Analysis

It Takes Two

Rob Base · It Takes Two

13+
Verdict
Listen first
Detailed Analysis

This 1988 hip-hop classic by Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock is largely a boastful, energetic party rap with minimal concerning content. The primary themes revolve around MC bragging, self-confidence, and party culture. However, there are a few elements worth noting: one clear instance of profanity ('fuck the Big Mac'), a reference to marijuana ('buddha'/'sess'), and a brief mention of a bulletproof vest in a non-glorifying context. The line about ladies and girls adoring him is mild and not sexually suggestive beyond superficial admiration. There is no sexual innuendo, violence, or disturbing imagery of significance. The drug reference is dismissive in nature ('Don't smoke buddha, can't stand sess'), actually rejecting drug use rather than endorsing it. The overall message is one of self-confidence, showmanship, and party entertainment. The single profanity and passing drug references (even if rejecting them) are the primary reasons this warrants parental guidance for younger children rather than being universally appropriate.

Themes
self-confidence
braggadocio
hip-hop culture
party music
mild profanity
drug reference (dismissive)
competition
showmanship
fame

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Lyrics

Right about now You're about to be possesed By the sounds of M.C. Rob Base, and D.J. E-Z Rock (Hit it!) It takes two to make a thing go right It takes two to make it outta sight It takes two to make a thing go right It takes two to make it outta sight (Hit it!) I wanna rock right now I'm Rob Base and I came to get down I'm not internationally known But I'm known to rock the microphone Because I get stupid, I mean outrageous Stay away from me, if you're contagious 'Cause I'm a winner, no, not a loser To be an M.C. is what I choose-a Ladies love me, girls adore me I mean even the ones who never saw me, like The way that I rhyme at a show The reason why? Man, I don't know, so let's go, 'cause It takes two to make a thing go right It takes two to make it outta sight It takes two to make a thing go right It takes two to make it outta sight (Hit it!) My name is Rob, I gotta real funky concept Listen up, 'cause I'm gonna keep you in step I got an idea That I wanna share You don't like it? So what? I don't care I'm number one, the uno, I like comp Bring on the suckers, 'cause all them I'll stomp Bold and black, but I will protect All of my followers 'cause all I want is respect I'm not a boxer, I'll put them in rapture A slick brother that can easy outfox ya Cause I'm Rob, the last name Base, yes And on the mic, I'm known to be the freshest So let's start, it shouldn't be too hard I'm not a sucker so I don't need a bodyguard I won't fess, wear a bulletproof vest Don't smoke buddha, can't stand sess, yes It takes two to make a thing go right It takes two to make it outta sight It takes two to make a thing go right It takes two to make it outta sight (Hit it!) The situation that the Base is in I'm kinda stingy, that's why I don't wanna lend A funky rhyme to a foe, or a good friend But listen up, 'cause I want you to comprehend 'Cause I'm the leader, the man, superior I take care of ya, and then you get wearier So just sit, my rhymes are not counterfeit The record sells, which makes this one a hit It won't hurt to listen to Red Alert Take off your shirt, make sure it don't hit the dirt I like the kids, the guys, the girls I want the ducats, this is Rob Base's world I'm on a mission, you better just listen To my rhymes, 'cause I'm all about dissin', 'cause It takes two to make a thing go right It takes two to make it outta sight It takes two to make a thing go right It takes two to make it outta sight (Hit it!) I stand alone, don't need anyone 'Cause I'm Rob, just came to have fun Don't need friends that act like foes 'Cause I'm Rob Base, the one who knows about things That make you get weary Don't cheer me, just hear me out 'Cause I got the clout, shout (Ho!) Before I turn the party out I won't stutter, project my voice, speak clearly So you can be my choice, on stage, or on record Go to the Wiz and select it Take it off the rack, if it's wack put it back I like the Whopper, fuck the Big Mac If you want static, so let's go, so Throw up your hands, go for what you know Bro', I got an ego Yo, talkin' to me? No, oh 'Cause Rob is in the front, E-Z Rock is on the backup We're not soft, so you better just slack up 'Cause I'm cool, calm just like a breeze Rock the mic with the help of E-Z Rock On the set, the music play Only cuts the records that I say It takes two to make a thing go right It takes two to make it outta sight It takes two to make a thing go right It takes two to make it outta sight All right now E-Z Rock now, when I count to three I want you to get busy, you ready now? One, two, three, get loose now


Remember: You know your child best. Use LyricsRay as a tool to inform your decisions, but always trust your parental instincts and family values when determining what's right for your children.
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Analysis performed on July 11, 2026