DJ E-Z Rock, who rose to fame alongside his musical partner, Rob Base, in the late 1980s, has died. He was 46 years old. Born Rodney Bryce, E-Z Rock’s cause of death has not been publicly revealed.
Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock were longtime friends who had grown up in Harlem, N.Y., together. The duo hit it big in 1988 with the classic party rap single “It Takes Two,” which was produced by super producer Teddy Riley. Their debut album also featured the moderate hit “Joy and Pain.” The album, also called It Takes Two, achieved platinum status.
“R.I.P Skip (DJ E-Z Rock) my friend. My brother,” Base posted on Instagram.
Though they continued to record off-and-on throughout the 1990s, “It Takes Two” has remained Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock’s most timeless hit. It’s been featured in movies, sampled by other artists ranging from Snoop Dogg to Ciara; and referenced in the 2008 Weezer hit “Heart Songs.” The track, a tribute to songs that shaped Weezer frontman Rivers Cuomos’s life, mentions the iconic hit’s title: “It takes two to make a thing go right, if the Fresh Prince starts a fight —Don’t you worry for too long ’cause you know these are the songs.”
E-Z Rock’s death was recognized by several notables via social media.
“R.I.P. TO E-Z ROCK FROM ROB BASE AND E-Z ROCK YOU WILL TRULY BE MISSED,” famed rapper/DJ Biz Markie tweeted.
“We Have Lost Our Very Own From Harlem NYC & The Hip-Hop Culture Our Brother DJ E-Z Rock. Rest In Peace Boss,” added DJ Red Alert. Red Alert was mentioned in “It Takes Two.”
“Dj E-Z Rock, the DJ for Rob Base, just passed away. This is a terrible loss; my DJ brother rest in peace. You will never be forgotten my son,” legendary hip-hop DJ Grandmaster Flash wrote.
