DJ E-Z Rock Dead: Rob Base And Friends Remember Hip Hop Pioneer
DJ E-Z Rock is dead at the age of 46, according to his friend and long time partner Rob Base. DJ E-Z Rock, whose real name was Rodney Bryce, died on Sunday and was remembered by members of the hip hop community. As of Sunday night, the cause of death had not been released, but Rolling Stone confirmed the reports of DJ E-Z Rock’s passing. All Hip Hop news reported that their sources claimed DJ E-Z Rock was found dead after suffering a massive stroke recently.
Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock emerged onto the hip hop scene in the late 80s with Profile records. Their style relied on popular dance music and sampling tracks from various funk sounds, like James Brown. “It Takes Two” was their biggest and first hit, climbing all the way to #3 on the Billboard Hot Dance Music/Club Play. The song went platinum and propelled the DJs into overnight success.
Still a popular track for parties and sporting events, the duo helped bring the hip hop dance sound to the mainstream. On his Facebook, Rob Base posted that he had been best friends with DJ E-Z Rock since the fourth grade. Although the duo would only release two albums together, their work with “It Takes Two” solidifies them as hip hop and party music legends forever.
this is sad. ROB BASE just posted this on his page. Apparently DJ EZ ROCK passed away. pic.twitter.com/VDlpTRzn47
— R.A. the Rugged Man (@RAtheRuggedMan) April 27, 2014
Rob Base was not the only member of the hip hop community to remember DJ E-Z Rock in his death. Biz Markie, who also rose to cult popularity around the same time, gave a shout out to his fellow DJ on Twitter.
R.I.P. TO EZ ROCK FROM ROB BASE AND EZ ROCK YOU WILL TRULY BE MISSED.. — BIZ MARKIE (@BizMarkie) April 27, 2014
R.I.P Skip (DJ E-Z Rock) my friend. My brother. http://t.co/SDYn1QasCF
— Rob Base (@Robbasemusic) April 28, 2014
Dj EZ Rock the Dj for Rob Base just passed away this is a terrible lost my Dj brother rest in peace… http://t.co/WS7OFK48Rg — Grandmaster Flash (@DJFlash4eva) April 28, 2014
The house party and dance community also lost DJ Rashad this weekend, who was only 35. Reportedly, drugs played a role in the death of DJ Rashad. So far, no foul play is expected in the passing of DJ E-Z Rock. In honor of the hip hop pioneer, put your favorite version of “It Takes Two” on repeat this week. DJ E-Z Rock is dead after a long career as an excellent musician.
[Image via Hot New Hip Hop]
