Rob Base, the rapper who made up one-half of a rap duo with DJ E-Z Rock that created the hit “It Takes Two,” has died. He was 59 years old.
The rapper — whose real name was Robert Ginyard — died on Friday following a private battle with cancer, according to a statement shared on his Instagram.
“Rob’s music, energy, and legacy helped shape a generation and brought joy to millions around the world,” the post read. “Beyond the stage, he was a loving father, family man, friend, and creative force whose impact will never be forgotten.”
It closed: “Thank you for the music, the memories, and the moments that became the soundtrack to our lives.”
Base’s impact was immediately felt among the music industry as stars flooded the comments under the post with their condolences.
“WTF? I was just on the phone with him a couple of months ago to clear a sample, he didn’t say anything about him being sick!!! This is terrible smh,” wrote Kid Capri.
Fat Joe added, “Love Rob I’m so sorry,” and DJ Jazzy Jeff commented, “Rest Well My Brother 💔💔💔.”
The rapper had just celebrated his 59th birthday four days prior to his death, sharing an Instagram post to mark his special day and writing, “God thank you for allowing me to see another year🙏🏾.”
Base rose to fame alongside his music partner DJ E-Z Rock — who died in 2014 at age 46 — in 1988 with their smash hit “It Takes Two.”
The single would ultimately become a defining anthem within the hip-hop genre and was later sampled by artists like Snoop Dogg, who used it in his 2009 song “I Wanna Rock,” and The Black Eyed Peas, who sampled the song in their 2009 track “Rock Your Body, to name a few.
The song was also sampled by DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince (a.k.a. Will Smith) for their 1993 song “I Wanna Rock.”
The song was also famously featured in films like 2000’s “Love & Basketball,” 2010’s “Iron Man 2” and 2018’s “Bumblebee.”
Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock were also known for songs like “Get on the Dance Floor” and “Joy and Pain.”
In more recent years, Base was a performer on the “I Love the 90’s Tour,” doing shows alongside fellow ’90s mainstays like Vanilla Ice and Young MC.
He also mentored the next generation of artists through his company, Funky Base, Inc.
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