The Song That Took Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock From Block Parties to Stardom: The Story Behind “It Takes Two”

Some songs don’t slowly win people over—they explode the moment they arrive. That was the story of Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock’s “It Takes Two.” Released in 1988, the track combined hip-hop, funk, and pure celebration into one irresistible anthem. Its energy was impossible to ignore, turning a song with humble expectations into one of the most recognizable party records ever made.

When Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock recorded “It Takes Two,” they weren’t dreaming of worldwide success. They simply hoped it might become popular around the Northeastern tristate area, where they had built a following by performing at local block parties. The duo believed they had a fun record, but nothing prepared them for what happened next. As radio stations embraced the song, it quickly spread far beyond their hometown, reaching audiences they had never imagined.

A huge part of the song’s magic came from its unforgettable foundation. Built around a high-energy sample of Lyn Collins’ 1972 funk classic “Think (About It),” produced by James Brown, “It Takes Two” felt both familiar and completely fresh. Rob Base’s confident delivery and DJ E-Z Rock’s lively presence gave the record an infectious spirit that encouraged listeners to dance rather than simply listen. It was a perfect example of how hip-hop could transform classic sounds into something exciting for a new generation.

The song’s success changed the duo’s lives almost overnight. Rob Base later recalled going from playing free block parties to performing in major clubs and arenas as the record took off. “Once the song started to get played,” he remembered, “we woke up and we were just different people.” What began as a local release suddenly became a defining hit of the late 1980s, helping bring hip-hop to an even wider audience.

More than three decades later, “It Takes Two” remains impossible to separate from celebrations, dance floors, and good times. Its joyful spirit has kept it alive through countless films, television shows, sporting events, and parties, introducing new generations to its unforgettable groove. Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock proved that sometimes all it takes is one great beat, one unforgettable hook, and the right chemistry to create a song that never stops making people move.