Rob Base, the rapper who skyrocketed to fame with the 1988 hip-hop classic 'It Takes Two,' has passed away at the age of 59. The artist, whose real name was Robert Ginyard, died peacefully surrounded by family and friends following a private battle with cancer, according to a statement shared on his social media accounts.
A Legacy of Hip-Hop Greatness
Base, who performed alongside DJ E-Z Rock, was a defining figure in 1980s rap music. 'It Takes Two' became an instant smash, climbing to No. 3 on Billboard's Hot Dance/Club Songs chart nearly 40 years ago. The track, which samples Lyn Collins' James Brown-produced 1972 funk-soul hit 'Think (About It),' has been certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America and has been sampled by artists such as Snoop Dogg and the Black Eyed Peas.
The song also made its way into popular culture, appearing in the 2009 romantic comedy 'The Proposal' starring Ryan Reynolds and Sandra Bullock, as well as 2010's 'Iron Man 2.' In 2024, Rolling Stone named it one of the 500 greatest songs of all time.
Remembering the Music and the Man
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Base's family wrote: 'Rob's 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.' Just days before his death, Base celebrated his 59th birthday, posting on Instagram, 'God thank you for allowing me to see another year.'
Alongside E-Z Rock, who died in 2014 from diabetes complications, Base also released other hits like 'Get on the Dance Floor' and 'Joy and Pain.' However, 'It Takes Two' remained his signature song. In a 2018 interview with Rolling Stone, Base recalled the track's humble beginnings: 'We did it as a demo trying to get a deal... It wasn't even really planned. We just went in there and did it.'
Tributes from Fans and Peers
Fans took to social media to express their condolences, with one writing, 'He was a huge part of my younger years and his music still brings back memories of such a fun time in my life.' Another added, 'This man brought so much joy into our world.' Notable figures from the hip-hop community, including DJ Jazzy Jeff, De La Soul's Kelvin 'Pos' Mercer, and Fat Joe, also shared their tributes.
In recent years, Base continued to perform, joining the 'I Love the 90s Tour' alongside Vanilla Ice, Young MC, Kid n' Play, and Color Me Badd. He also earned a producing credit on the 2025 horror film 'Urban Flesh Eaters.' Speaking to Celebrity Parents Magazine in 2022, Base expressed his enduring love for 'It Takes Two': 'I love the song, as much now as I did back in '86. Also, It Takes Two pays the bills!'
Rob Base's impact on hip-hop and popular music will not be forgotten. His joyful energy and timeless hit continue to inspire new generations.
