A hip-hop classic changes its tune for health’s sake
The 50th anniversary of hip-hop this year marks a time to reflect and honor the legacy of the globally influential genre. For hip-hop pioneer Rob Base, it also marks a time for reinvention and recognition of its future – as not only a catalyst for dance but for change.
Indeed, more than three decades ago, the renowned musical artist, alongside collaborator DJ E-Z Rock, released a mega-hit that declared “It Takes Two to make a thing go right” in arguably one of the most infectious song hooks of all time. Fast forward to today and the sentiment still rings true, especially when it comes to managing kidney health.
As recently announced, Rob would “rock the microphone” yet again – this time, to shine light on Boehringer Ingelheim and Eli Lilly and Company’s new health initiative It Takes 2™. To mark the campaign’s launch, Rob rerecorded his 1988 single specifically for this cause.
I had the opportunity to sit down with Rob, as well as with Thelma Barber, an advocate living with CKD. Here’s what they had to say, starting with Rob.
JWM: Rob, The It Takes 2 initiative aims to elevate the importance of testing and early diagnosis of kidney disease, particularly among those who have type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure and are at greater risk for it. Why did you get involved?
RB: I feel that music is extremely powerful. I’ve been in the industry for a very long time and have witnessed its impact. So I’m using it for a great cause since I’ve lost good friends to complications from type 2 diabetes, including DJ E-Z Rock, who was one of my best friends since childhood. That said, I wasn’t aware there was a connection with high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes to kidney health, and I think it’s something that people should be more aware of. This initiative is giving people the resources and motivation they need to understand the risks for kidney disease and talk about it with their doctor.
JWM: What was it like to rewrite your song and recreate the music video for “It Takes 2 – The Remix”? How does it feel to hear it again in this way decades later?
RB: It was pretty surreal to go back in time and revisit a song that not only had a huge influence on my own life, but also on rap history. When DJ E-Z Rock and I created “It Takes Two,” we did it as a demo trying to get a deal and had to throw something together quick. We just took a fresh spin on the type of sound that people liked at that time, and it all came together like magic. It ended up becoming an iconic hit that instantly took us to a whole new level. That was a great experience that I was excited to carry through in my collaboration on It Takes 2. I wanted to help take things to the next level in the same way, to get people’s attention. So, we rerecorded a new track that’s tied to the mission of It Takes 2 to motivate people to not just listen but take some action.
JWM: How cool was it to see it brought together with the release of the music video?
RB: Very cool! Today people can share way more easily now than they could back in the 80’s and 90’s. It’s a tribute to the original that I shot, as well as to DJ E-Z Rock. “It Takes Two” has become so much more than a dance anthem. I love the song as much now as I did back then, so it’s nice to know that it has lasting power, with the potential to really help people.
JWM: Rob, what is your perspective on today’s music? Any noticeable trends or differences about today’s music and the past?
RB: That’s a great question, Jane. I started out in the industry back when hip-hop was still becoming mainstream. In many ways music has changed a whole lot – but on the flip side, in many ways it hasn’t. It’s always evolving like we are as people, so it’s also cool to see new sounds introduced that reflect that – whether it’s from up-and-comers or old-schoolers like myself. But music will always be universal. It’s still a driving force in our culture that affects each of us in different ways.
JWM: Are you still active in the hip-hop scene.
RB: Very much so. A lot of the artists that I have great respect for are reinventing themselves to stay relevant, which gives me the motivation to do what I do. The sense of nostalgia is very big right now in our culture, so I’m excited to continue riding that wave, especially with the release of “It Takes 2 – The Remix.” It comes at a good time with hip-hop’s 50th anniversary, which is celebrating a genre that has gone through a lot of different phases, but its impact really transcends time.
JWM: Thanks so much, Rob. Now I’m going bring Thelma Barber into the conversation. Thelma, what is your connection to It Takes 2?
TB: When I learned about It Takes 2, I instantly connected with its mission and was eager to get involved. I’ve been living with kidney disease for more than twenty years. Like so many others with kidney disease, I’m also living with type 2 diabetes, which is one of the main risk factors for the condition. I know firsthand the importance of getting the full picture when it comes to your kidney health, as well as the right treatment and care – and how challenging that can be.
JWM: What’s the most important thing to remember about It Takes 2?
TB: That it does Take 2 –your doctor and you! I’m incredibly proud to lend my voice to It Takes 2 to empower others with cardio-renal-metabolic (C-R-M) conditions to speak with their doctor about complete testing, which means using both an eGFR blood test and a UACR urine test, and to make them aware of the helpful resources that the initiative provides.
JWM: What would you say is the biggest take-away from your personal journey?
TB: That you can’t do it alone. For instance, a big source of strength in managing my symptoms for more than two decades has been the collective, ongoing support of my care team, including my husband Michael and my doctors.
JWM: You are sharing your story with so many. Why is this important to you?
TB: My experiences have inspired me to help others who may be struggling with kidney disease and other related conditions. I hope that by sharing my story, those who are at risk of developing kidney disease will prioritize their health by talking to their doctor about complete testing, including a urine test, also known as a UACR. The earlier that kidney disease is diagnosed, the earlier you can take an active role in helping reduce the risk of progression and long-term complications.
JWM: What words of inspiration would you give to others in managing their kidney health?
TB: I tell anybody who is living with kidney disease, do your best but do not let it define your life. To manage your kidney health and keep a positive attitude while at it, make sure to partner with your doctor and lean on your care team for support.
JWM: Rob, how can my readers and listeners help, as well.
RB: Spreading awareness through music can especially help, so I hope that they connect to the remix as much as I have.
JWM: Rob, good luck with the remix. And Thelma, many wishes for continued good health. Thank you both for being with me and sharing this important advice to help us all become Better Than Before. To that end, I encourage everyone to visit the initiative’s website at TestYourKidneys.com to learn more about the resources available and the importance of requesting a UACR test for kidney disease.
More from “It Takes 2-The Remix” Playlist, found here.
