Rob Base (Robert Ginyard Jr.) — Hip-Hop Pioneer Behind “It Takes Two,” Dies at 59 After Private Battle with Cancer

Rob Base, the influential rapper best known as one half of the groundbreaking hip-hop duo Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock, has died at the age of 59 following a private battle with cancer. He passed away on May 22, just days after celebrating his birthday, surrounded by close family members.

Born Robert Ginyard Jr. on May 18, 1967, in Harlem, New York, Rob Base grew up immersed in the emerging culture of hip-hop during its formative years. His early friendship with future collaborator DJ E-Z Rock began in elementary school, and the two would later reunite as teenagers with a shared ambition to break into music. Inspired by local rap collectives like the Crash Crew, they invested in basic recording equipment and began experimenting with sound, blending rhythm-heavy beats with party-driven lyricism.

Their early recordings, including underground tracks such as “DJ Interview” and “Make It Hot,” quickly gained attention in New York’s club scene. This momentum led to the creation of their defining hit, “It Takes Two,” reportedly produced in just a couple of days. Released in 1988 under Profile Records, the song became an instant success, peaking at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot Dance/Club Songs chart and helping to bridge the gap between hip-hop and house music for mainstream audiences.

The success of “It Takes Two” was followed by additional hits including “Get on the Dance Floor” and “Joy and Pain,” solidifying the duo’s reputation as pioneers of energetic, dancefloor-oriented hip-hop. Their debut album, also titled It Takes Two, achieved commercial success and helped define the late 1980s hip-hop sound, characterized by sampled beats, infectious hooks, and club-ready production.

Rob Base’s influence extended far beyond chart performance. His work helped lay the foundation for future artists who would blend hip-hop with electronic and dance music elements. Over the decades, “It Takes Two” became a cultural staple, widely sampled and referenced by major artists including Snoop Dogg and the Black Eyed Peas. The track also appeared in numerous films and television productions, including The Proposal (2009) and Iron Man 2 (2010), ensuring its continued relevance across generations.

Following his initial success, Base released his solo album The Incredible Base in 1989. He later reunited with DJ E-Z Rock for the 1994 project Break of Dawn, though it did not achieve the same commercial impact as their earlier work. Despite this, Rob Base remained a respected figure in hip-hop history, celebrated for his role in shaping the genre’s crossover appeal during its early expansion into mainstream culture.

According to a statement shared on his social media accounts, Base is remembered not only for his musical contributions but also for his character and personal legacy. He is described as a devoted father, loyal friend, and creative force whose work brought joy to millions worldwide.

His passing also marks the continuation of a tragic chapter for the duo, as DJ E-Z Rock died in 2014 from complications related to diabetes. Together, their legacy remains firmly embedded in hip-hop history, defined by innovation, energy, and timeless music that continues to influence artists today.