What makes The Incredible Base by Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock notable?

The album is notable for its commercial success, reaching the top of the Billboard charts and fostering the popularization of hip-hop party music in the late '80s. Tracks like 'It Takes Two' became foundational for future hip-hop artists, influencing the emerging new jack swing movement and setting a precedent for energetic party tracks. Released in early 1989, The Incredible Base marked Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock's debut album following their breakout single 'It Takes Two' from 1988. At this point, they were transitioning from underground success to mainstream recognition, solidifying their place in hip-hop with a sound that combined playful lyrics and danceable rhythms.

How many songs are on The Incredible Base?

The Incredible Base has 10 tracks, running approximately 45 minutes.

The Incredible Base

Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock · 1989

45 min · 10 tracks · hip-hop

A vibrant blend of hip-hop and party anthems characterized by infectious beats and dynamic vocal interplay.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Rumors — This track showcases a catchy hook and clever wordplay, embodying the playful spirit and social commentary prevalent in the album.
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Get Up and Have a Good Time — With its upbeat tempo and inviting lyrics, this song serves as a quintessential party anthem that captures the essence of late '80s hip-hop culture.
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Turn It Out (Go Base) — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its infectious energy and makes it clear that the duo is here to energize listeners.

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 combines energetic beats and vocal interplay, making it a notable entry in late '80s hip-hop.

What we noticed

The first three tracks establish a high-energy tempo with layered vocal exchanges and prominent beats, setting a party atmosphere.
Several tracks feature call-and-response patterns between the lead vocals and background chants, enhancing the interactive feel of the music.
The album includes samples from various genres, particularly funk and soul, which are woven into the beats to create a lively soundscape.

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

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 Turn It Out (Go Base) 5:32
2 Get Up and Have a Good Time 4:31
3 Rumors 5:01
4 Hype It Up 4:17
5 The Incredible Base 3:50
6 War 4:49
7 Outstanding 4:47
8 If You Really Want to Party 3:59
9 Dope Mix 4:49
10 Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing 4:16

What to play next

Listen next

Break of Dawn

1994

Go back to

It Takes Two

1988

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

hip-hop

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata