Rob Base, Iconic Rapper of 'It Takes Two', Passes Away at 59
Tribute to Rob Base
Rob Base, the renowned rapper celebrated for his 1988 classic 'It Takes Two', has passed away at the age of 59. His family announced that he succumbed to cancer on May 22, just four days after celebrating his birthday. A heartfelt message shared on his social media highlighted his profound influence, stating, 'Rob's music, energy, and legacy helped shape a generation and brought joy to millions around the world.' It further emphasized his roles as a devoted father, friend, and creative spirit whose contributions will be cherished forever.
Born Robert Ginyard in Harlem, New York, on May 18, 1967, Base formed a partnership with DJ E-Z Rock during their childhood. Inspired by the vibrant local hip-hop scene, they began their musical journey as teenagers, with Base purchasing a microphone and E-Z Rock acquiring turntables and a mixer. Their early tracks, including 'DJ Interview' and 'Make It Hot', garnered local acclaim, leading to a demo of 'It Takes Two' that secured them a contract with Profile Records.
'It Takes Two', released in 1988, became a landmark hip-hop anthem, climbing to number three on the Billboard Hot Dance/Club Songs chart. The duo followed up with hits like 'Get on the Dance Floor' and 'Joy and Pain', while their debut album, 'It Takes Two', reached number four on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. The song 'It Takes Two' has remained a staple in pop culture, being sampled in films such as 'The Proposal' and 'Iron Man 2', and referenced by artists like Snoop Dogg and the Black Eyed Peas.
After his solo project 'The Incredible Base' in 1989, Base reunited with E-Z Rock for the 1994 album 'Break of Dawn', which did not achieve significant commercial success. E-Z Rock passed away in 2014 due to diabetes-related complications. In recent years, Base was active on the 'I Love the 90's Tour', sharing the stage with artists like Vanilla Ice, All-4-One, and Young MC. He also ran a production company, Funky Base, Inc., which supported new talent, and served as the executive producer for the horror film 'Urban Flesh Eaters', released last year.