Rob Base

Rob Base is an American rapper best known for his hit single "It Takes Two", which became a seminal track in the development of hip-hop music. Here are some intriguing facts about him:

1. Early Life and Career Beginnings: Rob Base, born Robert Ginyard, Jr., grew up in Harlem, New York City, where he developed a passion for music at a young age. He began his career as a DJ, honing his skills and building a reputation for his energetic performances and crowd-pleasing mixes. In the mid-1980s, he formed the hip-hop duo Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock with his childhood friend Rodney "DJ E-Z Rock" Bryce.

2. Breakthrough with "It Takes Two": In 1988, Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock released their debut album, also titled "It Takes Two", featuring the iconic title track that would catapult them to stardom. "It Takes Two" became a massive hit, reaching the top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and achieving platinum certification. The song's infectious beat, catchy hook, and memorable lyrics—"It takes two to make a thing go right / It takes two to make it outta sight"—helped solidify its status as a hip-hop classic and a staple of dance floors worldwide.

3. Impact and Influence: "It Takes Two" is widely regarded as one of the most influential songs in hip-hop history, credited with popularizing the use of sampling in rap music. The song's distinctive sample of Lyn Collins' "Think (About It)" became an iconic element of the track, inspiring countless artists and producers to experiment with sampling and remixing in their own music. Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock's innovative use of sampling helped pave the way for the development of hip-hop as a genre and contributed to its mainstream success in the late 1980s and beyond.

4. Subsequent Releases and Career: Following the success of "It Takes Two", Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock released several more albums together, including "The Incredible Base" (1989) and "Break of Dawn" (1994). Although they never replicated the commercial success of their debut, they continued to record and perform together, earning respect for their contributions to hip-hop music. Rob Base also pursued a solo career and collaborated with other artists on various projects, maintaining a presence in the music industry.

5. Legacy and Cultural Impact: Rob Base's impact on hip-hop culture extends far beyond his hit single "It Takes Two". Alongside DJ E-Z Rock, he helped define the sound of late 1980s hip-hop with their infectious beats, catchy hooks, and energetic performances. Their music continues to be celebrated and sampled by artists across different genres, reaffirming their enduring legacy as pioneers of hip-hop music. Rob Base's contributions to the genre have left an indelible mark on the music industry, inspiring generations of artists and fans alike with his innovative approach to rap music.