Rap star Rob Base, universally recognized for creating the iconic 1980s hip-hop anthem "It Takes Two," has passed away at the age of 59. The prominent musician, whose legal name was Robert Ginyard, died on Friday surrounded by his immediate family after a private battle with cancer. An official statement posted on his social media account confirmed the tragic news just days after he celebrated his latest birthday.His energetic musical legacy fundamentally reshaped the trajectory of modern dance clubs.
The Harlem native achieved massive mainstream success alongside his creative partner DJ E-Z Rock during the late eighties. Their breakout track immediately climbed to number three on the prestigious Billboard Hot Dance and Club Songs chart following its initial release in 1988. The Recording Industry Association of America subsequently certified the historic single as a platinum record. This unprecedented commercial success directly helped transition underground hip-hop into the broader pop culture landscape.
The heavy influence of that specific track stretched far beyond conventional radio stations over the decades. Global superstars including Snoop Dogg and the Black Eyed Peas actively sampled the foundational beats in their own modern releases. The song also secured prominent placements in the 2004 video game Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas and the 2009 romantic comedy The Proposal starring Sandra Bullock. NFL Hall of Fame athlete Deion Sanders and popular comedian Dane Cook were among the first celebrities to share public tributes honoring his legacy on Friday evening.
Ginyard and DJ E-Z Rock, born Rodney Bryce, had maintained a close friendship since meeting in the fourth grade. The creative duo officially entered the music industry by releasing their debut single "DJ Interview" in 1986. Bryce previously passed away in April 2014 at the age of 56 due to severe complications related to diabetes.
