This Throwback Thursday shines a spotlight on Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock and their timeless 1988 anthem “It Takes Two,” a song widely regarded as one of the greatest hip-hop singles ever recorded. Released through Profile Records, the track became a top-40 hit and earned platinum certification from the RIAA, helping push hip-hop further into mainstream radio, dance clubs, and pop culture. Built around the legendary “Think” break from Lyn Collins’ 1972 classic “Think (About It),” the song’s explosive energy and unforgettable hook (sung by in-house Profile Records singer Rhonda Parris) made it an instant party staple that continues to resonate across generations. Music critics and fans alike have long celebrated the record’s influence and staying power. AllMusic critic Stephen Thomas Erlewine famously noted that many consider “It Takes Two” the greatest hip-hop single ever made, while Spin ranked it No. 1 on its 1989 list of the “100 Greatest Singles of All Time.” Decades later, Rolling Stone placed the song at No. 116 on its “500 Greatest Songs of All Time” list in 2021. The track’s influence has stretched far beyond hip-hop, inspiring samples and interpolations from artists like Black Eyed Peas and the dance-pop trio Seduction. The celebration of the classic hit comes with sadness this year following the death of Rob Base, who died Friday, May 22, after a private battle with cancer. He was 59. Alongside DJ E-Z Rock, Base helped create one of the most recognizable and influential songs in hip-hop history, a record whose booming beats, infectious chants, and undeniable groove still ignite dance floors nearly four decades later. Though DJ E-Z Rock passed away in 2014, the duo’s legacy lives on every time “It Takes Two” blasts through speakers and reminds listeners why the golden era of hip-hop remains unmatched.

Longtime rapper Rapsody delivers uplifting energy in the “Please Don’t Cry (Brazil)” official music video, directed by Anthony Wolf Orendorff. Serving as both a celebration of love and a visual recap tied to her critically acclaimed fourth studio album, Please Don’t Cry, the video captures the vibrant atmosphere of her performances and travels through Brazil. Highlighting stops in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro during her international tour run, the visual reflects Rapsody’s message of positivity, connection, and appreciation for her global fanbase.

Nigerian producer, singer, and songwriter Pheelz delivers one of his most personal records yet with “I’m Ok” featuring Tiwa Savage. Blending Yoruba, Pidgin, and English, the emotionally honest track explores mental health, gratitude, and perseverance while reminding listeners that simply making it through tough times is enough. The single serves as the lead release from Pheelz’s upcoming collaborative EP, “A Rii Set,” arriving June 5.

Legendary lyricist AZ returns with Doe Or Die III, the highly anticipated final chapter in his iconic trilogy, released through Mass Appeal exactly 30 years after his classic 1995 debut. The album delivers elite lyricism, soulful production, and standout collaborations from Nas, Jadakiss, Mumu Fresh, and Amar Noir. Featuring the powerful reunion track “Surprise” and production from Bink! and Mike & Keys, Doe Or Die III stands as a triumphant celebration of AZ’s timeless influence on hip-hop culture.

Nigerian rapper TROD teams up with acclaimed hitmaker Rexxie on the explosive new single “Problem,” a street-inspired anthem packed with raw energy, infectious vibes, and a hard-hitting beat. TROD delivers sharp, confident lyrics focused on hustle, pressure, fake love, and overcoming daily struggles, while Rexxie’s production keeps the momentum strong from start to finish.

TIFFANY (fka Tiffany Evans) returns with her empowering new single “Treat Me Like a Princess,” marking her first release in nearly a year. Written by Tiffany and produced by Dwayne “Toruxd” McPherson, Michael “Raz” Melvin, and Prince Happoldt, the heartfelt track showcases a softer, more vulnerable vocal approach. Centered on self-worth, love, and emotional care, the song reflects both romantic expectations and personal confidence. “Treat Me Like a Princess” highlights TIFFANY’s growth while delivering a smooth, emotionally resonant listening experience.

Ray J is recovering in a Las Vegas hospital after being knocked out during a celebrity MMA match over the weekend, reigniting ongoing concerns about the singer’s health. The “One Wish” artist was participating in streamer Adin Ross’ UFC Apex event when he took a hard punch to the face from YouTuber Supa Hot Fire during the second round of their bout. Video from the match showed Ray J collapsing to the canvas immediately after the hit before officials stopped the fight. Days later, TMZ published photos of the R&B singer in a hospital bed, reporting that he was being evaluated for a concussion and a possible heart-related issue. Despite the alarming incident, Ray J attempted to reassure fans in a Wednesday Instagram Stories post promoting his upcoming May 29 performance at the Pete Be Center in San Jose. “Getting better. I’ll see y’all on Friday,” he wrote. Following the match, the singer also hinted there may have been confusion surrounding the fight itself. In a post-fight interview shared on X, Ray J suggested things did not go according to plan, saying, “I don’t want to say too much because I don’t want to get nobody in trouble, but damn… we took an L tonight.” He also expressed frustration over the financial fallout from the bout, adding, “You know how much money we lost? Wow.” The latest hospitalization comes amid months of troubling health revelations from the entertainer. In January, Ray J disclosed that he had been hospitalized with severe pneumonia and claimed doctors placed him on multiple medications due to ongoing heart complications. The singer also spoke publicly about long-term health struggles connected to past drug and alcohol use, alleging that his heart was functioning at only “25 percent.” While some of his statements have not been independently verified, his comments sparked widespread concern among fans and supporters. Representatives for Ray J have not yet publicly commented on his latest medical situation.

Rob Base, the Harlem-born rap artist best known for the iconic 1988 hit “It Takes Two,” has died following a private battle with cancer. He was 59. According to a statement posted on his official Instagram account, Base died Friday surrounded by family just days after celebrating his birthday. The tribute praised his lasting influence on music and culture, calling him “a loving father, family man, friend, and creative force whose impact will never be forgotten.” Base rose to fame alongside longtime collaborator DJ E-Z Rock as the duo Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock. Their breakout anthem “It Takes Two” became one of hip-hop’s defining crossover records, helping bring rap music into mainstream dance clubs and pop radio. The single climbed to No. 3 on the Billboard Hot Dance/Club Songs chart and later earned platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America. Over the years, the track was sampled by artists including Snoop Dogg and Black Eyed Peas, while also appearing in films such as The Proposal and the video game Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. Tributes from across the entertainment and sports worlds poured in following news of Base’s death. Comedian Dane Cook honored the rapper on X, writing that “Rob Base filled the airwaves with hit music,” while NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders called him “a legend.” DJ E-Z Rock, whose real name was Rodney Bryce, died in 2014 from diabetes-related complications at age 56. The two artists had been friends since fourth grade and first broke onto the scene with their 1986 single “DJ Interview.” In a 2014 interview with Rolling Stone, Base recalled that “It Takes Two” was created spontaneously after the pair discovered a sample from Lyn Collins just hours before a studio session. “We didn’t think that it would cross over and be as big as it became,” he said.

Bruno Mars is making waves on the Latin charts with “Lo Arriesgo Todo,” the Spanish-language version of his song “Risk It All.” Released May 8 through Atlantic Records, the track marks Mars’ first official Spanish-language studio recording and his highest-charting Latin entry to date. The song debuts across multiple Billboard Latin rankings, including Hot Latin Songs and Latin Pop Airplay, giving Mars his first Spanish-language hit among seven career entries on the chart .