Rob Base, the Harlem rapper behind the 1988 hip-hop classic "It Takes Two," has died at 59. The MC, born David Raymond Lowery, had been battling cancer.
Base rose to prominence as half of Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock, a partnership that produced one of the decade's most enduring rap records. "It Takes Two," produced by E-Z Rock, became a staple of late-80s hip-hop radio and clubs, defined by its infectious hook and playful boasting. The track sampled Wyn Stewart's 1966 soul record and became a template for future rap production, influencing generations of artists who sampled its horn section and laid vocals over its groove.
The duo released their debut album "It Takes Two" in 1988 on the independent label Profile Records, establishing Base as a lyricist capable of crafting memorable hooks and punchlines. Beyond that flagship single, Base and E-Z Rock produced the album track "Joy and Pain," another durable record that circulated on radio and in clubs throughout the late 1980s.
While "It Takes Two" became Base's signature achievement, it represented a specific moment when hip-hop crossed over into mainstream consciousness without sacrificing its street credibility. The record's longevity speaks to its construction. It sampled well-known source material, paired infectious production with relatable lyrics about partying and romantic pursuit, and featured a chorus engineered for memorability.
Base's career trajectory mirrors that of many 1980s rap acts who achieved one or two major hits but struggled to maintain momentum through album cycles. The late-80s hip-hop landscape moved quickly, absorbing styles and moving toward new sounds. Yet "It Takes Two" proved durable across decades, appearing in films, television shows, and streaming playlists, ensuring Base's name remained linked to a record that still resonates with listeners who discovered it decades after its release.