by Alex Henderson
Without question, Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock had the party anthem of 1988 in &It Takes Two& -- an insanely infectious rap/dance gem using a James Brown/Lynn Collins classic of the same name as a reference point. While the song was a major hit in dance music and club circles, Base won over hip-hop's hardcore with his strong technique as a rapper. Though most of this debut album falls short of that mega-hit's excellence, it's a generally decent effort that has both hip-hop and R&B appeal. A reflection on societal breakdown, the sobering &Times Are Gettin' Ill& is atypical of this album -- which favors soul-flavored party music over social and political commentary. From Maze's &Joy & Pain& (which the duo used without Frankie Beverly's permission, inspiring him to threaten legal action) to the house-influenced &Get on the Dance Floor,& It Takes Two thrives on strong hooks and unapologetic escapism.