Krush Groove is a 1985 American film by Warner Bros. that was written by Ralph Farquhar and directed by Michael Schultz ( who also produced the movie, along with George Jackson and Doug McHenry ). This film is based on the early days of Def Jam Recordings and up-and-coming record producer Russell Simmons ( renamed Russell Walker in the film ), portrayed by Blair Underwood in his feature film debut. Simmons was the film's co-producer and story consultant; he also had a cameo in the film as a club owner named Crocket.