DJ EZ Rock, who’s real name is Rodney “Skip” Bryce, passed away at the age of 46 on Sunday. He is best known for his 1988 hit single “It Takes Two” with Rob Base. Base revealed the news of EZ Rock’s passing by writing, “R.I.P Skip (DJ E-Z Rock) my friend. My brother,” on Instagram. His cause of death has yet to be revealed.
The duo had been best friends since fourth grade where they grew up in Harlem, NY together. The duo would release “It Take sTwo” in 1988 with producer Teddy Riley, featuring a sample by Lyn Collin’s 1972 James Brown-produced song “Think (About It).” Since it’s release, some of music’s most popular artists have sampled the track, including noop Dogg (“I Wanna Rock”), Mac Miller (“Play Ya Cards”), the Black Eyed Peas (“Rock That Body”) and Gang Starr (“Suckas Need Bodyguards”). Girl Talk, LL Cool J, Will Smith and Meek Mill have sampled the track as well.
“It Takes Two” was featured on the duo’s platinum-selling, debut album of the same name. The album included the song “Joy and Pain” as well, but “It Takes Two” would be the single that solidified the duo’s place in hip-hop history.
Since the news of his death, artists have taken to social media to remember DJ EZ Rock.
R.I.P : DJ EZ Rock Died – http://t.co/CEkcfiaokD #IFWT
— Funk Flex !!!!! (@funkflex) April 28, 2014
R.I.P. TO EZ ROCK FROM ROB BASE AND EZ ROCK YOU WILL TRULY BE MISSED. .
— BIZ MARKIE (@BizMarkie) April 27, 2014
RIP To my good friend and brother DJ EZ ROCK yes it is now confirmed he's dancing now with the angels (It Takes Two) Rob Base & DJ EZ Rock
— DJ KING ASSASSIN (@DjKingAssassin) April 27, 2014
