Rob Base, the hip-hop artist who formed one half of the renowned duo Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock from Harlem, has passed away at the age of 59 following a battle with cancer. Known by his real name Robert Ginyard, Base gained fame for the hit track “It Takes Two” in 1988, blending hip-hop and house music to popular acclaim.
A statement posted on his Instagram account commemorated Rob Base as a musical icon whose contributions resonated with millions worldwide, noting his significant impact on a generation. Described as a devoted father, family man, friend, and influential creative mind, Base’s legacy is set to endure.
His artistic partner, DJ E-Z Rock, born Rodney (Skip) Bryce, passed away in 2014 at the age of 46 due to complications from diabetes. The duo, who first crossed paths as fifth graders in Harlem, drew inspiration from the success of the Crash Crew, a fellow Harlem-based group. Their joint venture with Profile Records in 1987 marked a pivotal moment in their music careers, as they emerged as pioneers in the hip-hop scene.
Their breakout single, “It Takes Two,” soared to No. 3 on Billboard’s Hot Dance/Club Songs chart and secured a spot on the Billboard Hot 100 the following year. The track’s enduring popularity has led to numerous samples by artists like Snoop Dogg and the Black Eyed Peas, along with its inclusion in various films. Notably, the song has achieved platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America.
Subsequently, the duo’s release “Get on the Dance Floor” mirrored the success of their previous hit on the club songs chart, further cementing their status in the music industry.