Rob Base, one half of the popular Harlem hip-hop duo Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock, has passed away at the age of 59 after a battle with cancer. The rapper, whose real name was Robert Ginyard, rose to fame with the hit song “It Takes Two” in 1988, a fusion of hip-hop and house music that played a significant role in bringing both genres to a wider audience.
In an announcement on his Instagram account, it was stated, “Rob’s music, vibrant spirit, and lasting impact resonated with a generation and brought happiness to millions globally. In addition to his musical legacy, he was a devoted father, family man, friend, and influential creative force whose memory will endure.”
His musical partner, DJ E-Z Rock, whose real name was Rodney (Skip) Bryce, passed away in 2014 at the age of 46 due to complications from diabetes. The duo first crossed paths as fifth-grade students in Harlem and drew inspiration from the achievements of another local group, Crash Crew. Their collaboration led them to sign with Profile Records in 1987, marking their entry into the hip-hop scene.
The breakout success of “It Takes Two” in 1988 propelled them into the mainstream, peaking at No. 3 on Billboard’s Hot Dance/Club Songs chart and making waves on the Billboard Hot 100. This iconic track, certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America, has been sampled by various artists like Snoop Dogg and the Black Eyed Peas, and featured in numerous films.
Their subsequent single, “Get on the Dance Floor,” followed a similar trajectory of success on the club songs chart, cementing their status as influential figures in the music industry.