Rapper Rob Base Dead at 59

Rapper Rob Base, known for his 1988 hit "It Takes Two," has died at the age of 59. According to a statement on his social media, Base, whose real name was Robert Ginyard, passed away on Friday (May 22) surrounded by family after a private battle with cancer.

Base was a pivotal figure in the 1980s hip-hop scene, forming the duo Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock with his childhood friend, Rodney "Skip" Bryce. Their iconic track "It Takes Two" reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot Dance/Club Songs chart and has been sampled by artists like Snoop Dogg and The Black Eyed Peas. The duo's debut album, also titled *It Takes Two*, achieved multi-platinum status, cementing their place in music history.

Born on May 18, 1967, in Harlem, New York, Ginyard met Bryce in the fifth grade. Together, they helped bring hip-hop and house music to the mainstream. Base continued to perform throughout his career, most recently as part of the "I Love the 90’s Tour." He also ran a production company, Funky Base, Inc., and served as executive producer on the horror film "Urban Flesh Eaters."

The music world mourns the loss of a legend whose influence on hip-hop remains indelible. As stated on his social media, "Rob’s music, energy, and legacy helped shape a generation and brought joy to millions around the world."