Rob Base, a renowned rapper and one part of the famous Harlem hip-hop duo Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock, has passed away at the age of 59 following a long battle with cancer. Known by his real name Robert Ginyard, Base rose to fame with the hit song “It Takes Two” in 1988, a fusion of hip-hop and house music that played a significant role in popularizing both genres.
A statement on his Instagram account confirming his demise praised Rob’s music, vibrant spirit, and enduring impact on a global scale. The announcement highlighted his role not just as a performer but also as a devoted father, family man, friend, and influential creative force whose contributions will be remembered for years to come.
His musical partner Rodney (Skip) Bryce, professionally known as DJ E-Z Rock, passed away in 2014 at the age of 46 due to complications from diabetes. The duo, who first crossed paths as fifth-grade classmates in Harlem, drew inspiration from the success of another Harlem-based group, Crash Crew. Their collaboration with Profile Records in 1987 marked a significant milestone in the early days of hip-hop record labels.
The breakthrough success of “It Takes Two” in 1988 led the track to soar on the Billboard Hot 100 charts and peak at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot Dance/Club Songs chart. This iconic song has been sampled by various artists, such as Snoop Dogg and the Black Eyed Peas, and featured in numerous movies. Notably, it has received platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America.
Their subsequent single, “Get on the Dance Floor,” achieved similar acclaim on the club songs chart, solidifying their status as influential figures in the music industry.
