Rob Base Dead At 59: “It Takes Two” Hip-Hop Legend Remembered

Hip-Hop Loses A Golden Era Voice

Rob Base, the Harlem-born rapper best known for the 1988 hip-hop classic “It Takes Two” with DJ E-Z Rock, has died at the age of 59.

Entertainment Weekly reports that Base, born Robert Ginyard, passed away Friday after a private battle with cancer, citing a statement posted to his Instagram account. The statement said he passed peacefully while surrounded by family.

For hip-hop fans, this is more than the loss of an artist connected to one record. Rob Base helped create one of those rare songs that moved from rap radio into everyday life — clubs, block parties, weddings, family cookouts, school dances, sports arenas, and movie soundtracks.

Why “It Takes Two” Never Left The Culture

Released in 1988, “It Takes Two” became the defining record for Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock. The song reached the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No. 36, according to Billboard’s artist chart listing.

The track was later certified platinum and became one of hip-hop’s most enduring party anthems. Entertainment Weekly also noted the record’s top-40 success and platinum status while reporting Base’s passing.

What made the song special was not only its energy, but its reach. “It Takes Two” carried the spirit of New York hip-hop while crossing into mainstream spaces without losing its street-party foundation. It was loud, joyful, instantly recognizable, and built for movement.

That is why generations who may not know every chapter of Rob Base’s career still know the feeling when that beat drops.

Rob Base And DJ E-Z Rock’s Lasting Bond

Rob Base’s legacy is forever tied to DJ E-Z Rock, born Rodney “Skip” Bryce. Together, they created one of the most recognizable duos of hip-hop’s golden era.

DJ E-Z Rock died in 2014 at the age of 46. Pitchfork reported at the time that the duo broke through with “It Takes Two” and highlighted the song’s use of Lyn Collins’ “Think (About It)” sample, as well as its long life in soundtracks and later samples.

The passing of Rob Base now closes another chapter in that duo’s story. But the music remains alive in a way few records ever achieve.

WWETV Remembers The Cultural Impact

At WorldWide Entertainment TV, we look at legacy through more than chart numbers. Rob Base represents a time when hip-hop records could become community rituals.

“It Takes Two” was not just a single. It became a shared signal. The kind of song that could bring multiple generations onto the same dance floor.

Before streaming rollouts and viral marketing campaigns, hip-hop had records that traveled through DJs, parties, mixtapes, radio, and word of mouth. Rob Base had one of those records.

His voice became part of the soundtrack for people who grew up with golden era hip-hop, and for younger listeners who inherited the record through family gatherings, movies, commercials, and DJs who still know exactly when to drop it.

Rest In Peace, Rob Base

Rob Base leaves behind a legacy rooted in joy, movement, and classic New York hip-hop energy.

WorldWide Entertainment TV sends condolences to his family, friends, fans, and everyone who grew up with his music as part of their lives.

Rest in peace, Rob Base.

FAQ

Who was Rob Base?

Rob Base, born Robert Ginyard, was a Harlem-born rapper best known as one half of the duo Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock.

How old was Rob Base when he died?

Rob Base died at the age of 59.

What was Rob Base best known for?

He was best known for the 1988 hip-hop anthem “It Takes Two” with DJ E-Z Rock.

What happened to DJ E-Z Rock?

DJ E-Z Rock, born Rodney “Skip” Bryce, died in 2014 at the age of 46.