The two musicians grew up together in Harlem and were friends since the fourth grade. New York City was a hotbed of musical experimentation, and the duo started working on their own hip-hop tracks. Their first U.S. single and release was 1986's "DJ Interview". They signed a recording contract with Profile Records in 1987.
Based upon a 4 beat drum loop from Lyn Collins' 1972 song "Think (About It)" which contained the now infamous "Wooo. Yeah." vocal sample, their magnum opus "It Takes Two" first became a regional hit and then slowly climbed the Hot 100, eventually peaking at #36 and picking up a platinum single certification. The song also peaked at #3 on the Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart.
An album, also called It Takes Two, was quickly put together and it produced a significant follow-up hit, "Joy and Pain," which sampled a song of the same name by Maze featuring Frankie Beverly. It also hit the Top 10 on the dance chart and climbed to #58 on the Hot 100. However, vicious rumors started to circulate that Rob Base had legal problems for using samples from Maze's Frankie Beverly for the hit "Joy and Pain". Moreover Rob began to have some personal problems at the same time. He responded in 1989 with The Incredible Base.
"Get On the Dance Floor," a track released to clubs in between the two singles, hit #1 on the Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart in 1989. One additional song hit the dance chart in late 1989: "Turn It Out (Go Base)," credited only to Rob Base.
By the end of 1989 Rob Base went on his own; DJ E-Z Rock was nowhere on the scene because of his personal issues.
Sadly, DJ E-Z Rock passed away on April 27, 2014. He was fondly remembered both by hip-hop fans and by the various musicians that he had worked with.
It Takes Two
Rob Base & DJ EZ Rock Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You are about to be possessed
By the sounds of
MC Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock
Hit it!
It takes two to make a thing go right
It takes two to make a thing go right
It takes two to make it outta sight
Hit it!
I wanna rock right now
I'm Rob Base and I came to get down
I'm not internationally known
But I'm known to rock the microphone
Because I get stupid, I mean outrageous
Stay away from me if you're contagious
'Cause I'm the winner, no, I'm not a loser
To be an MC is what I choose-a
Ladies love me, girls adore me
I mean even the ones who never saw me
Like the way that I rhyme at a show
The reason why, man, I don't know
So let's go, 'cause
It takes two to make a thing go right
It takes two to make it outta sight
It takes two to make a thing go right
It takes two to make it outta sight
Hit it!
My name is Rob, I gotta real funky concept
Listen up, 'cause I'm gonna keep you in step
I got an idea
That I wanna share
You don't like it, so what, I don't care
I'm number-one, the uno, I like comp
Bring all the suckers 'cause all them I'll stomp
Bold and black but I won't protect
All of my followers 'cause all I want is respect
I'm not a doctor, put them in rapture
A slick brother that can easy outfox ya
'Cause I'm Rob, the last name Base, yeah
And on the mike, I'm known to be the freshest
So let's start, it shouldn't be too hard
I'm not a sucker so I don't need a bodyguard
I won't fess, wear a bulletproof vest
Don't smoke buddha, can't stand sess, yes
It takes two to make a thing go right
It takes two to make it outta sight
It takes two to make a thing go right
It takes two to make it outta sight
Hit it!
The situation that the Base is in
I'm kinda stingy that's why I don't wanna lend
A funky rhyme to a foe or a good friend
But listen up 'cause I want you to comprehend
'Cause I'm the leader, the man superior
I take care of ya and then ya get wearier
So just sit, my rhymes are not counterfeit
The record sells which makes this one a hit
It won't hurt to listen to Red Alert
Take off your shirt, make sure it don't hit the dirt
I like the kids, the guys, the girls
I want the ducats 'cause this is Rob Base's world
I'm on a mission, ya better just listen
To my rhymes 'cause I'm all about dissin' 'cause
It takes two to make a thing go right
It takes two to make it outta sight
It takes two to make a thing go right
It takes two to make it outta sight
Hit it!
I stand alone, don't need anyone
'Cause I'm Rob, just came to have fun
Don't need friends that act like foes
'Cause I'm Rob Base, the one who knows
About things that make ya get weary
Don't cheer me, just hear me
Out 'cause I got the clout, shout (ho!)
Before I turn the party out
I won't stutter, project my voice, speak clearly
So you can be my choice on stage
Or on record, go to the Wiz and select it
Take it off the rack, if it's wack put it back
I like the Whopper, fuck the Big Mac
If you want static, so let's go
So, throw up your hands, go for what you know
Bro', I got an ego
Yo, talkin' to me, no, oh?
'Cause Rob is in the front, EZ Rock is on the backup
We're not soft, so you better just slack up
'Cause I'm cool, calm just like a breeze
Rock the mike with the help of E-Z Rock
On the set, the music plays
Only cuts the records that I say
It takes two to make a thing go right
It takes two to make it outta sight
It takes two to make a thing go right
It takes two to make it outta sight
All right now
E-Z Rock now, when I count to three, I want you to get busy, you ready now?
One, two, three, get loose now!
It takes two to make
It takes two to make
It takes two to make, it takes two to make
It takes two to make
It takes two to make
It takes two to make
It takes two to make
It takes, it takes two to make
It takes two to make
It takes two to make
It takes two to make
It takes two to make
It takes two to make
It takes two to make
It takes two to make
Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock's song It Takes Two is a classic hip hop track, released in 1988. It's a fun and energetic song that celebrates the power of two people coming together to make something great. The lyrics are lighthearted and playful, showcasing Rob Base's MC skills as he raps about his confidence, rhyming ability, and love from the ladies. Meanwhile, DJ E-Z Rock's catchy beats and memorable chorus reinforce the message that "it takes two to make a thing go right."
One interesting interpretation of the lyrics is that it's a commentary on the hip hop duo itself. Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock were both relatively unknown before the release of It Takes Two, but together they created a hit song that launched their careers. The lyrics could be seen as a celebration of the power of their partnership, and the idea that they are stronger together than as separate individuals.
Overall, It Takes Two is a catchy and upbeat song that continues to be a classic hip hop anthem to this day.
Line by Line Meaning
Right about now
At this moment
You are about to be possessed
You're about to become engrossed in this music
By the sounds of
By the sounds created by
MC Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock
Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock
Hit it!
Begin the music!
It takes two to make a thing go right
Collaboration is necessary for success
It takes two to make it outta sight
Working together can lead to greatness
I wanna rock right now
I want to create great music immediately
I'm Rob Base and I came to get down
My name is Rob Base and I'm ready to make great music
I'm not internationally known
I'm not famous worldwide
But I'm known to rock the microphone
People know me for my ability to create great music
Because I get stupid, I mean outrageous
I'm unconventional in my style
Stay away from me if you're contagious
Stay away from me if you have bad energy
'Cause I'm the winner, no, I'm not a loser
I'm a winner, not a loser
To be an MC is what I choose-a
I chose to be an MC
Ladies love me, girls adore me
Females admire me
I mean even the ones who never saw me
Even those who haven't met me
Like the way that I rhyme at a show
They enjoy my music during concerts
The reason why, man, I don't know
I'm not sure why
So let's go, 'cause
Let's get started
My name is Rob, I gotta real funky concept
My name is Rob and I have a unique idea
Listen up, 'cause I'm gonna keep you in step
Pay attention, I'm going to teach you
I got an idea
I have a plan
That I wanna share
I want to share it with you
You don't like it, so what, I don't care
If you don't like it, I'm not concerned
I'm number-one, the uno, I like comp
I'm the best, I like competition
Bring all the suckers 'cause all them I'll stomp
Bring all your weak opponents, I'll defeat them
Bold and black but I won't protect
I'm confident but I don't need to prove it
All of my followers 'cause all I want is respect
I don't want followers, I want respect
I'm not a doctor, put them in rapture
I'm not a healer, but I can please people
A slick brother that can easy outfox ya
I can outsmart you with ease
'Cause I'm Rob, the last name Base, yeah
My last name is Base and my first name is Rob
And on the mike, I'm known to be the freshest
I'm known for having the newest and most entertaining music
So let's start, it shouldn't be too hard
Let's begin, it shouldn't be difficult
I'm not a sucker so I don't need a bodyguard
I'm not weak, I don't need protection
I won't fess, wear a bulletproof vest
I won't confess, I don't wear protective gear
Don't smoke buddha, can't stand sess, yes
I don't smoke marijuana because I don't like it
The situation that the Base is in
The current environment that I'm in
I'm kinda stingy that's why I don't wanna lend
I'm not generous because I don't want to share
A funky rhyme to a foe or a good friend
I won't provide great music to an enemy or a friend
But listen up 'cause I want you to comprehend
Pay attention, I want you to understand
'Cause I'm the leader, the man superior
I'm in charge, I'm better than everyone else
I take care of ya and then ya get wearier
I'll take care of you, even if it's tough
So just sit, my rhymes are not counterfeit
Just listen, my music is original
The record sells which makes this one a hit
This song is popular because it's good
It won't hurt to listen to Red Alert
Listening to Red Alert won't harm you
Take off your shirt, make sure it don't hit the dirt
Dance so enthusiastically that your shirt won't fall off
I like the kids, the guys, the girls
I enjoy entertaining everyone
I want the ducats 'cause this is Rob Base's world
I want money because I'm successful
I'm on a mission, ya better just listen
I have goals, pay attention
To my rhymes 'cause I'm all about dissin' 'cause
Listen to my music because I create great lyrics
I stand alone, don't need anyone
I'm independent, I don't need support
'Cause I'm Rob, just came to have fun
I'm Rob and I'm here to enjoy myself
Don't need friends that act like foes
I don't want friends who will betray me
'Cause I'm Rob Base, the one who knows
I'm Rob Base, I'm knowledgeable and successful
About things that make ya get weary
I understand what makes people tired of music
Don't cheer me, just hear me
Listen to my music, don't just admire me
Out 'cause I got the clout, shout (ho!)
I have influence, celebrate me
Before I turn the party out
Before I get everyone to start dancing
I won't stutter, project my voice, speak clearly
I won't stutter, I'll speak confidently
So you can be my choice on stage
I want someone who's confident to perform with me
Or on record, go to the Wiz and select it
Record my music and distribute it at The Wiz
Take it off the rack, if it's wack put it back
Only choose the best music to record
I like the Whopper, fuck the Big Mac
I prefer Burger King over McDonald's
If you want static, so let's go
If you want trouble, I'm ready to fight
So, throw up your hands, go for what you know
Start dancing and express yourself
Bro', I got an ego
I have a confident personality
Yo, talkin' to me, no, oh?
Are you talking to me? No?
'Cause Rob is in the front, EZ Rock is on the backup
I'm in charge, EZ Rock is supporting me
We're not soft, so you better just slack up
We're not weak, you better not challenge us
'Cause I'm cool, calm just like a breeze
I'm calm and collected
Rock the mike with the help of E-Z Rock
Create great music with E-Z Rock's assistance
On the set, the music plays
On stage, the music starts
Only cuts the records that I say
Only play the music I tell you to play
All right now
Okay, let's begin
E-Z Rock now, when I count to three, I want you to get busy, you ready now?
E-Z Rock, get ready to create music when I count to three
One, two, three, get loose now!
Start dancing and having fun
It takes two to make
Collaboration is necessary for success
It takes two to make, it takes two to make
Working together can lead to greatness
It takes, it takes two to make
Collaboration is necessary for success
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Robert Ginyard Jr., James Brown
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@mad-cyantist3159
Back in the day when Hip Hop wasn't about killing another brother.
@jtaylor829
It happened then too
@pornstarlivesmatter3319
YEP
@adriennerobinson1180
Truth Indeed
@derekminns2332
Exactly
@MarkSmith-dx3cd
@@jtaylor829 Nothing was happening then anywhere near the scale of the last 15 years. Nothing.
@manfdd
I’m 57 and still enjoying the music of my youth. The 80’s were the best!!
@redrocks1983
💯% Correct!
@garymeacham7353
same here my friemd...enjoy life
@LuckyK7777
Hmmm...but I'm 48 and like Dua Lipa. Of course I still like the music from when I was 14 🤥