In the late 1990s, the small suburban town of Englewood, New Jersey, again became the stage for one of hip-hop’s most defining moments: the recording of Rob Base and DJ EZ Rock’s groundbreaking single, It Takes Two. While Englewood might seem an unusual choice for a major hip-hop milestone, the town carries a rich musical history that played a crucial role in shaping the record’s legacy.
For years, Englewood had been quietly influential in the music world. Once home to Sugar Hill Records—the label responsible for early hip-hop classics like “Rapper’s Delight” and “The Message”—Englewood set the stage for a sound that would eventually dominate global pop culture. The town also had ties to jazz soul royalty, with notable residents including Tony Bennett, Dizzy Gillespie, Sarah Vaughan, Miriam Makeba, and Thelonious Monk. This rich musical environment seemed to infuse the town with an energy that still lingered in the air during the recording of It Takes Two.
At the heart of the recording process was Hillside Studio, a facility owned by Dae Bennett, the son of the legendary Tony Bennett. Known for its top-tier equipment and intimate vibe, the studio became a creative haven for Rob Base (Robert Ginyard) and DJ EZ Rock (Rodney Bryce) as they worked to craft their debut single. It wasn’t just the studio’s technical capabilities that shaped the track; it was also the talent and collaboration that unfolded within its walls.
One key figure in this collaboration was Frank Moten, an IT manager by day and a passionate music promoter by night. Moten brought not only his love for hip-hop to the session but also a strategic ear for sampling. He was instrumental in pushing for the inclusion of the now-iconic sample from James Brown and Lyn Collins’ Think (About It). This choice helped give It Takes Two its unforgettable rhythm and energy, blending a funky soul groove with a hard-hitting hip-hop edge. At the time, sampling was still an emerging art form, and the duo—alongside Moten—tapped into something fresh and innovative.
Another unsung hero in the process was engineer David Kowalski, whose technical expertise helped translate the group’s vision into a polished, powerful sound. Kowalski’s ability to mix and refine the raw elements of the track brought it to life, ensuring every beat and lyric hit with maximum impact. His contributions proved essential in capturing the energy and precision that would define the single.
The recording of It Takes Two wasn’t without its challenges. In fact, the song was completed during the final hours of the studio session, with time running out on the clock. This sense of urgency added a spark to the process, forcing the team to focus their creativity and make bold decisions. It’s a testament to their talent that they not only pulled it off but created something so enduring in the process.
When the single was released, it didn’t take long to make waves. It Takes Two became a massive crossover success, resonating with both hip-hop fans and mainstream audiences. It climbed the Billboard Hot 100, earned a multi-platinum certification, and reached No. 3 on the Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart. Its appeal extended across the Atlantic, gaining traction in the UK and other international markets. This wasn’t just a hit—it was a cultural phenomenon.
Over time, the song’s legacy only grew. Rolling Stone later named It Takes Two one of the greatest hip-hop songs of all time, cementing its place in music history. The track’s infectious energy has also made it a staple in pop culture, from soundtracking, movies and TV commercials, countless parties to energizing crowds in NBA arenas. Its opening lines—”It takes two to make a thing go right”—are instantly recognizable, continuing to inspire new generations of listeners.
The story of It Takes Two is a reminder of how talent, collaboration, and the right environment can combine to create something truly special. Englewood’s rich musical heritage, the creative haven of Hillside Studio, the vision of Rob Base and DJ EZ Rock, and the contributions of people like Frank Moten and David Kowalski all came together to produce a track that still resonates decades later. It’s a testament to the enduring power of hip-hop and the magic that can happen when everything aligns.
