A generation becomes strikingly aware of their own mortality when the celebrities of their youth begin passing away. Those who know hip hop and came up in the ‘80s are saddened by the loss of DJ E-Z Rock. Known for one of his biggest hits, “It Takes Two,” DJ E-Z Rock, born Rodney Bryce, were instrumental in helping bring rap music to a broader audience. He passed away Sunday from as yet unknown causes.
The 46-year-old teamed with collaborator Rob Base to bring the world some of the most dance-friendly hip-hop tracks from the late 80s and early 90s. In addition to “It Takes Two,” the duo released two other popular singles from their debut album, It Takes Two, "Joy and Pain" and "Get on the Dance Floor.” But "It Takes Two" would be the standout single. The album was certified platinum in 1989 and reached No. 31 on the Billboard 200.
Various hip-hop artists paid condolences to E-Z Rock on social media. DJ Scratch posted a late-Eighties picture of the duo on his Instagram, while Biz Markie tweeted, "R.I.P. to EZ Rock from Rob Base and EZ Rock. You will truly be missed." DJ Red Alert tweeted, "We Have Lost Our Very Own From Harlem NYC & The Hip-Hop Culture Our Brother DJ E-Z Rock. Rest In Peace…" and Base himself posted a picture on his Instagram with a picture of Bryce and the message "R.I.Power DJ EZ Rock. Team Fearless Salute."
