“Turtle Power” is a song by the hip-hop duo Partners in Kryme, consisting of New York-based rappers James Alpern and Richard Usher, using the stage names of DJ Keymaster Snow and MC Golden Voice, respectively. The track was released on April 13, 1990 with “Splinter’s Tale” (by John Du Prez) on the B-side and gained significant popularity as the theme song for the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie. “Turtle Power” became a commercial success, topping the Official UK Singles Chart for 4 weeks, and peaking at number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. It also achieved chart success in other countries and garnered significant radio airplay and television exposure due to its association with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles brand.
Partners in Kryme were commissioned to create a theme song for the film “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” which was based on the popular comic book and animated TV series. “Turtle Power” was specifically written for the movie and became an integral part of its soundtrack.The song embodies the energetic and playful spirit of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise. It features upbeat hip-hop beats, catchy melodies, and rap verses that celebrate the adventures and unique characteristics of the four turtles: Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo, and Raphael.
The song’s popularity was further bolstered by the release of an accompanying music video, which featured Partners in Kryme alongside the Ninja Turtles, as well as clips from the movie. The video showcased the high-energy performances of the rappers and the Turtles’ martial arts skills, contributing to the song’s visual appeal. While “Turtle Power” remains Partners in Kryme’s most well-known song, the duo did not achieve substantial success beyond this single. However, the song’s enduring popularity has solidified its status as an iconic theme song associated with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise.
Overall, “Turtle Power” captured the spirit of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and resonated with fans of all ages. It stands as a nostalgic anthem for those who grew up with the beloved comic book and animated series, symbolizing the cultural impact of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles phenomenon.