Rapper Rob Base, who is widely recognized for the hit track “It Takes Two,” has died shortly after celebrating his 59th birthday. According to Variety, the rapper was battling cancer in recent months. The 59-year-old died on Thursday, four days after his birthday. Rob’s loved ones announced his death in a post on social media, saying his “music, energy, and legacy helped shape a generation and brought joy to millions around the world.”
“Beyond the stage, he was a loving father, family man, friend, and creative force whose impact will never be forgotten,” Rob’s loved ones wrote. “Thank you for the music, the memories, and the moments that became the soundtrack to our lives.”
How did Rob Base stand out as a trailblazer in music?
Rob Base rose to fame in the 1980s as he partnered with E-Z Rock and formed an iconic duo. Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock earned global recognition for their hit track “It Takes Two” in the late 1980s as the song rose to No. 3 on the Billboard Hot Dance/Club Songs chart. The pair also found similar success for another one of their songs, “Get on the Dance Floor.” “It Takes Two” is still sampled by some of the biggest artists, including Snoop Dogg and Black Eyed Peas. Rob and E-Z Rock, who died from diabetes in 2014, are celebrated for being among the first artists to bring hip-hop to the mainstream.
How did Rob Base and E-Z Rock find their love for music?
Rob Base, legally known as Robert Ginyard, grew up with E-Z Rock in Harlem. The pair became inspired to pursue a career in music after being introduced to a local group known as the Crash Crew.
Rob and E-Z Rock gained some local recognition when they produced their first songs, “DJ Interview” and “Make It Hot.” The pair then earned a deal with Profile Records after releasing a demo of “It Takes Two.” Their debut album, It Takes Two, came out in 1988. Rob released his sole studio album, The Incredible Base, the following year.
More recently, Rob joined the “I Love the ’90s Tour” with Vanilla Ice, All-4-One, Young MC and many other well-known artists. Rob was also the executive producer for the 2025 horror film Urban Flesh Eaters.