Rob Base Death It Takes Two Hip-Hop Pioneer Passes Away at 59
The hip-hop pioneer helped turn “It Takes Two” into a multi-platinum crossover hit that shaped dance floors and inspired generations of artists.
- Rob Base, born Robert Ginyard, died on Friday, May 22, at age 59 after a private cancer battle, with news announced via his Instagram account four days after his birthday.
- Base grew up in Harlem, where he met future partner DJ E-Z Rock, AKA Rodney Bryce, in the fifth grade; the two were inspired by local hip-hop group Crash Crew to pursue music.
- After signing with Profile Records in 1987, the duo released 'It Takes Two' in 1988, a genre-crossing anthem sampled from Lyn Collins' 1972 song 'Think ' that became certified platinum with more than 1 million copies sold.
- Decades after release, 'It Takes Two' was sampled by the Black Eyed Peas, Snoop Dogg, Mac Miller, and Ciara, remade for a Target ad, and featured in 'The Proposal' with Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds.
- Base's pioneering work with DJ E-Z Rock proved hip-hop could reach mainstream dance floors and audiences beyond traditional listeners, creating a soundtrack for Black communities' block parties and roller rinks nationwide that 'brought joy to millions around the world.
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Rob Base Death It Takes Two Hip-Hop Pioneer Passes Away at 59
Rob Base, one half of the legendary hip-hop duo Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock and the voice behind the genre-crossing 1988 anthem It Takes Two, passed away on May 22, 2026, at age 59 after a private battle with cancer. The post Rest in Power: Hip-Hop Legend Rob Base Dead at 59 appeared first on Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder.
Remembering Rob Base: The Legacy of the Iconic 'It Takes Two' Hit-Maker
Source: Al Pereira / Getty The hip hop world is mourning the loss of legendary rapper Rob Base, who passed away at the age of 59 after a private battle with cancer. Best known as one half of the iconic duo Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock, his music helped shape an era and brought hip hop into the mainstream. (AP News) Born Robert Ginyard and raised in Harlem, Rob Base rose to fame with the release of the 1988 classic It Takes Two. The record became one o…
Rob Base, Voice Behind It Takes Two, Has Died at 59 🎤💔
Rob Base, the rapper behind the massive 1988 hip-hop anthem It Takes Two, has died at the age of 59. Base, whose real name was Robert Ginyard, reportedly passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends following what loved ones described as a private battle with cancer. If you grew up in the late ‘80s, ‘90s, or honestly attended literally any wedding, school dance, retro party, or slightly chaotic family barbecue… you know It Takes Two. …
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