The beloved rapper Rob Base, whose 1980s hit "It Takes Two" solidified his place in hip-hop history, passed away at the age of 59 after a courageous battle with cancer. The musician, whose real name was Robert Ginyard, created the timeless classic alongside his musical partner DJ E-Z Rock, and their collaboration not only propelled hip-hop into mainstream success but also etched it into the hearts of dance clubs and pop charts worldwide.
Base's official Instagram account shared the news on Friday, stating that he "passed away surrounded by family after a private battle with cancer," just days after celebrating his 59th birthday. The account paid tribute to his "music, memories, and moments that became the soundtrack to our lives," emphasizing that "Rob's music, energy, and legacy helped shape a generation and brought joy to millions around the world."
Born and raised in Harlem, Base formed a formidable hip-hop duo with DJ E-Z Rock (real name Rodney Bryce), who tragically passed away in April 2014 from diabetes-related complications at the age of 56. Their journey began in elementary school and blossomed into a musical force that took the world by storm with the release of "It Takes Two" in 1988. The song swiftly ascended to number three on the Billboard Hot Dance/Club Songs chart and was later certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America.
Their legacy lived on through numerous samples by artists like Snoop Dogg and the Black Eyed Peas, and their music featured prominently in films like the 2009 romantic comedy "The Proposal," starring Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds, as well as the iconic video game series "Grand Theft Auto" in its 2004 release of "San Andreas."
Tributes began pouring in for Base on Friday evening, with comedian Dane Cook writing on X, "He WAS internationally known and he DID rock the microphone. One of my favorite songs ever. Rob Base filled the airwaves with hit music. RIP man." NFL Hall-of-Fame football star Deion Sanders echoed the sentiment, writing, "Prayers to Rob Base's entire family and loved ones. He was a legend to me."
Base's story of success was rooted in spontaneity. In a 2014 interview with Rolling Stone, he recalled how "It Takes Two" came to be: "We were at a friend's house and we were just going through a bunch of records. We had to go to the studio that night, and we didn't have anything prepared, but we found and liked the Lyn Collins sample that night and went to the studio. We didn't think that it would cross over and be as big as it became."
Rob Base's impact on music and culture will forever be remembered, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire generations to come.
