iconic “Turtle Power” theme song from the 1990 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie, remains a nostalgic favorite for many. This article delves into their history, from GV’s early days in the Bronx with Chapter Three to the formation of Partners in Kryme and the challenges they faced in the music industry. We’ll explore the creation of “Turtle Power,” the unreleased albums, and GV’s career beyond the hit song.
From the Bronx to Syracuse: GV’s Early Days
GV (Golden Voice) began his rap career in the burgeoning hip-hop scene of the Bronx in the early 80s. He formed The Treacherous Crew (later Chapter Three) with high school friends, performing at local parks and battling other crews. Their connection with T-Ski Valley led to a record deal with Grand Groove Records, resulting in singles like “Real Rocking Groove” and “Smurf Trek.” College years at Syracuse University led to the group disbanding, but GV’s passion for music remained. He honed his DJ skills, worked in college radio, and hosted a rap video show on local cable television.
The Birth of Partners in Kryme
At Syracuse University, GV met James (DJ Keymaster Snow), a skilled DJ and producer. Recognizing their complementary talents, they formed Partners in Kryme. A lesser-known third member, Nader (MC Phantom Rock), briefly joined the group, creating a diverse trio representing different cultural backgrounds. They recorded demos and even released an independent 12″ single, but the poor production quality hindered its success. GV’s move to New York City after college and persistent demo shopping finally led to a breakthrough.
“Turtle Power”: A Surprise Hit
SBK/EMI, a new label seeking rap artists, signed Partners in Kryme. Their first assignment: create a song for the upcoming Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie. Given a tight deadline and a plot summary, GV and James crafted “Turtle Power” over a weekend. The song, specifically detailing the characters and plot, became a massive hit, overshadowing even MC Hammer on the soundtrack. The accompanying music video, filmed overnight under a bridge with the movie’s stunt actors in full turtle suits, further cemented the song’s popularity.
The Raphael Lyric Controversy and Unreleased Albums
“Turtle Power” contained a lyrical error: identifying Raphael as the leader of the Turtles instead of Leonardo. GV attributes this to misinformation from the A&R representative. Despite the mistake, the song’s success continued. However, the planned self-titled album was shelved due to SBK’s focus on Vanilla Ice. A second single, “Undercover,” tied to the Dick Tracy movie, was released with a black and white music video, but the album remained unreleased. A second completed album, “New 4 92,” also went unreleased. “Love 2 Love U,” featuring Debbie Cole, became a surprise hit in Europe.
Life After “Turtle Power”
After Partners in Kryme, GV worked as a creative director, continued producing music with James, and transitioned into voice acting and commercial directing. He notably created a successful marketing campaign for the syndicated show 3rd Rock from the Sun, targeting urban audiences with a Parliament Funkadelic-inspired theme song. While Partners in Kryme may not have achieved mainstream longevity, their contribution to pop culture with “Turtle Power” remains undeniable. Their story highlights the challenges faced by artists navigating the unpredictable music industry landscape.
