The Unseen Power: 5 Reasons Why Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock's "It Takes Two" Lyrics Still Matter In 2025

Right about now, you are about to be possessed by the sounds of a hip-hop anthem that refuses to age. Released in 1988, "It Takes Two" by the legendary Harlem duo Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock is more than just a party starter; it is a foundational pillar of mainstream hip-hop, a masterpiece of sampling, and, in 2025, a surprisingly powerful force in a critical health awareness campaign. This article dives deep into the lyrics, the legacy, and the fresh, unexpected new life breathed into this platinum-certified classic.

The track’s infectious energy and simple, yet profound, message—"It takes two to make a thing go right"—have cemented its place in music history. However, its story is evolving, with MC Rob Base (Robert Ginyard) recently giving the song a new, urgent meaning that speaks to a modern public health crisis, proving the enduring relevance of his words decades later. This is the updated, in-depth look at a song that truly takes two: the MC and the DJ, the classic and the contemporary.

The Architects of the Anthem: Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock Biography & Profile

• Rob Base (Robert Ginyard):
• Role: MC (Master of Ceremonies) and Lead Vocalist.
• Born: May 14, 1967, in Harlem, New York City.
• Career Highlight: Known for his energetic flow and charismatic stage presence, he was the voice behind the duo's biggest hits, most notably "It Takes Two" and "Joy and Pain."
• Current Activity: Continues to perform and actively participates in health awareness campaigns using his music.
• DJ E-Z Rock (Rodney Bryce):
• Role: DJ and Producer.
• Born: 1967 in Harlem, New York City.
• Died: April 26, 2014, at age 46, due to complications from diabetes.
• Legacy: The musical architect of "It Takes Two," responsible for its groundbreaking use of samples and beats, helping to push hip-hop into the mainstream. His passing later inspired Rob Base’s current health initiatives.
• The Duo (Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock):
• Formation: Formed in Harlem in the 1980s.
• Key Album: It Takes Two (1988), also known as Giant Single.
• Record Label: Profile Records (later RCA Records/Sony Music Entertainment).
• Impact: Achieved platinum status and became one of the first hip-hop records to successfully cross over into pop and dance charts globally.

The Iconic Lyrics: Deconstructing the "I Wanna Rock Right Now" Verse

The lyrics of "It Takes Two" are a masterclass in direct, hype-driven MCing. They are not complex narratives; they are declarations of intent, designed to command the dance floor and establish the duo’s dominance. The song opens with one of the most recognizable intros in hip-hop history, a phrase that instantly signals a party is about to begin:

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"Right about now, you're about to be possessed
By the sounds of emcee Rob Base and D.J. E-Z Rock
Hit it!"

This opening immediately sets the stage, crediting both the MC and the DJ—a crucial aspect of the hip-hop culture that the song’s title reflects. The core of the song’s lyrical genius, however, lies in its sheer confidence and rhythmic simplicity, best exemplified by the famous first verse:

"I wanna rock right now
I'm Rob Base and I came to get down
I'm not internationally known
But I'm known around the town
To rock the house and the party down
I'm not the best, but I'm not the worst
I'm the Rob Base and I came to burst"

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The phrase "I wanna rock right now" became a cultural touchstone, a universal call to action. What makes this verse enduring is the juxtaposition of humility and supreme confidence. Rob Base acknowledges he’s "not internationally known" and "not the best," but immediately pivots to assert his ability to "rock the house." This self-aware, yet powerful, declaration resonated deeply with audiences, making the duo relatable while still being larger than life. The lyrics are a perfect blend of battle rap bravado and party-rocking fun, defining a pivotal moment in the genre's evolution toward the mainstream.

The Sampling Revolution: The True Meaning of "It Takes Two"

While Rob Base’s lyrics were the voice, DJ E-Z Rock’s production was the backbone, and it is here where the song’s true revolutionary nature lies. The track is built on a foundation of expertly layered samples, proving that "it takes two" to make a great record: the rapper and the sound engineer.

The Lyn Collins "Woo! Yeah!" Sample

The most iconic element of "It Takes Two" is the relentless, high-pitched female vocal sample that permeates the entire track: the famous "Woo! Yeah!" This sample comes from the 1972 James Brown-produced song "Think (About It)" by funk singer Lyn Collins. E-Z Rock’s genius was isolating and looping this vocal fragment, transforming it from a background flourish into the song’s driving rhythmic and melodic hook. This technique became a blueprint for countless hip-hop and dance tracks that followed, solidifying the song’s status as a sampling landmark.

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The Message of Collaboration

Beyond the technical brilliance, the lyrics reinforce the core theme of collaboration. The phrase "It takes two to make a thing go right" is not just a catchy hook; it’s a philosophical statement about the synergy between the MC and the DJ, the artist and the producer, the performer and the audience. In the 1980s, when the DJ was often overshadowed by the MC, this song was a powerful reminder of the essential partnership that defines hip-hop culture. The success of the song itself—a platinum hit—was the ultimate proof of the maxim.

2025: The Unexpected New Life of the Lyrics and Legacy

In a surprising and incredibly relevant development for 2025, the lyrics of "It Takes Two" have taken on a profound new meaning. Rob Base has partnered with pharmaceutical companies Boehringer Ingelheim and Lilly to launch a public awareness campaign focused on Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and diabetes.

The Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Remix

This initiative is deeply personal for Rob Base, as his partner, DJ E-Z Rock (Rodney Bryce), passed away in 2014 due to complications from diabetes, a major risk factor for CKD. The campaign repurposes the song’s classic hook to encourage people, particularly those in the African American community who are disproportionately affected, to get tested and manage their health.

The new message is: "It takes two to make a thing go right—you and your doctor." This clever lyrical switch transforms the anthem from a party song into a life-saving call to action. It highlights a critical, often overlooked fact: over 35 million American adults suffer from CKD, with up to 90% unaware they have it. The campaign, and the lyrics, now stress the "two" essential components for a healthy life: patient awareness and medical guidance.

A Legacy of Awareness

By lending his voice and his most famous song to this cause, Rob Base has ensured that the "It Takes Two" legacy continues to evolve. The song's enduring popularity and its simple, memorable chorus are now being used to tackle serious health disparities, proving that true hip-hop pioneers use their platforms to connect with and serve their communities. This fresh, altruistic application of the lyrics is perhaps the most meaningful chapter in the song’s long and influential history.