Rob Base, the influential rapper best known as one half of the iconic hip-hop duo Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock and the voice behind the classic track “It Takes Two,” has died at the age of 59 after a private battle with cancer.
His passing was confirmed through a statement shared by his family, who said he died surrounded by loved ones shortly after celebrating his birthday. The statement described him as more than just a performer, calling him a devoted father, a close friend, and a creative force whose music helped define an era of hip-hop and dance culture.
Born Robert Ginyard in Harlem, New York, Rob Base rose to prominence in the late 1980s alongside DJ E-Z Rock (Rodney Bryce). Together, they helped bridge the gap between hip-hop and mainstream dance music at a time when the genre was still fighting for wider recognition.
Their breakthrough came in 1988 with “It Takes Two,” a high-energy track built around a sample from Lyn Collins’ “Think (About It).” The song quickly became a global hit, reaching the upper ranks of the Billboard dance charts and eventually earning platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America.
Over the years, “It Takes Two” became more than just a hit single — it turned into a cultural anthem. The track has been widely used in films, commercials, and video games, including The Proposal (2009) starring Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds, and the Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas soundtrack. It has also been sampled by major artists such as Snoop Dogg and the Black Eyed Peas, cementing its place in music history.
Following the news of Rob Base’s death, tributes poured in from across the entertainment and sports world. Many artists and public figures praised his contribution to hip-hop and the lasting energy of his music, which continues to be played decades after its release.
Rob Base’s partner, DJ E-Z Rock, who passed away in 2014 due to complications related to diabetes, had been his longtime collaborator and childhood friend. The two reportedly met while growing up in Harlem and bonded over a shared passion for music. Their friendship eventually evolved into a musical partnership that helped shape the sound of late 1980s hip-hop.
In interviews over the years, Rob Base often reflected on the unexpected success of “It Takes Two,” describing how the song was created almost spontaneously in the studio. What began as an experimental session turned into one of the most recognizable party tracks in music history.
Despite releasing fewer mainstream hits after their initial success, Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock remained respected figures in hip-hop culture. Their influence can still be heard in modern production styles that blend rap with dance and electronic music.
Fans and fellow artists have remembered Rob Base not only for his musical achievements but also for his role in bringing hip-hop into the global spotlight during its formative years. His work helped open doors for future generations of artists who would go on to dominate the charts.
Rob Base leaves behind a legacy defined by innovation, rhythm, and cultural impact. While his voice may be gone, the energy of “It Takes Two” continues to live on in clubs, playlists, and pop culture worldwide.
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