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Rob Base, 'It Takes Two' rapper, dies at 59
Robert Ginyard, known professionally as Rob Base, passed away on Friday following a private struggle with cancer, his family announced. The Harlem-born artist was 59.
Updated May 23, 2026 - Tributes continue to pour in for the hip-hop legend, who leaves behind a legacy that shaped dance music and pop culture.
A legacy in hip-hop
Base rose to fame in the late 1980s as half of the duo Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock. Their 1988 hit It Takes Two became a defining track of the era, climbing to No. 3 on the Billboard Hot Dance/Club Songs chart and later earning platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America.
The song's infectious energy helped propel hip-hop into mainstream dance clubs and pop radio, cementing its place in music history. Over the years, It Takes Two has been sampled by artists like Snoop Dogg and the Black Eyed Peas and featured in films such as The Proposal (2009) and the Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas video game.
A spontaneous hit
In a 2014 interview with Rolling Stone, Base recalled the impromptu creation of It Takes Two. The duo was at a friend's house the night before a studio session with no material prepared. They stumbled upon a sample from Lyn Collins' music and built the track from there.
"We didn't think that it would cross over and be as big as it became."
Rob Base, Rolling Stone (2014)
The song's success took them both by surprise, but it became a cornerstone of their careers.
Tributes from fans and peers
News of Base's death sparked an outpouring of grief and admiration across social media. Comedian Dane Cook wrote on X, "He WAS internationally known and he DID rock the microphone. One of my favorite songs ever. Rob Base filled the airwaves with hit music. RIP man."
NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders added, "Prayers to Rob Base's entire family and loved ones. He was a legend to me."
Base's official Instagram account shared a heartfelt message, calling him "a loving father, family man, friend, and creative force whose impact will never be forgotten." The post thanked fans for the music, memories, and moments that became "the soundtrack to our lives."
A bond forged in childhood
Base and DJ E-Z Rock (born Rodney Bryce) met in the fourth grade and formed a lifelong friendship and musical partnership. Their first single, DJ Interview, debuted in 1986, but it was It Takes Two that catapulted them to stardom.
DJ E-Z Rock passed away in April 2014 at the age of 56 due to complications from diabetes. Base continued to honor his partner's memory, reflecting on their shared journey in interviews.
Remembering a Harlem legend
Born and raised in Harlem, Base's influence extended far beyond his neighborhood. His music transcended genres and generations, leaving an indelible mark on hip-hop and pop culture.
Fans and fellow artists alike are remembering him not just for his chart-topping hits, but for the joy and energy he brought to the world.
