Rob Base, Hip-Hop Pioneer Known for 'It Takes Two,' Dies at 59
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Robert Ginyard, known as Rob Base of the duo Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock, has died at age 59 following a private battle with cancer. He was best known for the 1988 platinum hit 'It Takes Two,' a song that helped bring hip-hop and house music to the mainstream. The duo's work has been sampled by major artists and featured in films, cementing its lasting influence.
Facts First
- Rob Base has died at age 59 following a private battle with cancer.
- He was one half of the pioneering hip-hop duo Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock, best known for the 1988 hit 'It Takes Two'.
- 'It Takes Two' is certified platinum by the RIAA and reached No. 3 on Billboard's Hot Dance/Club Songs chart.
- The duo's music has been widely sampled and featured in films, influencing artists like Snoop Dogg and The Black Eyed Peas.
- DJ E-Z Rock, his musical partner, died in 2014 at age 46 from complications related to diabetes.
What Happened
Robert Ginyard, the rapper known as Rob Base, died on May 22 while surrounded by family. He had celebrated his 59th birthday four days prior. He was one half of the Harlem hip-hop duo Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock, which formed after he and Rodney 'Skip' Bryce (DJ E-Z Rock) met in the fifth grade. The duo was inspired by the local group Crash Crew and signed with Profile Records in 1987.
Why this Matters to You
If you enjoy modern hip-hop, pop, or dance music, you have likely heard the influence of Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock. Their signature hit, 'It Takes Two,' has been sampled by major artists like Snoop Dogg and The Black Eyed Peas and featured in popular films such as 'The Proposal' and 'Iron Man 2.' Their work helped bridge hip-hop and house music for a mainstream audience in the late 1980s, shaping the soundscape of popular music that followed. His passing marks the loss of a foundational figure from that era.
What's Next
Rob Base's legacy is likely to continue through his music's ongoing use and sampling. He also leaves behind a production company, Funky Base, Inc., which he used to work with up-and-coming artists. His final credited work was as executive producer on the horror film 'Urban Flesh Eaters,' released last year.