Rob Base, the rapper best known for the 1988 hit “It Takes Two,” has died at the age of 59. The artist, whose real name was Robert Ginyard, passed away on May 22 surrounded by family after a private battle with cancer, according to a statement on his social media account. He had celebrated his 59th birthday just four days earlier.
“Rob’s music, energy, and legacy helped shape a generation and brought joy to millions around the world,” the statement read. “Beyond the stage, he was a loving father, family man, friend, and creative force whose impact will never be forgotten.”
Born in Harlem on May 18, 1967, Base met his musical partner DJ E-Z Rock in the fifth grade. The duo formed as teenagers after being inspired by local group the Crash Crew. Their breakout single “It Takes Two” reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot Dance/Club Songs chart in 1988 and was followed by “Get on the Dance Floor,” which topped the same chart. The song has since been sampled by artists including Snoop Dogg and the Black Eyed Peas, and featured in films such as “The Proposal” and “Iron Man 2.”
Base released his debut album “It Takes Two” in 1988, which peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. He released his only solo studio album, “The Incredible Base,” in 1989, and reunited with E-Z Rock for 1994’s “Break of Dawn.” E-Z Rock died in 2014 from complications of diabetes.
In recent years, Base remained active as a performer on the “I Love the 90’s Tour” and ran a production company called Funky Base, Inc. He also served as executive producer on the horror film “Urban Flesh Eaters,” released in 2024.
