The hip-hop community is mourning the loss of one of its most influential crossover pioneers Friday, with news that legendary American rapper Rob Base—born Robert Ginyard—has passed away at 59 following a public battle with cancer. The confirmation of his death came via an official statement shared to Base’s own social media pages, where fans and peers alike have since flooded the comments with tributes to his decades-long career.
Base rose to global fame alongside his creative partner DJ EZ Rock, with the pair forming a trailblazing Harlem-based rap duo in the 1980s that helped bring hip-hop from underground block parties to mainstream commercial success. It was their 1988 collaborative hit *It Takes Two* that cemented their place in music history: the chart-topping track peaked at the No. 3 position on Billboard’s Hot Dance/Club Songs chart, earned a platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), and quickly became a cultural touchstone.
In the decades following its debut, *It Takes Two* has remained a staple at celebrations, dance nights, and public events around the world, proving its enduring cross-generational appeal. In 2000s ranking, VH1 placed the iconic track at No. 37 on its list of the 100 Greatest Hip-Hop Songs of all time, a testament to its lasting impact on the genre.
The official statement honoring Base celebrated both his professional legacy and personal character, writing, “Rob’s music, energy, and legacy helped shape a generation and brought joy to millions around the world.” It went on to highlight his life off the stage, adding, “Beyond the stage, he was a loving father, family man, friend, and creative force whose impact will never be forgotten. Thank you for the music, the memories, and the moments that became the soundtrack to our lives.”
Base is not the first member of the iconic duo to pass: DJ EZ Rock, whose legal name was Rodney Bryce, died in 2014 from complications related to diabetes.