Rob Base, the iconic rapper known for the 1988 hip-hop classic It Takes Two, has died at the age of 59 after a battle with cancer. His family confirmed the news in a heartfelt statement.
A Legacy in Hip-Hop
Born Robert Ginyard, Rob Base formed the duo Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock with Rodney Bryce, known as DJ E-Z Rock. Their breakout single It Takes Two became a defining track of the genre, bridging hip-hop with mainstream dance and pop charts. The song has been sampled by artists like Snoop Dogg and the Black Eyed Peas and featured in films such as The Proposal and the video game Grand Theft Auto.
Family Statement
A statement posted on his social media read: “Rob’s music, energy, and legacy helped shape a generation and brought joy to millions around the world. Beyond the stage, he was a loving father, family man, friend, and creative force whose impact will never be forgotten.” The rapper died just days after celebrating his birthday, surrounded by family.
Remembering the Duo
DJ E-Z Rock passed away in 2014 at age 56 from complications of diabetes. In a 2014 interview with Rolling Stone, Base recalled the creation of It Takes Two: “We were at a friend’s house and we were just going through a bunch of records. We didn’t think that it would cross over and be as big as it became.”
Rob Base’s contribution to music remains indelible, with his work continuing to inspire new generations of artists and fans alike.
