The world of hip-hop is mourning the loss of one of its most influential 1980s icons, Rob Base, who has passed away at the age of 59 following a long, private struggle with cancer. The legendary artist, born Robert Ginyard, drew his final breath on May 18, just a handful of days after celebrating his 59th birthday, according to an official statement shared to his verified Instagram account.
The announcement confirmed that Base died peacefully while surrounded by his closest family members, closing out a battle with cancer that he had kept out of the public eye for an extended period. “Thank you for the music, the memories, and the moments that became the soundtrack to our lives,” the statement read. “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.”
A native of Harlem, New York, Base rose to global fame as one half of the iconic hip-hop duo Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock. The pair broke into the mainstream in 1988 with the release of their career-defining hit *It Takes Two*, a track that would go on to redefine late-80s hip-hop and cement their place in music history. The single quickly climbed the music charts, peaking at the No. 3 position on Billboard’s Hot Dance/Club Songs chart, and eventually earned a platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America for exceeding one million units sold.
Decades after its initial release, *It Takes Two* remains one of the most recognizable and sampled tracks in popular music. Big-name artists including Snoop Dogg and the Black Eyed Peas have drawn on the song’s iconic beat and hooks for their own work, and the track has been featured in dozens of major Hollywood productions, most notably the 2009 hit romantic comedy *The Proposal* starring A-list leads Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds.
Base’s musical partner DJ E-Z Rock, born Rodney Bryce, died in 2014 at the age of 56 due to complications linked to diabetes. Tributes have already begun pouring in from across the music industry, with fans and fellow artists honoring Base’s contributions to hip-hop culture and the lasting legacy of his hit track that continues to bring joy to new generations of listeners.