Burning The Ground Exclusive
Remembering Rob Base.
“Turn It Out (Go Base)” was the first single taken from Rob Base’s 1989 solo album The Incredible Base, released on Profile Records. Coming off the huge success of It Takes Two with DJ E-Z Rock, Rob Base had already left a permanent mark on late 80s hip-hop and dance floors everywhere. That record was one of those moments where rap, club music, and pop culture all crashed into each other in the best way possible.
By the time “Turn It Out (Go Base)” arrived, expectations were high. How do you follow a monster like “It Takes Two”? That is never an easy job. Instead of trying to remake that record note-for-note, Rob came back with another party-ready track built for movement. It has that late 80s Profile Records punch, big drums, plenty of call-and-response energy, and the kind of groove that sounds right at home on a 12-inch single.
The Incredible Base was released in November 1989 and became Rob Base’s only solo studio album. While it did not match the massive success of It Takes Two, the LP still performed well, reaching #50 on the Billboard 200 and #20 on Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. It was also certified Gold in the United States.
Although “Turn It Out (Go Base)” did not reach the Billboard Hot 100, it did find action on several genre charts. The single peaked at #4 on the Billboard Hot Rap Singles chart, #16 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, and #23 on the Dance Club Songs chart. It also reached #88 on the UK Singles Chart.
That feels about right. Some records are made for pop radio. Others are made for the floor. This one lands firmly in the second camp.
There is also something bittersweet about hearing it now after Rob Base’s passing. He had one of those voices that could fill a room without trying too hard. Confident, direct, and full of fun. He did not sound like he was asking the party to start. He sounded like he had already walked in and flipped the switch.
“Turn It Out (Go Base)” may not be the first song most people reach for when they think of Rob Base, but that is part of what makes revisiting it so much fun. It is a reminder that there was more to his catalog than one giant anthem. For collectors, DJs, and fans of late 80s hip-hop 12-inch singles, this is a nice piece of the story.
A quick note about the lyrics: the track does include the word “retard,” a term that was used more casually in 1989 but is now considered offensive and hurtful. The record is presented here as originally released, but I did not want to ignore that the word carries a much different weight today.
Rest in peace, Rob Base. Thanks for helping make the dance floor louder, happier, and a lot more fun.
SIDE A:
Turn It Out (Go Base) (Sky King Remix) 8:02
Engineer [Remix] – Rob Paustian
Producer [Additional Production], Remix, Edited By – Gail “Sky” King
Programmed By [Additional Keyboard Programming] – Joe Moskowitz*
Turn It Out (Go Base) (Percapella) 3:06
SIDE B:
Turn It Out (Go Base) (Sky King Dub) 6:34
Engineer [Remix] – Rob Paustian
Producer [Additional Production], Remix, Edited By – Gail “Sky” King
Programmed By [Additional Keyboard Programming] – Joe Moskowitz*
Turn It Out (Go Base) (Album Version) 5:31
VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint
| Chart Performance – Rob Base: Turn It Out (Go Base) (1989) | Peak Position |
|---|---|
| US Billboard Hot Rap Singles | #4 |
| US Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs | #16 |
| US Billboard Dance Club Songs | #23 |
| UK Singles Chart | #88 |
RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Profile Records – PRO-7275
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Stereo
Country: US
Released: 1989
Genre: Hip Hop
Style: Breakbeat, Hip-House, Electro
CREDITS:
- Executive-Producer – William Hamilton
- Lacquer Cut By – HW*
- Mastered By – Howie Weinberg
- Photography By – Chris Carroll (4)
- Producer – Rob Base, William Hamilton
- Written-By – R. Ginyard*
NOTES:
Executive produced for World to World Records, Inc.
Recorded at Hillside Sound Studio, Englewood, New Jersey.
Tracks A1 & B1 additionally produced, remixed and edited for In The Spin Productions.
Tracks A1 & B1 remixes engineered at Shakedown Sound, N.Y.
Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS
VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
for BURNING THE GROUND
THE GEAR:
Turntable: Technics SL-1200MK7
Cartridge/Stylus: Ortofon Concorde Music Black
Phono Pre-amp: Pro-Ject Tube Box DS2
Phono Tubes: Genalex Gold Lion 12AX7 ECC83/B759 Gold Pins Vacuum Tube – Matched Pair
Audio Interface: MOTU M4
Turntable Isolation Platform: ISO-Tone™ Turntable Isolation Platform
Platter: Pro Spin Acrylic Mat
Stabilizer: Pro-Ject Record Puck
Record Cleaning: VPI HW 16.5 Record Cleaning Machine
Cleaning Solution: Turgikleen Record Cleaning Solution
Scanner: Epson Workforce WF-7610 Professional Printer/Scanner
SOFTWARE:
Recording/Editing: Adobe Audition 25 (Recording)
Down Sampling/Dither: iZotope RX Advanced 2
Artwork Editor: Adobe Photoshop CS5
Click Removal: Manual
FLAC/MP3 Conversion: dBpoweramp
M3U Playlist: Playlist Creator
RESTORATION NOTES:
All vinyl rips are recorded @ 32bit/float
FLAC (Level Eight)
Artwork scanned at 600dpi
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Paul, I must applaud you for not posting a “revisionist” version of this song. Sure, certain terms are now offensive – especially in the rap & hip hop world. I wouldn’t be offended if you posted the original as well as a “clean” version since many of us often need to be able to play popular hits with questionable lyrics in ‘family friendly’ environments like weddings, quinceañaras, birthday parties. In watching classic TV shows and movies on channels like MeTV, Antenna TV, shows like Svengoolie, etc, the operators or host will offer a disclaimer warning certain dated and now offensive… Read more »
Thank you, Paul. Funny, somehow this song completely passed me by. At least, I don’t remember it. The bassline is instantly recognizable, of course. Let’s see if the song makes it onto my playlist.
I know this was recorded much later but this really works as the prequel to “White Lines” LOL!
Maybe the sequel to “White Lines” as that was a hit in 1981-1982, assuming you mean the original on Sugar Hill, not the Duran Duran cover!
This is great! I remember hearing It Takes Two and that was such a jam, then Joy and Pain as well. Rob Base and DJ EZ Rock really hit it out of the park with those singles and the club versions. Those really drew me in to check out some of their other music, and this right here is one of the best of the rest. These are new mixes for me as well, so that really made this a fun one to revisit. Rob Base’s music will live forever! Thanks for this one Paul, what a nice selection to… Read more »
Thank you, JP. “It Takes Two” and “Joy and Pain” were both such huge records, and those club versions really helped make them feel even bigger. Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock had that magic combination of great beats, strong hooks, and pure party energy. I agree, this one is one of the best of the rest. It may not have had the same massive crossover moment, but it still has that Rob Base fire. I’m glad the mixes were new to you, too. That always makes a revisit even more fun. Rob’s music will live on, no question. Thank… Read more »
New to me these mixes, the UK went with the Chad Jackson mixes as he was so hot in late 1989/90. The point where the UK and US dance scenes diverged really, we were raving and baggying! The New Age Meltdown version is particularly fine. Great rhymer Mr Base.
Great points, Blaahh. The UK really did have its own thing happening by late 1989 into 1990, and Chad Jackson was right in the thick of it. I love how different the UK approach could be compared to the US mixes. Same record, but a different club mindset.
The New Age Meltdown version is a good one. It stretches things out nicely and gives the track another kind of energy. Rob Base really was a strong rhymer, too. He had that clear, commanding delivery that cut right through the track.
Thank you for sharing that UK perspective.
Thank you, Paul, for this record. I wasn’t at all familiar with the track like I was with his “It Takes Two” but this one is an attention grabber and “orders” you to the dance floor to dance and get hyped! Hip Hop from the past was so danceable then. Today the rhythms are sluggish like a funeral dirge. I also can understand the words better than I can with today’s rap and Hip Hop music. I know genres evolve, but something (to me) doesn’t sound quite right. Rob Base created contagious records. The energy! The tempo you can dance… Read more »
You are so right, Jeff. Late 80s hip-hop had a great dance floor pulse to it. Big beats, clear hooks, call and response, and lots of energy. Rob Base really knew how to make a record move. “It Takes Two” will always be the monster, but “Turn It Out (Go Base)” still has that same party spirit. It hits fast and does not let up. I agree with you, it is a great part of his legacy.
Thank you, Jeff.