Rob Base, ‘It Takes Two’ rapper who helped popularize crossover hip-hop, dies at 59
by The Washington Times AI News Desk · The Washington TimesRob Base, the Harlem rapper who became a late-1980s cultural phenomenon with the genre-blending smash “It Takes Two,” died Friday surrounded by family after a private battle with cancer. He was 59.
His family announced the death on his Instagram account, writing: “Today, we share the heartbreaking news that hip hop legend Rob Base passed away peacefully on May 22, 2026, surrounded by family after a private battle with cancer.” The statement continued: “Rob’s music, energy, and legacy helped shape a generation and brought joy to millions around the world. Beyond the stage, he was a loving father, family man, friend, and creative force whose impact will never be forgotten. Thank you for the music, the memories, and the moments that became the soundtrack to our lives. Rest in Paradise, Rob Base. May 18, 1967 – May 22, 2026.”
Mr. Base had celebrated his 59th birthday just four days before his death, posting to Instagram: “Happy 59th Birthday to me. God thank you for allowing me to see another year.”
Born Robert Ginyard on May 18, 1967, Mr. Base grew up in Harlem, where he met his future musical partner, Rodney “Skip” Bryce — who performed as DJ E-Z Rock — as schoolchildren. The two were inspired by a local group called Crash Crew. “We used to watch them and looked up to them. We said to ourselves, ’This is something that we want to do,’” Mr. Base told Rolling Stone in 2014.
After early singles “DJ Interview” and “Make It Hot” generated local buzz, the pair crafted the demo of “It Takes Two” in about two nights, which led to a deal with Profile Records. The resulting 1988 debut album, also titled “It Takes Two,” peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.
“It Takes Two” reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot Dance/Club Songs chart and has since become a cultural touchstone, sampled by artists including Snoop Dogg and The Black Eyed Peas. The song appeared in numerous films, including “The Proposal” (2009) and “Iron Man 2” (2010), and has been certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America. The duo followed with “Get on the Dance Floor,” which topped the same chart.
Mr. Base released his sole solo studio album, “The Incredible Base,” in November 1989, and reunited with E-Z Rock for 1994’s “Break of Dawn,” though the album failed to make a commercial impact.
DJ E-Z Rock, whose full name was Rodney “Skip” Bryce, died in 2014 at age 46 from complications from diabetes.
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In recent years, Mr. Base remained active as a live performer. He was part of the “I Love the ’90s Tour,” which featured fellow rap icons Vanilla Ice and Young MC, and also served as executive producer of the 2025 independent film “Urban Flesh Eaters.”
Mr. Base is survived by his son Robert Jr. and his daughter De’Jene.
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