Rob Base, a renowned rapper and one portion of the famous Harlem hip-hop duo known as Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock, has passed away at the age of 59 following a prolonged battle with cancer. The artist, whose real name was Robert Ginyard, gained widespread recognition for the hit track “It Takes Two” in 1988, which seamlessly merged elements of hip-hop and house music, catapulting both genres into popular culture.
A statement released on his Instagram account confirming his demise expressed, “Rob’s music, charisma, and lasting impact resonated with a generation, bringing happiness to countless individuals worldwide. Apart from his stage persona, he was a devoted father, family man, friend, and a creative force whose influence will endure.”
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 arising from diabetes. The duo’s journey began when they crossed paths as classmates in fifth grade in Harlem, New York City, drawing inspiration from the achievements of another Harlem-based group, Crash Crew. Their musical collaboration commenced in 1987 when they signed with Profile Records, an early player in the hip-hop music scene.
The track “It Takes Two” made its mark on the Billboard Hot 100 the subsequent year, peaking at No. 3 on Billboard’s Hot Dance/Club Songs chart. The enduring popularity of the song is evident through its sampling by various artists like Snoop Dogg and the Black Eyed Peas, along with its inclusion in multiple cinematic productions. Notably, the song has received platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America.
Following their initial success, the duo’s subsequent single release, “Get on the Dance Floor,” also achieved significant acclaim on the club songs chart.