Rapper Rob Base, best known as one-half of the influential hip-hop duo Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock, has died at the age of 59 following a battle with cancer.
The news was confirmed Friday through a statement shared on Base’s official Instagram account. Family members said the rapper was surrounded by loved ones at the time of his death.
Rob Base helped shape late-1980s hip-hop with energetic party tracks and dance hits that became widely recognized across music charts, clubs, and radio stations. His best-known song, “It Takes Two,” remains one of the most recognizable rap singles of its era.
Announcement
In a statement posted online, Base’s family and representatives reflected on both his music career and his personal life.
“Rob’s music, energy, and legacy helped shape a generation and brought joy to millions around the world,” the statement read. “Beyond the stage, he was a loving father, family man, friend and creative force whose impact will never be forgotten.”
The message also thanked supporters for the years of memories connected to his music and acknowledged the role his songs played in the lives of fans.
According to the statement, Base spent his final moments surrounded by family members.
Career
Rob Base was born Robert Ginyard in May 1967. He rose to fame during the late 1980s alongside DJ E-Z Rock, forming one of the era’s most memorable hip-hop duos.
The pair reportedly met while attending fifth grade in Harlem and remained close friends throughout their lives. Their partnership eventually developed into a successful music career during a period when rap music was rapidly growing into mainstream culture.
Their breakout track, “It Takes Two,” was released in 1988 through Profile Records. The song combined sampled beats, energetic vocals, and dance-focused rhythms that helped it stand out in clubs and on radio stations nationwide.
“It Takes Two” later became a defining hip-hop anthem and remains widely used in films, commercials, sporting events, and playlists decades after its release.
Career Highlights
| Achievement | Details |
|---|---|
| Birth Name | Robert Ginyard |
| Stage Name | Rob Base |
| Birth Year | 1967 |
| Famous Duo | Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock |
| Breakout Song | “It Takes Two” |
| Release Year | 1988 |
| Record Label | Profile Records |
| Solo Album | “The Incredible Base” |
| Solo Album Year | 1989 |
Success
“It Takes Two” became a major success for Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock shortly after release. The song reached No. 3 on Billboard’s U.S. dance club songs chart and gained strong popularity within both rap and dance music audiences.
At the time, The Times described the track as “the rage of the rap underground,” reflecting its growing influence within the music scene.
The duo later followed their breakout success with additional singles including “Joy and Pain” and “Get On the Dance Floor.” Both songs helped solidify their reputation as artists capable of blending hip-hop with dance-friendly production.
During the late 1980s and early 1990s, rap music was continuing to evolve commercially and culturally. Artists like Rob Base helped introduce the genre to wider audiences through crossover tracks that appealed to club listeners and mainstream radio audiences alike.
Influence
Rob Base often spoke publicly about the complexity and creativity involved in rap music, especially during a period when some critics underestimated the genre.
In a 1989 interview with The Times, Base discussed how rap music contained layers that listeners outside the genre did not always recognize.
“People outside rap don’t understand it,” Base said. “There’s all sorts of subtle things – key things – happening over and above the beat in rap songs. The fans want new stuff all the time.”
His comments reflected a broader conversation happening in hip-hop during the era, as artists pushed for rap to be recognized as both innovative and influential within the music industry.
Over time, “It Takes Two” became one of the defining songs associated with old-school hip-hop culture. The track has continued to influence artists across multiple genres and remains popular at sporting events, parties, and in entertainment media.
Family
Outside music, Rob Base was known by family and friends as Robert Ginyard. He was the father of two children, De’Jené Ginyard and Robert Ginyard Jr.
His wife, April, died in 2013.
Fans, fellow artists, and members of the hip-hop community have continued sharing tributes online following news of his death. Many credited Base with helping shape an important era in rap music and creating songs that remained culturally relevant for decades.
While his career included multiple releases and performances, Rob Base will likely be remembered most for helping create one of hip-hop’s most enduring dance records.
His music continues to connect generations of listeners, reflecting the lasting impact of late-1980s hip-hop on modern music culture.
FAQs
How old was Rob Base when he died?
Rob Base died at the age of 59.
What was Rob Base’s real name?
His real name was Robert Ginyard.
What song made Rob Base famous?
He was best known for “It Takes Two.”
Did Rob Base release solo music?
Yes, he released “The Incredible Base” in 1989.
What caused Rob Base’s death?
He died after battling cancer.
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