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Legendary rapper Rob Base, best known for the iconic 1988 hit “It Takes Two,” has died at the age of 59 following a private battle with cancer.
The artist, born Robert Ginyard, passed away peacefully on Friday surrounded by family, according to a statement shared on his official social media pages. His death marks the loss of one of the most influential voices of late 1980s hip-hop and dance music.
The statement described Rob Base as a pioneering artist whose music helped define a generation and brought energy and joy to millions of fans worldwide.
“Beyond the stage, he was a loving father, family man, friend, and creative force whose impact will never be forgotten,” the family statement read.
Born and raised in Harlem, New York, Rob Base rose to fame as one half of the hip-hop duo Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock. Together, they created the chart-topping anthem “It Takes Two,” a groundbreaking fusion of hip-hop and house music that became one of the most recognizable party tracks in music history.
The song reached No. 36 on the Billboard Hot 100 and later earned platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America. Over the years, it was sampled and referenced by several major artists, including Snoop Dogg and The Black Eyed Peas, cementing its influence across multiple generations of music.
DJ E-Z Rock, whose real name was Rodney “Skip” Bryce, died in 2014, leaving Rob Base as the surviving member of the legendary duo until his passing.
Even decades after his rise to fame, Rob Base remained active in entertainment and continued performing on the popular “I Love the ‘90s Tour” alongside fellow music stars Vanilla Ice and Young MC.
Outside music, he also expanded into film production and served as executive producer of the 2025 independent horror film “Urban Flesh Eaters.”
Rob Base had celebrated his 59th birthday just days before his death.