Robert Ginyard Jr. aka Rob Base Obituary: Pioneer Behind Hip-Hop “It Takes Two,” Has Passed Away

The hip-hop community and music fans are mourning the loss of Rob Base, the influential rapper who rose to prominence as one half of the duo Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock. He passed away on May 22 at the age of 59 after a private battle with cancer, just days after his birthday.

Born Robert Ginyard Jr. on May 18, 1967, in Harlem, New York, Rob Base became immersed in hip-hop culture from an early age. He formed a lifelong musical partnership with DJ E-Z Rock, which began in elementary school and developed into a groundbreaking duo known for blending rhythm-heavy beats with accessible, dance-oriented lyrics.

The duo’s signature hit, “It Takes Two” (1988), became a landmark in hip-hop and dance music, peaking at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot Dance/Club Songs chart. Their music helped bring hip-hop into mainstream popularity while influencing generations of artists and appearing in numerous films and media over the years. Rob Base also released solo work, including The Incredible Base in 1989, and reunited with DJ E-Z Rock for Break of Dawn in 1994.

Beyond his musical achievements, Rob Base is remembered as a devoted father, loyal friend, and creative figure whose contributions shaped the crossover appeal of hip-hop in its formative years. His passing follows the earlier death of DJ E-Z Rock in 2014, further cementing their shared legacy in music history.

Rob Base’s work continues to resonate in hip-hop culture, celebrated for its energy, innovation, and lasting influence on artists and audiences worldwide.