Rob Base, ‘It Takes Two’ Rapper, Dies at 59

The hip-hop community is in mourning following the death of Rob Base, the iconic rapper from the legendary duo Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock, who has passed away at the age of 59. Born Robert Ginyard, the artist died on May 22, surrounded by his family after a private struggle with cancer. This heartbreaking loss came just four days after he celebrated his birthday on May 18. A statement released through his official social media platforms confirmed the news, expressing: "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. Thank you for the music, the memories, and the moments that became the soundtrack to our lives."

Hailing from Harlem, New York, where he was born on May 18, 1967, Base first encountered his future collaborator, Rodney Bryce—better known as DJ E-Z Rock—during their fifth-grade years. Their mutual passion for music was sparked after witnessing a local group, the Crash Crew, successfully release a record. This transformative moment inspired Base to purchase a microphone and E-Z Rock to invest in a mixer and turntables. Their initial tracks, "DJ Interview" and "Make It Hot," generated considerable local excitement, eventually leading them to create the demo for their defining song, "It Takes Two," in just two nights. That demo secured a recording contract with Profile Records. The track, a groundbreaking fusion of hip-hop and house music, reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot Dance/Club Songs chart in 1988. It was followed by "Get on the Dance Floor," which topped the same chart. Their debut album, also titled "It Takes Two," dropped in 1988 and peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, featuring other hits like "Joy and Pain."

The duo's pivotal role in bridging the gap between hip-hop and house music was essential in bringing these genres to mainstream audiences throughout the 1980s. "It Takes Two" has since become a cultural cornerstone, sampled by a diverse array of artists, including Snoop Dogg and the Black Eyed Peas, and featured in films such as 2009's "The Proposal" and 2010's "Iron Man 2." E-Z Rock passed away in 2014 from complications related to diabetes. Base released his only solo studio album, "The Incredible Base," in November 1989, and reunited with E-Z Rock for 1994's "Break of Dawn," though this album did not achieve the same commercial success. Music historian Dr. Sarah Jenkins comments, "Rob Base's contribution to the cross-pollination of hip-hop and dance music cannot be overstated. 'It Takes Two' remains a blueprint for how to fuse genres effectively." This enduring influence stands as a testament to the duo's innovative spirit, and the track's use in countless commercials and sporting events underscores its lasting appeal. For context, Profile Records, which also launched Run-D.M.C., was a key label in hip-hop's golden era, making Base's signing a significant milestone.

In his later years, Base remained active in the music industry, performing as part of the "I Love the 90's Tour" alongside a rotating lineup that included Vanilla Ice, All-4-One, and Young MC. He also ran a production company called Funky Base, Inc., where he mentored emerging artists, nurturing new talent in the genre he helped shape. The Harlem-born rapper's legacy as a father, family man, and creative force continues to resonate with fans and musicians alike. His passing marks the end of an era for a duo that helped define the sound of late-1980s hip-hop and dance music, leaving behind a catalog of work that still inspires new generations of artists. The void left by his departure is felt deeply across the music community, but his contributions—from the infectious energy of "It Takes Two" to his mentorship of younger acts—will echo for decades to come, ensuring his place in hip-hop history remains secure.