What makes It Takes Two by Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock notable?

The album is notable for its chart success, peaking at number 36 on the Billboard 200 and number 1 on the Hot Rap Songs chart. Its title track, 'It Takes Two,' became a quintessential party anthem and has been widely sampled and referenced in pop culture, showcasing its lasting impact on hip-hop and dance music. Released in 1988, It Takes Two was Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock's debut album, following a string of successful singles that established them in the hip-hop scene. The album solidified their presence in the genre, particularly with the title track becoming a defining anthem of late '80s hip-hop.

How many songs are on It Takes Two?

It Takes Two has 10 tracks, running approximately 41 minutes.

It Takes Two

Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock · 1988

41 min · 10 tracks · hip-hop

A vibrant fusion of hip-hop and dance beats, punctuated by infectious hooks and playful energy.

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Top tracks — play these first

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It Takes Two — This track is a landmark single that perfectly captures the energetic spirit of the album, blending catchy hooks with rhythmic beats that invite listeners to dance.
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Joy and Pain — This song showcases a more reflective side of the duo, balancing an upbeat tempo with lyrics that explore life's complexities, making it relatable and memorable.
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Get on the Dance Floor — 'Get on the Dance Floor' epitomizes the party vibe of the album, featuring an irresistible beat and call-and-response dynamics that engage listeners directly.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album blends catchy hooks with danceable beats, establishing a solid presence in hip-hop.

What we noticed

The title track features a prominent vocal hook that repeats throughout, creating an instantly recognizable chorus.
Several tracks incorporate samples from funk and soul records, blending them with hip-hop beats to create a danceable sound.
The album maintains a consistent mid-tempo pace, with only a few tracks shifting to faster rhythms, keeping the energy lively.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 It Takes Two 5:00
2 Joy and Pain 3:46
3 Don’t Sleep on It 4:02
4 Check This Out 3:02
5 Crush 5:32
6 Get on the Dance Floor 4:23
7 Times Are Gettin’ Ill 3:39
8 Keep It Going Now 3:54
9 Make It Hot 4:19
10 Creativity 3:48

What to play next

Listen next

The Incredible Base

1989

Full Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock discography Artists like Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock

hip-hop

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata